I think we’re all pretty conscious of the cost of energy these days, whether it’s the $4/gallon we pay to fill our gas tanks, the reports of $100 / barrel oil, or the monthly cost of keeping the lights on. There’s also all the press around “Green” homes, which have become mainstream and popular.

One of the simplest ways the average person can control their electrical costs is to turn off unnecessary lights and to dim others. Do we really need five 100W light bulbs on full bright to watch a movie? The answer, unless you’re scared of the dark, is probably no. Dimming lights by 20% could save 20% or more on your electrical bill. And watching TV or a movie with less ambient light enhances your viewing experience.

One of the nicest touches a home automation system like Control4 can bring to a home is the ability to control lights from the touch of a button. How about turning off all but your outdoor lighting when you press “Good Night” or dimming the lights in your living room when you start a DVD? These are not convenience features, but these days can actually save you some money! So next time you get your electrical bill and it’s higher than you remember it being, think about investing in a lighting control system.

For all you iPhone / iPod Touch fans out there, Control4 has announced the development of a control interface for their systems available on an iPhone or iPod Touch. You’ll be able to use either device to access the complete system over a WiFi connection in your home. You’ll now be able to carry your Control4 remote in your pocket and control your music, lights and A/V gear from a device you already own. Details on availability and price are yet to be determined, expect it to come out sometime in the next couple of months.

One of the new products we’re looking to here at Sanctuary is the recently announced 7″ touchscreen from Control4. The 7″ version is the Goldilocks of the touchscreens offered by Control4 (just the right size). It sits between the 4″ and 10.5″ versions and is particularly well suited to the changes in audio control in the latest release of Control4′s operating system as well as the use of network cameras. You can read more about it here and of course, we’ll have one on display in our reference theater when it’s complete.