When it comes to innovation, Jeff Hummel’s journey into home automation is as personal as it is professional. “My whole life, I have done nothing but try and solve problems.”
As the SVP of Technology, Product, and Engineering at Anywhere Real Estate, Jeff has spent his life solving problems, both big and small. His foray into home automation began under unexpected circumstances—a break-in at his first home. Living with his wife and young daughters, the family experienced a robbery that resulted in the theft of his wife’s purse. Inside that purse was a Nextel phone, one of the first devices equipped with GPS. Leveraging his technical acumen, Jeff worked with the police, tracking the phone’s location to retrieve it. This experience ignited his passion for creating smart, secure home environments.
Jeff’s talents quickly became known among his friends and family, leading him to help a concerned friend with his elderly mother living alone in Florida. To provide some peace of mind, Jeff installed motion sensors in her bathroom that adjusted lighting based on the time of day—50% brightness at night and full brightness during the day. This simple yet impactful automation reassured his friend that his mother was safe, setting the stage for Jeff’s deeper dive into home automation.
These early experiences laid the foundation for Jeff’s obsession with making homes not just safer, but smarter. His problem-solving nature drove him to constantly innovate, turning challenges into opportunities to enhance the way we live.
Fast forward to today, and Jeff Hummel’s home is a testament to how far home automation can go in improving efficiency and quality of life. After his initial forays into security and simple automation, Jeff transformed his own home into a smart powerhouse, implementing technology to handle everything from energy management to convenience tasks.
One of Jeff’s early projects was an automated dog door for his massive 250 lb English mastiff, ensuring that even his pets benefitted from his ingenuity. But Jeff didn’t stop there. His home is a network of smart technologies working together seamlessly. He installed sensors near his wood-burning stove that activate a blower when the room temperature differs by more than eight degrees from the rest of the house. This ensures that heat is distributed evenly, maintaining comfort throughout the home.
Water safety is another area where Jeff’s expertise shines. He has sensors under his water heater that, in the event of a leak, automatically shut off the water supply and send an alert through his Ring alarm system. To make sure the family notices, the smart lights in the home change to blue, signaling that there’s an issue to be addressed.
Jeff’s commitment to efficiency extends to his Tesla and pool pump as well. Understanding the cost implications of charging an electric car, Jeff programmed his Tesla to only charge during the day when it can utilize solar energy. Similarly, his pool pump operates at 100% capacity during daylight hours and slows down at night, optimizing energy use and reducing costs.
His expertise isn’t confined to his primary residence. Jeff owns a log cabin, which he has equipped with automation to prepare it for winter. The cabin can essentially “winterize” itself by ejecting water from the septic tank to prevent freezing pipes. This foresight helps protect his investment from the harsh elements, ensuring the cabin remains in good condition year-round.
Jeff’s approach to home automation is not just about convenience; it’s about creating a home that works efficiently, saves money, and enhances the safety and comfort of his family. From simple lightbulbs to complex systems, Jeff believes anyone can start small and gradually integrate more advanced technology into their homes. His journey is a testament to how home automation can turn everyday challenges into seamless, automated solutions that make life just a little bit easier.
