TORONTO — With rising use of smart-home technology to improve the way we live and increasing demand for products that improve home health, VELUX Skylights has introduced a new skylight automation system that aims to improve indoor air quality and create a comfortable living environment.

VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO is the first smart skylight system that connects with Apple HomeKit, allowing homeowners to manage indoor climate control at home or remotely across all Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and HomePod. The system can be controlled using Siri, Apple's voice-controlled intelligent assistant, or with the touch of a button on the Apple Home app.

Homeowners can now control their new or existing VELUX Skylights, automatically opening the skylights two-to-three times daily to help remove stale, polluted air or adjusting the blinds to bring in or block natural light.

"VELUX ACTIVE takes the guess work out, it makes it easier to achieve a healthy and comfortable indoor climate," said Nels Moxness, president and CEO of VELUX Canada. "There is no longer a need to program or operate a remote control timer, it thinks for you, the system has the ability to recognize a need for fresh air and open the skylights automatically."

Smart sensor technology monitors CO2, humidity levels and temperature in the home and data from local weather stations to automatically open the skylights if fresh air is needed. The system can also automate skylight blinds.

In an average home, the pollutant level is normally at a low level when people first enter the home, or after effective ventilation. However, after an extended period of time, daily activities can raise the level of humidity and CO2 to unhealthy levels that can cause headaches, dizziness and sleepiness and can contribute to long-term health issues such as asthma due to mold in the home. Opening skylights in conjunction with vertical windows removes polluted air from the home and promotes an overall healthier lifestyle for the inhabitants.

VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO works with iOS and Android, so homeowners can manage and monitor their skylights across all Apple devices with the Apple Home app or VELUX ACTIVE's own app.