From controlling lights at home through a mobile app to investing in smart appliances that cut down on energy use and costs, the options for decreasing energy use can be overwhelming. Here are a few of today’s new home technologies that can help save big on energy costs.
- Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats help cut down on home energy use and heating and cooling costs. Smart thermostats go one step further than traditional programmable thermostats by adjusting your home’s temperature based on your own lifestyle and schedule. They can even integrate with the weather forecast to further customize your home’s temperature. Smart thermostat technology blends energy efficiency and comfort. According to Nest, a smart thermostat brand, the investment can pay for itself over time based on an average 30% reduction in energy bills. - Smart Appliances
Smart appliances have the ability to communicate the personal habits of electricity consumers back to the energy companies. Why does this matter? This communication can tell your appliances the optimal off-peak hours to perform their functions. This allows you to save money by operating certain functions at a time when energy rates are lower, taking pressure off the energy grid and off your wallet. - Smart Power Strips
Power strips have traditionally been used to expand the number of electrical outlets in your home, but their convenience can encourage homeowners to leave electronics plugged in all the time. When plugged in many devices draw power even when they’re not being used not using them. Printers, DVD players, computers and plasma TVs are all examples of products with standby modes that make them convenient to use but draw a lot of energy even when not in use. Smart power strips work to reduce your “down time” energy draw by shutting down power to products that go into standby mode. This can save a lot of money, especially when considering that down time power consumption in an average home can be anywhere from five to ten percent of a home’s energy use. - Home-Automation Lighting
It’s been long-encouraged that switching to LED lighting is the way to go in order to cut back on energy usage and costs. Now you can take it a step further by controlling energy-efficient lighting with custom-made hardware that can adjust switches from anywhere.
Looking to save even more? ENERGY STAR estimates a homeowner can save up to 10% on their total annual energy bill by air sealing and insulating.
Contact us to learn more and to schedule your free estimate.
