From the CEO's Desk: By Doug Tracy
As summer winds down and the back-to-school season kicks into high gear, our routines shift, and so does our energy usage. Between bustling mornings and homework-filled evenings, finding ways to save time and money is always a win.
That’s where smart home technologies come in. These innovative devices connect to your home’s Wi-Fi, automating everyday tasks like managing your lights, adjusting the thermostat, and even bolstering your home security. They don’t just add comfort and convenience; they can also make your home significantly more energy-efficient, a smart move for any busy family looking to streamline their lives and save on their electric bill as the school year begins. Smart technologies make our homes more comfortable, convenient, and energy efficient. By connecting your home Wi-Fi network, smart devices automate everyday tasks like lighting, heating, cooling, and home security — they can even communicate with other smart devices in the home. While not all smart home products are specifically designed with energy savings in mind, there are several smart technologies that can help you lower your home energy use. Here are the top three smart home devices to help you save.
Smart Thermostats
Your thermostat is key to controlling energy use, as heating and cooling are big parts of your energy bill. Smart thermostats let you adjust your home’s temperature from anywhere using an app. Many even learn your habits, adjusting automatically. The Department of Energy says smart thermostats can cut heating and cooling bills by over 8% annually, often paying for themselves within a year!
Smart Lighting
Smart LED bulbs use less electricity than traditional bulbs and can be controlled remotely or scheduled via an app. Many also feature motion sensors, turning on and off based on room activity to save even more energy. If you’re new to smart lighting, starter kits are a great way to begin.
Smart Plugs
Inexpensive smart plugs are great for tackling “phantom load” — the power devices consume even when turned off. Simply plug them into an outlet, connect to your Wi-Fi, and use an app or smart hub (like Alexa or Google Nest) to cut power to devices like coffee makers or phone chargers when not in use. A set of four can cost as little as $25.
If you’re looking for new ways to save energy, try these budget-friendly, convenient smart home technologies.