Having a smart home and utilizing all of the smart tools that it offers appropriately will have the most impact on your wallet. Everyone has talked about having energy-efficient homes and installing smart equipment indoors or outside, but you need to use those tools properly
to save energy and time.
The most important part about having a smart home aiming to save money is knowing where to look to maximize those smart home features. We've partnered with experienced electricians to know exactly where those most impactful features are. It's about more than knowing which thermostat or smart plug will provide help with your electricity bill.
It's also about knowing what to look for when buying led bulbs and which tools will allow you to change features remotely or better figure out your family's routine, so you don't have to worry about your electric bill when you are not even home.
Circuit Panels and Breakers
Let's talk about circuit panels starting at the very heart of the electricity for your home. Do you know the one, the big grey box, either in your laundry room or out in your garage? It helps you control the electrical flow to parts of your home and keeps you safe by turning off the power should something go wrong.
One of the most important reasons to ensure that you are using up-to-date electricity technology is for home safety. These newer technologies, even if just led bulbs, will lessen your panel's load, ensuring that it will not overheat and trip.
However, there has been a multitude of panel recalls in the past year or so, creating instances where the breaker doesn't trip and poses a burn risk and a fire hazard to your home. Make sure you are up to date with any recalls for your panel and any safety tips to keep your panel up and running safely.
Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat is the first place to start looking for effective energy efficiency. It's more than picking between the many different brands of smart thermostats and reviewing their features. It's also about applying them correctly to your home.
Even if you use the programmable settings, it's nothing like a smart thermostat that can adapt to your daily life, remembering your schedule and even what temperature you usually have it set to.
The best part of that feature is that you don't have the hassle of remembering if you have turned off the thermostat before you leave or if it's on your phone, hoping you have enough signal to make the adjustments while you are out and about with your family. A smart thermostat that can make these adjustments can save you up to 10% on your energy bill.
Smart Plugs
If you have a smart home, it's safe to say that you have smart plugs in your home to keep it efficient. Smart plugs are important to remember because they ensure you consume only what you need.
Depending on how advanced your smart plugs are, they can tell you how much energy certain appliances use. You can switch them on and off remotely and even connect them to other devices in your home to control these things by voice command.
Smart plugs don't necessarily positively impact your electric bill. Still, they can help you turn off appliances that are using electricity while you are out, which allows you to manage your home's electricity usage on the go.
Lighting
The most widely known and common way to make small energy-efficient changes is to switch to LED light bulbs throughout your home. Producing the most light while using the least amount of electricity is a simple way to save on your electric bill.
The best way to maximize the efficiency of an LED is to pair the lighting fixture that holds the LED bulb with a smart plug that can turn off the electricity during daylight hours and is dimmable during the late evening.
LED bulbs initially cost more to purchase, but their lifespan, lack of emitting heat, and even their compatibility with favorite smart technologies make them worthwhile. These smart lights provide a way to manage the home, even just by using our voice, bringing us back to the future.
Energy Efficient Homes
Having or building an energy-efficient home does not mean that you need to sacrifice design or even comfort. Most energy-efficient homes have the same basic elements that maintain the efficiency that anyone can implement in their homes or even work with local contractors and electricians to renovate outdated energy solutions.
Ensuring that your home is outfitted with the proper windows, doors, and properly controlled ventilation with a tightly fitted thermal seal will ensure that you're not losing heat before your home can even produce it.
Working with your local electricians to achieve home electricity efficiency is essential to ensure that it is done thoroughly and safely. But more than ensuring that your home is properly insulated and climate controlled is needed when water or wet appliances are one of the most significant energy vampires in your home.
Making sure they are not being overused (especially when it comes to hot water), need replacing, or have the proper electrical outlets will help with this big spender in your electric bill. The most efficient way you can work with an electrician is to pick someone local and request a service, and that way, they will come to learn about your home just as your smart technologies do.
They will be able to help with any issues that may arise and, while learning your family's preferences for your home, can ensure your home runs as efficiently as possible. Working smarter, not harder, is always the best policy. It makes you just as energy efficient as your smart home.