As temperatures climb, keeping your home cool can drive up energy bills. Here are some smart home strategies to maintain comfort and reduce energy expenses:
- Install Smart Window Shades
Program smart window shades to open and close according to the time of day or temperature. This helps keep your home cooler without overburdening your HVAC system, enhancing energy efficiency.
- Smart Thermostats
Heating and cooling consume the most energy in a home. Smart thermostats, like those from NEST, ecobee, Carrier/Bryant, and EcoFactor, allow you to monitor and adjust your home’s temperature remotely. They can automatically reduce heating and cooling when not needed. ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats ensure verified energy savings based on extensive field data.
- Use Smart Plugs and Power Strips
Smart plugs and power strips enable you to control and schedule your appliances and electronics, preventing energy waste from devices left on standby. This reduces overall energy use and lowers your bills.
- Automate Lighting
Smart lighting systems adjust based on the time of day, occupancy, and natural light levels. This not only enhances convenience but also significantly reduces energy consumption. ENERGY STAR certified smart light fixtures and bulbs use 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last 15 times longer. These smart lights can turn off automatically when not in use, further reducing energy usage.
- Smart Home Energy Management Systems (SHEMS)
The ENERGY STAR SHEMS program recognizes systems that simplify, reduce, and manage energy consumption. An ENERGY STAR SHEMS package typically includes:
An ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat
Smart lighting
Monitor/control plug loads
You can customize the package to include ENERGY STAR appliances, EV chargers, and smart security. These systems facilitate scheduling, suggest energy-saving actions, and automatically control devices based on occupancy.
- Monitor Energy Usage
Smart energy monitors offer real-time data on your home’s energy consumption. Understanding your energy use patterns can help you make informed decisions to cut waste and boost efficiency.
- Optimize HVAC Systems
Integrate your HVAC system with smart controls for optimal efficiency. Regular maintenance combined with smart technology can greatly enhance your system’s performance, saving both energy and money.
- Integrate Renewable Energy Sources
If you have solar panels or other renewable energy sources, smart inverters and battery storage systems can optimize their use, ensuring you maximize your clean energy investments.
- Smart Appliances
ENERGY STAR certified appliances with connected functionality use less energy and offer new features for added convenience and savings. They also provide smart grid capabilities for enhanced energy management.
By adopting these smart home technologies, you can enjoy a cooler home while cutting down on energy costs and contributing to a greener environment.
