How to prevent your home from billing you behind your back.
I bet you remember as a child your mother yelling, “Turn off the lights!”
As much as we all thought it was a part of the script moms are given, there really was a rhyme and reason why she said those things on an almost daily basis…And I am sure you understand what the reasons are as a present-day homeowner or renter. Thankfully, smart home technologies can help with the turning off of lights, as well as other habits that can drive up your energy bills. Most of the four solutions suggested here are easy to implement but can have a huge impact on the efficiency of your home—not to mention they’re really cool.
1. Defeat the Vampires–Your electronics are sucking up energy 24/7
Solution: Group multiple devices onto power strips that can be operated with one switch. This is such a simple fix, and if you find apower strip that can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app, you’ll be able to turn off several lamps, A/V components and other gear with just a tap of a button—even when you’re miles away from home.
2. Turn off the Lights, Darnit!
Solution: Motion sensing technologies can address this problem by determining if a room is occupied or not. These can be tied into room lighting and thermostats, and help reduce a room’s energy costs by as much as percent. Motion sensors that switch on and off lights are ideally suited for closets, utility room, powder rooms, and other places where the lights seem to be left on for days before anyone notices.
3. It’s bright in here–Put down the blinds!
Solution: Shades are a simple solution for ambient temperature control. Placing shade screens over windows on the east or west side of a house can reduce heat gain by as much as 53 percent. Automated shading systems are an even more advanced way of controlling blinds, enabling the shades to lift and lower based on the indoor or outdoor temperature, occupancy, or the time of day. Automated shades come in battery-operated versions, which simplify installation and are easier on your pocketbook than shading systems that are hardwired.
4. Noise Pollution: Turn Down for What?
Solution: Although not visible, sound travels through the air. Acoustical technologies not only improve the way sound is heard throughout a home, but also contributes to its energy efficiency. Acoustical door seals for example, ensure doors are sealed shut to help control air flow from room to room.
