Harnessing Smart Technology for a Better Home

Smart technology is everywhere, and you can use it to help save you money. By bringing smart technology into your home you can be efficient and sustainable. From smart thermostats to automated lighting systems, here’s our Power Smarts Blog tips on how you can make your home smarter and more efficient.

1. Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats like the Nest Learning Thermostat and Ecobee SmartThermostat are revolutionising home heating and cooling. These tools automatically adjust the temperature to optimize comfort and energy use. Studies have shown that smart thermostats can save homeowners up to 10-12% on heating and 15% on cooling​ (Enercare)​​. They can also be controlled remotely, allowing you to adjust settings from your smartphone - how convenient! 

2. Automated Lighting Systems

Automated lighting systems like Philips Hue and Lutron Caseta, provide advanced control over your home’s lighting. These systems can automatically turn lights on or off and even adjust brightness based on natural light levels. Smart lighting reduces energy consumption by ensuring lights are used only when needed​ - no more blackpool illuminations at home! 

3. Smart Plugs and Power Strips

Similarly to Automated Lighting Systems, smart plugs and power strips allow you to control your devices remotely and set schedules to turn them off when not in use. This helps to eliminate standby power consumption, also known as "phantom load," which can account for up to 10% of household energy use.

4. Smart Appliances

Smart appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers, offer advanced features that help save energy and water. Smart refrigerators can regulate their internal temperature more efficiently which means they're spending less energy to cool down and are therefore saving you money. 

5. Energy Monitoring Systems: Track and Improve

Energy monitoring systems provide real-time data on your home’s energy usage. These systems can identify which devices are consuming the most power, allowing you to make informed decisions about where to cut back. 

Incorporating smart technology into your home is a powerful way to improve energy efficiency, convenience, and sustainability. From smart thermostats and lighting to comprehensive home automation systems, these tools offer numerous benefits that can help you save money and reduce your environmental footprint (win-win!). 

For more detailed insights and product recommendations, check out our sources:

• Enercare Smart Home Tips
• E Magazine Energy Smarts
• Constellation Energy Saving Tips
• Google Nest Thermostat