Did you know that many Tennesseeans struggle with high power bills? According to a report by ThinkTennessee, the state has one of the lowest energy rates in the country; yet, residents are still faced with bills that are much higher than they expected.
The answer lies in effective energy management. It does not matter how low your local rates are if you cannot bring down your energy consumption. In the end, you will still end up with sky-high electrical bills and wasted resources.
Smart devices are a great way to transition to smart home energy management and consume less power overall while still maintaining your lifestyle. Read on to learn more about the types of energy-saving devices to consider for your home.
1. A Smart Lighting System
Have you ever walked around your house and turned off all of the lights that were left on mistakenly? Not only can lights left on be a nuisance, but they can add up to a hefty portion of your monthly energy bill.
Enter the smart lighting system. Smart lighting systems allow you to control all of your lighting directly from your device. No matter where you are, you can adjust settings such as:
- Brightness
- Duration
- Color
One of the key advantages of a smart lighting system is its automation capabilities. Programming how long lights can be left on can save you significant amounts of energy and money on your electricity bill.
For instance, if you have security lighting outside of your home, you can program the lights to turn on and off at designated times. You won’t have to worry about running useless lighting during the daylight hours, putting further strain on the power grid, as well as your wallet.
Motion-sensor lighting is an essential component of any smart home security system. Rather than setting certain times for lights to turn on and off, a motion-sensor system will activate once it detects movement within a certain range. It is a great way to save money and deter criminal activity.
2. A Smart Thermostat
When you set a temperature on your thermostat, it can be uncomfortable when the weather changes, which can lead to a home that is overheated or too cold. Waking up with sheets soaked in sweat or chattering teeth is not a pleasant way to start your day.
The solution? A smart thermostat. These handy devices are connected to your home Wi-Fi network, allowing you to control the temperature from anywhere. Turn up the heating by a few degrees if you have to get up on a cold morning, or program your air conditioner to kick in so you can escape the summer heat.
Another key benefit of being able to control your thermostat from outside of your home is that you can easily turn it off if you’ve forgotten to do so before you leave the house. Gone are the days of worrying about a sky-high power bill because you left the air conditioner on before going to work.
Many smart thermostat systems come with learning capabilities. The system will pick up on your habits and adjust accordingly. They can also provide energy consumption reports, so you’ll be able to see where every dollar is going and when.
3. Smart Plugs and Power Strips
Not all devices can be smart. One way to have more control over every device in your home is by utilizing smart plugs and power strips.
These accessories allow you to turn them on and off remotely, which can save you time and money. You can also program them to work with other components of your automated smart home system.
4. Smart Laundry Appliances
With hours every week spent on laundry, and even more than that if you have a larger family, it is important to ensure that your washer and dryer are energy-efficient. Smart laundry appliances are some of the best energy-saving devices that can make a significant dent in your electricity bill.
With a smart washer and dryer, you can not only save on your energy consumption but also maximize your time. These devices often have laundry alerts that can be sent directly to your smartphone, signaling when a load is finished. You will no longer fret about forgetting to dry the sheets before going to bed at night, or washing your child’s sports uniform before a major tournament.
Smart washers and dryers may also have features such as:
- Self-cleaning cycles
- Custom settings
- Maintenance and service alerts
- Scheduled washes
5. Smart Kitchen Appliances
Refrigerators and dishwashers are essential for everyday life, but they can also be a major contributor to a high electric bill. Smart kitchen appliances marry energy efficiency with lower electricity costs, making them an overall wise investment for your home.
Smart fridges come equipped with a bevvy of features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity and alerts for food spoilage. With some devices, you can get a glimpse of the inside of your fridge and freezer while you’re at the grocery store, making for convenient shopping.
Additionally, refrigerators can send you notifications of temperature fluctuations, which may signal a problem that needs attention. When you fix issues promptly, you are saving money in the long run by increasing the lifespan of your device.
Dishwashers are already a fantastic way to save money on both electric and water bills. However, smart dishwashers may come equipped with even more features, such as:
- Maintenance and service alerts
- Bottle jets
- Stemware holders
- Adjustable racks
- Remote cycle control
- Bottle jets for targeted cleaning
Transition to Smart Home Energy Management Today
If you want to bring your home into the twenty-first century and convert to energy-saving devices, there’s no better way to do so than through smart energy solutions. With this guide, you can be on your way to mastering smart home energy management so you feel confident in the abilities and energy usage of your household electronics.
Work with a trusted partner such as Briggs A/V Solutions to fully integrate your home and simplify your life in the process. We have over a decade of experience in the industry, with a dedicated team that is committed to ensuring your commercial or residential space works for your home management needs.
Read to begin your journey into home automation systems and efficient home management? Reach out to us today and request a free consultation.
