How to Automate Your Home Energy Savings

You might think “home automation” means a high-end security system. But really, what’s the number one home automated option most people want in their home? Consumer Electronics Association found in one study that energy efficiency technologies are the most popular when it comes to home automation options.

Home Automated Energy Saving Systems

The most common home automated system is one that controls heat, ventilation, and air conditioning. And the ones that utilize energy efficiency are the ones that the most in demand, as they make necessary adjustments according to air temperature, thereby reducing the amount of energy you actually use.

These smart thermostats — or thermostats you can program — are among the most popular and wanted items in people’s homes. Who wouldn’t want more effective air conditioning and heating? Plus, smart thermostats offer energy savings that range anywhere from 15 to 30 percent.

Taking Advantage of Your Automated System

When do you fall asleep? When do you wake up? What’s the weather like outside? For example, during the winter months, you want to set the temperature back a bit before you go to bed so it automatically is set at a cooler temperature while you sleep. If you’re out of the house for long stretches of time, adjust the temperature to reflect those periods where you’re gone.

Some thermostats can increase performance and efficiency in certain areas of your home. Avoid installing it in direct sunlight, doorways, skylights, or next to windows and skylights. The best location for it is where natural room air currents happen frequently.

Top Home Automation Systems

To really see energy efficiency across the board, you want to invest in a decent system. Here’s a few that are worth the price:

• Nest Learning Thermostat is one of the most popular next gen thermostats, and doesn’t need to be programmed — just set the temperatures and build a personalized schedule. You can also change the temp using your smartphone or tablet.
• ecobee Smarter Wi-Fi Thermostat with Remote Sensor delivers comfort to all rooms in your house, especially the rooms that matter the most. Add up to 32 remote sensors so it provides the most efficient energy usage.
• The Honeywell Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat allows for remote access via smartphone, or by programming up to four periods per day that can be configured to meet whatever you need in your schedule.

There are plenty of other home automation products out there, but the bottom line is that installing one in your home is going to save you tons on energy bills, as well as contribute to a greener environment in your home.

Do you have a smart thermostat set up in your home? Let us know your thoughts on how well it works in the comments!

Image Credit: elvisimprsntr under a Creative Commons license