Saving money starts with spending it wisely
November-December 2024
Smart heat pump water heaters are equipped with automation features that help you use less energy. (photo courtesy Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance)
by Miranda Boutelle, Contributing Columnist
Q: How can smart home technology help me lower my power bill?
A: Smart technology can make it easier to save energy by simplifying or automating tasks. It can also optimize energy use to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
When upgrading to smart technology at home, consider the purchase cost and long-term savings. For example, you may pay a little more for a product with the latest technology, but it could result in significant yearly savings over the appliance’s lifetime. Here are some smart devices that will take the work out of saving energy.
SMART THERMOSTATS
Smart thermostats save energy by automatically adjusting your heating or cooling system. For example, you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling costs by adjusting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day, according to the Department of Energy.
You can program a smart thermostat to change the temperature while asleep or away, or use a smartphone app to adjust your thermostat settings. Some models use artificial intelligence to maximize efficiency by learning your patterns and preferences. Prices range from $80 to $250, depending on features. Smart thermostats do not work with all heating and cooling systems, so check compatibility before you buy.
WATER HEATER TIMER
Your water heater can also be controlled for energy savings. Installing a timer on your electric water heater can save 5% to 12% of the energy it uses by turning it off at night and when you don’t need to use hot water, according to the DOE.
If you are already planning to replace your electric storage water heater with a heat pump water heater, consider a model equipped with smart technology features, including Wi-Fi capabilities for controlling it remotely or during peak demand times, viewing the amount of hot water available and tracking energy use. There are a variety of modes, including vacation, efficiency and high demand, which produces more hot water. Some models can notify you or shut off if a leak is detected. Depending on the manufacturer and size of the unit, a smart heat pump water heater may only cost a few hundred dollars more than a standard heat pump water heater.
SMART LIGHTING
Smart light switches are another budget-friendly way to control lighting. They’re priced from about $10 to $50. Smart switches with dimmable options are available and can also control ceiling fans. Some occupancy sensors turn lights o ff when no movement is detected in a room.
Various smart shades, curtains and blinds are available, including styles with integrated controls. You can also add smart controls to your existing blinds or curtains. Both options allow you to adjust the blinds’ tilt and open or close curtains. Set a schedule, control them remotely or use a voice command paired with a voice assistant, such as Alexa or Google Home.
Upgrading to smart home technologies can make using less energy at home easy. Choose options that make the most sense for your lifestyle to optimize savings.
Miranda Boutelle writes on energy-efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.