Real-time data that helps you understand and lower your home energy use—now that’s smart. Making your home smart with new electronics connected to the internet is getting simpler and cheaper by the day.
One easy way to get smart is with smart wi-fi outlets and plugs, which can remotely control appliances and set timers from your smartphone. But that’s not all you can do to make your house smarter. Looking into these three additions could save you big in the years to come!
Smart Thermostats
If you’re looking to make your house smarter, a smart thermostat is the perfect place to start. Thermostats like Nest, Ecobee or Emerson’s Sensi Touch can help you take control of your home’s atmosphere from anywhere. Plus, a wide range of features can take you from smart to downright genius, depending on the system.
Look into scheduling, wi-fi capabilities, Alexa/Apple HomeKit integration, advanced learning, geofencing capabilities and more to find your perfect fit. From the thermostat knowing when you’re home to fully integrating with other smart home devices like Alexa, smart thermostats are a smart start to serious energy efficiency.
Home Energy Monitors
Energy monitors, like smappee, sense or neurio connect to your electricity meter to help you better understand your energy use. They come with a variety of features, including recognizing the usage of individual appliances, generating tips to help you save more in the future and real-time tracking of energy consumption.
Most systems attach to your circuit breaker. While many brands market themselves as do-it-yourself projects, it’s always recommended that a licensed electrician work on anything involving a circuit breaker due to shock hazards.
Smart Home Sensors
Smart sensors were created to help monitor the total environment of your home. There are a variety of devices and systems including Nest Protect, wi-fi Water Sensor by D-Link, or Foobot’s air monitor. Among these devices you’ll find features including flood sensing, propane level sensing, air quality monitoring and smoke/CO sensing. Many devices have mobile apps and can integrate with your smart thermostat, home energy monitoring systems and even ventilation systems.
New energy efficient technology is evolving everyday. Stay connected with the friendly folks at your local Touchstone Energy® Cooperative to stay on top of what’s next!