Smart Home Savings: Lower Your Monthly Bills
The Unexpected Financial Benefits of Smart Home Technology
The vision of a future smart home often includes conveniences like automated breakfast preparation, grocery ordering, and even robotic pet care. However, a less discussed benefit is the potential for significant cost savings.
Beyond Energy Star: The Need for Connected Devices
While Energy Star appliances represent a step towards efficiency, they aren't a complete solution. Running even an efficient air conditioner for extended periods will still result in a substantial energy bill.
The true potential for reducing expenses lies in utilizing Internet-connected smart devices. These devices offer a level of control and automation that traditional appliances simply cannot match.
How Smart Devices Impact Your Bills
Despite the engineering advancements in appliance efficiency, it’s WiFi-ready appliances, such as the Nest Thermostat and GE Link Lightbulb, that truly contribute to lower monthly costs.
These connected systems allow for optimized energy usage, ensuring that power is only consumed when and where it’s needed. This proactive approach can make a noticeable difference when utility bills are due.
Ultimately, integrating smart technology into your home isn't just about convenience; it's about taking control of your energy consumption and keeping more money in your account each month.
Smart Thermostats
Among the products discussed, smart thermostats, such as the Nest, are arguably the most widely recognized by the general public.
Nest initially achieved prominence when acquired by Google for $3.2 billion in January of the previous year. This acquisition quickly established Nest as a key example for the technology sector, demonstrating the rapid expansion of the Internet of Things into residential settings.
A legitimate question arises: what is the motivation for a company primarily reliant on advertising revenue to invest in a technology focused on home climate control?
Understanding the operational principles of Nest may provide some insight.
The Nest thermostat justifies its “smart” designation by intelligently regulating the temperature of individual rooms based on occupancy. Rather than uniformly distributing heat or air conditioning throughout the entire house, and relying on closed vents in unoccupied rooms, the Nest utilizes a network of sensors.
These sensors not only identify which rooms are occupied but also determine the quantity of occupants to optimize climate control power usage on an hourly basis.
Further Reading: Is Google's Nest Learning Thermostat a Worthwhile Purchase?
Consequently, energy consumption is minimized, ensuring that the house never utilizes more power than necessary. The Nest can also detect when a home is vacant.
Upon sensing the departure of residents – indicated by the closing of the front door – it automatically deactivates the heating or cooling system.
This tailored approach results in substantial reductions in both electricity and gas expenses, preventing the unnecessary expenditure of energy.
Smart Lightbulbs
The familiar admonishment, “Don’t forget to switch off the lights as you exit!” resonates with many who’ve grown up with energy-conscious families. Considering that nighttime illumination represents a significant energy expenditure in both older and contemporary residences, smart lightbulbs offer a solution to this longstanding issue.
Although not a recent innovation – initial models appeared as early as 2006 – these bulbs remain a highly effective method for managing household energy consumption during evening hours.
These intelligent devices are WiFi-connected lightbulbs designed to fit standard sockets. They interact with applications on smartphones or computers, providing data on their operational status, energy usage, and location within the home.
Related: HTG Reviews the Philips Hue Lux: Frustration Free Smart Bulbs for the Thoroughly Modern Home
Among the leading options in this smart appliance category are the GE Link bulbs and the Philips Hue Lux. Each features a dedicated application enabling extensive customization. This includes adjustable brightness levels that adapt to the time of day, scheduling for automated activation before waking, and even geolocation tracking to automatically deactivate lights upon your departure.
The average cost per bulb is approximately $25, with Philips Hue units priced around $40 each and GE Link bulbs being more affordable at $15 apiece. Utilizing LED technology, these bulbs boast an exceptionally long lifespan, potentially lasting tens of thousands of hours.
Related: HTG Reviews the GE Link Starter Kit: The Most Economical Smart Bulb Option Around
This longevity benefits the environment and reduces long-term replacement costs compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, which typically last fewer than one hundred hours. While the initial investment may seem substantial, a cost-benefit analysis demonstrates the long-term savings.
Smart Washer/Dryer Combinations
The potential of a truly integrated smart home is maximized when devices communicate seamlessly.
Whirlpool’s latest range of energy-efficient smart washer/dryer combos represents a step forward in this integration. These Whirlpool Duet appliances are now compatible with Nest, leveraging Nest sensors to optimize cycles based on your presence.
A key capability is the ability to interact with Nest to determine occupancy after a wash cycle completes. If no one is home, the washer initiates a gentle, air-dry cycle. This prevents mildew growth and eliminates the need for rewashing.
The dryer incorporates an “Airflow Alert” system. This feature sends a text or email notification if a vent blockage is detected. Such blockages can hinder efficient moisture removal during drying.
Related: The Evolution of the “Smart Home” – What to Expect.
Both the washer and dryer include a “Smart Delay” function. This prevents operation during peak energy demand periods (typically 3pm to 6pm) unless a manual override is activated. This feature reduces energy costs and alleviates stress on the power grid.
By avoiding simultaneous operation with other high-consumption appliances like hair dryers, televisions, and microwaves, the Smart Delay contributes to overall energy conservation.
Smart Kitchen
Considering modern microwaves, a truly futuristic home should incorporate several Internet-connected kitchen appliances.
When integrated with Nest, devices connected to the LG HomeChat system can work in tandem with the thermostat, accessing information regarding your presence or absence to optimize their energy consumption.
Energy Optimization
Refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and microwaves manufactured by LG are capable of activating an "energy saving mode."
This mode adjusts their power usage based on whether the home is occupied.
HomeChat also provides a convenient feature: appliances can send text message reminders if left on for extended periods.
Furthermore, users can manage these devices through commands exchanged between themselves and the automated system.
- Control appliances remotely.
- Receive notifications about appliance status.
- Optimize energy usage based on occupancy.
This interconnectedness allows for a more efficient and responsive kitchen environment.
Appliance Communication
The system facilitates direct communication between the user and their kitchen appliances.
This enables proactive energy management and enhanced convenience.
Smart Windows
Often overlooked, windows represent a significant source of unwanted heat within the home. Surprisingly, they can allow over 40 percent of heat gain during summer. Many homeowners address this by increasing air conditioning usage rather than utilizing window coverings.
However, a solution exists that doesn't require sacrificing natural light. SmartTint window film functions similarly to transition lenses, but for entire windows. Activation and deactivation are controlled with a simple button press.
When applied to sun-facing windows, the film subtly darkens the glass. This effectively blocks heat-carrying UVB and UVA rays, while still permitting light transmission.
Consequently, homes remain cooler for extended periods during peak heat. Reduced heat translates to decreased cooling demands, ultimately lowering energy expenses.
Although a Jetsons-like future isn't yet fully realized, the smart home is rapidly approaching.
Innovative devices such as the Nest Thermostat, GE Link smartbulbs, and Smart Film are integrating impactful technologies into our living spaces. These advancements enhance comfort and contribute to monthly savings.
Image Credits: Flickr 1, 2, 3, Wikimedia 1, LG