Here are a few ways my family likes to make our homes a little smarter.
We buy nothing but Energy Star electronics to use it really is worth the extra cash to save on electricity in the long run. We also only use LED lights. They last us a while, and once again cheaper, I have seen dollar stores sell Energy Efficient LED lights for 2 for $1.00 before, and they seriously last us years. I also don't like lights being left on, and I am a firm believer in unplugging electronics when not in use. I'm a true believer every little thing helps.
I like to take quick Need help thinking of ways to make your home smarter? We’ve got a mixture of energy efficiency and smart home ideas for you!
1. Install a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats offer you climate control, the convenience of programming away from home, and more.
2. Your living room typically has multiple active light sources available. Make sure your lighting is energy efficient by switching traditional bulbs to CFLs or LEDs.
3. Replace your old, inefficient appliances with new, efficient, Energy Star® appliances. Old appliances tend to run inefficiently.
4. Replace the showerhead in your bathroom(s) with low flow showerheads. These showerheads regulate the flow of water, assuring you a more efficient shower.
5. Change your air filter every 1-3 months. Clogged air filters increase your energy costs. Even though smart thermostats will send out reminders, YOU still have to do it.
6. Be sure your air return vents aren’t being blocked by furniture or carpets.
7. Insulate and seal your duct work. Make sure that all your heated and cooled air gets circulated in the right places.
8. Make sure you have a strong Wi-fi signal from your smart thermostat and smart devices. Because you can remotely control your smart thermostat via the internet, periodically check the signal strength in the network settings on the thermostat’s control screen.
9. Unplug energy sucking devices when they are not in use. Common energy wasters include your computer, printer, DVD player, phone charger and any electronics attached to a power strip. Unplug these electronics at night or when you are away from home.
10. Reduce waste at home by paying your bills online and reusing plastic shopping bags after you go to the grocery store to line trash cans instead of throwing them away.
11. Using dishwashers and washer/dryers at night will keep the house cooler, reduce strain on the power grid during the peak usage hours of 4 PM and 6 PM and reduce the chance of an emergency!
