The new year is an excellent time to consider how you can make your home’s electrical system safer, more energy efficient, and more functional. Many of the most exciting options on the market are smart technologies you can integrate into your home automation network.
Smart Outlets and Plugs
Just because you turn off a television or appliance doesn’t mean it stops drawing power. Most modern electronics go into a standby mode that continues to draw. It isn’t a huge amount at any given moment, but across many devices, it can add up throughout the year. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that vampire power accounts for 5% to 10% of the average American household’s total energy consumption. Smart plugs are among the easiest and most affordable ways to eliminate that cost. Smart outlets are an even more robust solution that lets you upgrade your outlets in many other ways.
Smart LED Lighting
LED lights use at least 75% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer. The DOE estimates that upgrading to LED lights will save the average household about $250 annually. You can save even more with smart lighting. Smart lights allow for fine brightness control, so you use only what you need and can save even more through scheduling and timers.
Smart Switches and Dimmers
Consider upgrading to smart light switches and dimmers as well. While you can control your smart lights from your phone, these provide you convenient, traditional access. Through smart switches and dimmers, you can schedule multiple lights in a room rather than just one at a time. They also add smart features to basic LED bulbs.
Smart Thermostat
Air conditioners and heat pumps are the biggest consumers of electricity in most homes. If you haven’t already, it’s an excellent time to consider an upgrade from a basic thermostat to an advanced model. A programmable thermostat can lower annual cooling and heating costs by up to 10% through scheduling alone. Many smart thermostats provide additional money-saving features, such as energy monitoring and reporting. Rebates are available that can cover some or even all the cost of an upgrade.
Smart Whole-House Surge Protector
The National Electrical Code added Type 2 whole-house surge protection as a requirement in 2020. Many homes built before then don’t have it. It’s a good idea to upgrade to future-proof a home, make it safer, and protect yourself from damage from lightning strikes and other surges. A smart surge protector can notify you when it needs service. It can also alert you to surge events and provide data about what occurred and when.
Contact Paxton Electric to learn more about upgrading your home’s electrical system with smart technologies in Rochester, MN.
