5 Ways Home Automation Can Save Resources

Saving resources is important for the planet — that much is obvious. But it can also be important for your bank account. When a technology helps conserves resources and actually saves homeowners money, there must be something to it.

Here are five important ways in which homeowners are using home automation to save resources:

1. Heating and cooling

Smart thermostats probably the biggest energy savings to be had through home automation technology so far. It’s no secret that Americans spend a big chunk of change on heating and cooling every year — especially if you’re in a state like New Jersey, with freezing winters and sweltering summers. Smart thermostats save energy in two important ways. First, they allow seamless control over your HVAC system from anywhere in the world with easy-to-use apps. You can always check on your home’s temperature and adjust it as needed. Second, smart thermostats actually learn your heating and cooling patters and begin to mimic those patterns automatically. At the same time, they behave in a way that minimizes wasted energy.

2. Water

It’s always good to conserve water in everyday, practical ways (such as turning off the tap when you brush your teeth), but smart sprinkler technology can take that to the next level. If you water your lawn or garden regularly, smart sprinkler systems can be programmed in detailed ways, are easily controlled from your tablet or smart phone, and can even learn patterns of sunlight and shade to optimize your watering schedule. Make better use of your water, and get it to your grass and plants when they need it.

3. Lights

Leaving various lights on throughout the house can really add up. That’s energy you could be saving, not to mention money you could be saving. Smart lighting systems are practical for energy savings — again, it gives you control of you home’s lighting system through a secure app on your tablet or phone, or in some cases, a dedicated touchscreen panel in your home.

4. Shades

Shades are actually a great way to optimize your heating and cooling. Letting in sunlight or blocking it can raise or lower your home’s temperature by a few degrees, and can make things easier on your heating and cooling appliances. Smart shades can be programmed to roll up or down at specific points throughout the day, and can always be controlled at the touch of a button on your tablet or phone.

5. Locks

Locks can actually be integrated into your home’s HVAC system, so that the home conserves energy when nobody is home. Of course, various settings can be programmed, and the system can always be changed at the tap of a screen. But imagine locking your house for the day and the heating or cooling system responding in order to conserve energy.

What is a home automation specialist?

Since there are many different products on the market with various levels of compatibility, homeowners often find it frustrating when they try to get results out of their own systems. A home automation specialist helps you optimize your product choices, install them, and get the most out of them.