Smart home technology has evolved at the fastest rate in the last decades, thanks to advancements in other technologies, including computing and AI. Studies show that over 300 million homes in the world use smart home devices. The advent of smart home technology has revolutionized the way we interact with our homes, allowing us to remotely control appliances and lighting, integrated security systems, and manage energy consumption.
However, something many people are unsure of is whether their bills will go up if they integrate smart home technology into their homes. To help clarify this concern, this comprehensive guide will assess the real impact of smart home technology on your monthly electricity bill. We will also explore effective ways to leverage this technology to reduce your electricity bill. Without any further delay, let’s jump right in!
How smart home technology will impact your electricity bill
Energy Efficiency
Smart home devices are designed with computing capabilities that enable them to only use energy when it is needed. For instance, smart thermostats can learn your preferences and create customized heating and cooling schedules, optimizing energy usage. Modern smart lighting systems also allow you to remotely control and automate lights, ensuring they are only on when needed, reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Real-time Data Insights
Many smart home devices have dedicated apps that provide real-time data on energy usage. These insights include data such as the power consumption of the device, how long it was on throughout a given period, and a lot more. This information empowers users to make informed decisions about energy-saving practices and identify areas where they can cut down on consumption.
Standby Power Reduction
Some appliances and electronics, such as your TV or gaming console, consume power even when in standby mode. Using smart home devices such as smart power strips and plugs can help automatically cut off power to devices not in use, reducing standby power consumption and lowering your electricity bill. Ultimately, this reduces energy consumption when these devices are not in use.
Convenience can lead to over-usage.
Convenience can be a double-edged sword when it comes to smart home technology. While the ease of controlling devices and systems from a smartphone or using voice commands can simplify our daily routines, it can also lead to over-usage and increased energy consumption. For example, the convenience of remotely turning on the air conditioner or heater while still on the way home can result in a tendency to use these appliances more frequently than necessary.
How to reduce energy consumption with smart home technology
Here are some ways to reduce your electricity bill by wisely leveraging smart home technology.
Use real-time data insights to make decisions.
One of the key advantages of smart home technology is the ability to collect and analyze real-time data on your energy usage. Smart meters and energy monitoring devices provide valuable insights into the power consumption of individual appliances and devices. By accessing this data through smart home applications or dashboards, you can identify which devices are consuming the most energy. Having this information enables you to make informed decisions on how to reduce their usage or consider more energy-efficient alternatives.
Reduce the temperature of the heating system by just one single degree.
HVAC systems usually top the energy consumption list, contributing between 30% to 50% of the total bill. By lowering your thermostat just one degree during colder months, you can make a noticeable impact on your energy bills. According to a study by the Energy Savings Trust, this simple adjustment can save you up to 10% on your heating costs. The recommended temperature range for most people’s comfort lies between 18 to 22 degrees Celsius (64 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit). Adjusting your heating system to the lowest comfortable temperature can yield substantial savings over time.
Use smart plugs to reduce standby consumption.
Many electronic devices and appliances continue to draw power even when they are in standby mode or not actively in use. This standby power consumption, often referred to as “vampire energy,” can add up over time. Smart plugs are a smart home solution that allows you to remotely control the power supply to connected devices. By using smart plugs and setting timers or automation rules, you can ensure that these devices are completely turned off after a period of inactivity, eliminating wasteful standby power consumption.
Use all-in-one smart home platforms to control your appliances.
Managing multiple smart devices from different manufacturers can be cumbersome, with each device having its own dedicated app. However, all-in-one smart home platforms like Apple HomeKit, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa provide a centralized interface to control and monitor various smart home appliances. These platforms enable seamless integration between devices, allowing you to create custom routines and automation to optimize energy usage. With the convenience of a single app, you can easily adjust settings, monitor energy consumption, and ensure that your smart home operates efficiently.
Final thoughts
Using smart home technology has the potential to reduce your energy bill significantly, but it’s crucial to know how to use it effectively. Smart home systems are designed to streamline device control and sometimes make automated decisions based on learned behaviors. When utilized properly, smart home systems can lead to energy cost savings of up to 40%. However, it’s important to keep in mind that achieving these savings may take some time, as smart devices need to learn about your usage patterns and daily routines to optimize their efficiency.