Annual energy efficiency spending is expected to reach nearly $11.3 billion by 2028, according to a new report from Navigant Research, a market research and advisory team.
And it’s not just businesses and electric companies that are focused on reducing energy consumption. American homeowners purchase 20 million CFL and LED downlights every year, and these lightbulbs are just one way to increase energy efficiency and save money.
The hottest trend in energy-saving technology — with the side effect of also saving you time and money — are home automation devices.
Gartner Research states the average home could have as many as 500 internet-connected, or “smart,” devices by 2022. While this number includes smartphones, PCs, TVs, and gaming systems — virtually anything hooked up to your Consolidated Communications Wi-Fi network — it also encompasses smart appliances and home automation devices.
These devices not only make life more comfortable and convenient, but they can dramatically reduce your energy use to save you money.
Stay Comfortable With Smart Thermostats
Thermostats like Nest were one of the first affordable smart devices on the market when they launched in 2011. Today, they remain one of the best ways to save money and cut energy use. Nest Labs revealed users save an average of 10–12 percent on heating and 15 percent on cooling, leading to a total of about $131 to $145 in savings per year — depending on energy costs in your area.
Reduce Energy Use on Appliances That Stay Plugged in All the Time With Smart Outlets
You may not have realized that devices like your toaster, microwave, and coffeemaker use energy even when you aren’t using them. The energy they consume when they’re turned off is called a “phantom load,” and it can add up to 10 percent to your energy bill, according to the Department of Energy.
Smart outlets can stop this trickle of energy to save you money. Smart outlets also help you monitor your home’s electrical use through an app, turn off devices when you’re not home, and put lights on timers or voice control for added convenience.
Add Convenience and Cost Savings With Smart LED Lightbulbs
Since the “Clapper” light was introduced in 1985, people have been looking for an easy and convenient way to turn lights on and off remotely. “Clap on, clap off,” becomes “tap on, tap off,” when you use an app on your smartphone to control LED smart lightbulbs from anywhere you happen to be.
Today’s sophisticated smart bulbs also let you program scenes so lights turn on or off automatically at different times of day. You can also connect them to your Alexa or Google Home device for voice control. The latest LED models even offer different color temperatures, so you can adjust the mood in your home by choosing a different kind of light without changing bulbs.
Control It All With a Smart Home Hub
A smart home hub that connects to your Consolidated Communications Wi-Fi lets you program and control all these devices from one app. You can create a truly smart home experience that is both affordable and scalable.
Are you ready to get more out of your home internet and Wi-Fi? Look to Consolidated Communications for the lowest prices and fastest internet speeds around.