Your Home Is Draining Electricity & Your Pockets

Ever since you can remember, you were taught to save energy—close windows and doors when air conditioner is on, turn lights off when you leave the room, and other energy conservation habits. But with the ever-growing availability of electronics and appliances, energy savings may not seem as simple anymore. The complexity of our technological and electrical environment has become increasingly more costly. However, an increase in technology also allows us to better manage our energy usage and its costs. With the right solutions you can save more and drain less.

Bye-bye Standby (Mode)

Made so you can instantly turn on appliances or electronics when needed, standby mode is certainly useful. But, did you know, these electronics consume about 5% of the home’s energy? Microwaves, digital clocks and timers, and even the thermostat mounted on your wall is using energy you may not be aware of. What can you do to save in this case? The solution—group multiple devices onto a smart power strip. This way, all electronics connected can be turned on or off with a single switch. Utilizing a quality power strip will also save you money (and your electronics) by preventing damage from overloading, power surges and lightning strikes.

Keep Rooms “Occupied” with Occupancy Sensors

Presence detectors, or occupancy sensors, are equipped with motion sensors to determine if a room is empty or has activity. By installing them in rooms, lights are turned off and energy is saved when the space is vacant for a set period of time. When sensors are paired with room lighting and thermostat, the room’s energy cost can reduce by as much as 50%.

Other great benefits of using occupancy sensors:

— Hands-free light automation prevents the spread of germs from touching light switches and other control devices

— Increase safety and convenience when walking into a dark room, hallway, closet, etc.

Insulate with Shade

The most simple way to control room temperature is by utilizing window treatments—blinds, shades, and draperies—or Automated Shading Systems. (No need to turn on the air conditioning or central heating!) Screened windows installed on the east or west side of your house can reduce heat within the home by 53%. Likewise, shades insulate your home from the cold outdoors.

To further optimize energy savings, install an automated shading system. Shades will raise or lower based on a set of parameters including the current temperature, occupancy, and time of day—keeping your home the perfect ambient temperature at all times.

Other reasons you should throw shade into your home:

— Convenience! With the push of a button, you can control every shade in the room.

— Keep intruders away by making it seem as if you’re home. Schedule blinds and shades to operate when you’re away on holiday or business trips.

— Increase the value of your home. Perfect for home owners that may sell their house in the future.

Sounds Like Savings

Acoustic door seals are not only perfect for improving sound quality in home theaters and offices, they are also great for controlling airflow and optimizing energy use. By ensuring closures are tight and snug, you can be confident that warm or cold air will stay trapped in the room—keeping you comfortable and saving you money.