There is no doubt that utilizing Smart technology has paved the way for lower electrical usage with greater security and ease of living. By and large, these Smart systems do work; they're better and more consistent managers of the resources that a home uses every day.

Yet, having Smart technology isn't enough. While Smart homes are designed to help users increase the efficiency of their homes while expanding the functionality and enjoyment, they aren't always maximized. So how can a homeowner make the best use of Smart technology?

Correct usage

The most significant issue is often that the features are being utilized improperly, if at all. The programs that increase efficiency are just like any other processing program, and if they're set inefficiently, they're not going to provide peak performance. Many Smart systems have the ability to track your usage, make suggestions or corrections, but only if the homeowner utilizes these features.

Read the manual

A homeowner can maximize Smart efficiency by reading the manual and managing the expectations that come with a Smart home. Most companies will advertise the very top of their capabilities, but that doesn't give an accurate representation of what happens in the average house. So, in some cases, it's a matter of not being aware of what the system can do.

Practical things can cause efficiency issues

Before a homeowner complains to the manufacturer, other factors should be considered and checked. For example, in the case of a Smart thermostat, a home energy audit can make sure that the home is well-insulated.

An electrician can check the wiring of the home and look for potential leaks or wasted energy and will have suggestions for maximizing things like lighting, Smart security, water heating, and other systems.

Upgrades affect efficiency

Switch the lights in the house to the LED high-efficiency bulbs. They come in such a wide variety of wattages, styles, and brightness that there's no reason not to go with the most energy-efficient lighting source available. LED lighting is cooler than its incandescent counterpart, too.

Upgrade the appliances to the Energy Star rated energy-efficient versions. The cost of these appliances can be offset by the resale value that's left on any of the current devices that are in use. As long as they go to another home that needs them, it isn't any more wasteful than waiting until they need full up replaced.

Get the apps

And invest time and energy into apps that help manage the Smart home better. A Smart home can manage the resources to create a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it needs the homeowner to define what the parameters are. To a Smart home, the most efficient use of resources is to keep the AC turned off all the time, and if the lighting goes on at all, it's on dim. But, it might be worthwhile to take a cue from that thinking and set the parameters a bit higher. Aim for 5 degrees warmer than was previously set, and encourage lighting to stay down and even off during daylight hours unless given an override.

Keeping the electrical efficiency of a home down is simple, especially when wired in with Smart home technology, but it's only a tool. Even a Smart home requires the wiring of a human brain. If you’re interested in Smart technology, call us.

If you need a highly-reviewed, licensed electrician in the Phoenix Valley area, call Efficient Electric at 623-900-1461. We would love to hear from you!