October is National Energy Awareness Month, a federal day that recognizes the importance of building optimization and the efficient management of energy resources. Just as renewable resources are on the rise, a growing array of newer products and technologies is making it easier for residents to cut down on their energy output at home.
Naturally, homeowners here in the Midwest want their homes built with comfort and protection in mind. The good news is, as technology gets more sophisticated you don’t have to sacrifice luxury or convenience to achieve an environmentally sound home. Sometimes the smartest solutions are also better for the environment. What better time to implement systems and smart devices that will achieve all of your goals at once?
Implement Automated Climate Control
A lot of energy is wasted each year through the unintentional overuse of HVAC systems. A simple way to gain instant control of your home’s climate system is with a smart thermostat and automated climate control system. When integrating your home’s heating, air conditioning, and ventilation system into a single, automated system, you save energy by managing it no matter where you are. With auto-programming, a thermostat can adjust itself for time of day, weather changes, and other factors. If you forget to make the proper adjustment, you can manage your thermostat from just about anywhere on earth.
Integrate a Smart, Whole-Home Lighting System
Great strides have been made in energy-efficient lighting options in recent years. Whole-home systems have been developed to combine better lighting with dimmers, upgraded fixtures, and smart, programmable controls.
One newer option you should know about this month is Ketra, which combines the latest in lighting technology with beauty and energy efficiency. These LEDs have the unique ability to produce different lighting temperatures and color outputs that can seamlessly adjust to your surroundings. Because a 65- watt incandescent is equivalent to a 13-watt LED, they run cool and use much less wattage than traditional bulbs.
If you haven’t already, invest in a smarter lighting control system built to work with LED lighting that will reduce your carbon footprint and energy costs alike. You can rest assured knowing that lights are off when not in use and also program your system to use lights at less than 100% at various points in the day. That way, you won’t waste electricity if you accidentally leave a light on during peak sunlight hours. An expert can help you install and program your new system so it automatically dims lights to further reduce waste.
Install Custom-Controlled Window Treatments
Homeowners tend to select window treatments that mesh with the interior and block out early morning sunrays. But unnecessary lighting isn’t the only source of wasted energy. In many homes, all those sun-facing windows heat up unoccupied rooms in the summer, thereby triggering the air conditioning to turn on throughout the house.
The problem can be resolved with the use of stylish motorized shades that will allow you to manage daylight with the touch of a button. Combined with other home automation, they can be programmed to open or close at different times of the day to keep the sun’s heat out or let it in. Over time, this extra level of control can lower the home’s energy output as well as your heating and cooling bills.
Electrify Home Heating and Appliances
Chances are, there are other opportunities to implement high-performing electric technologies in your home. Studies show that advanced electric heat pump appliances are between three and five times more efficient than gas appliances. Next time you renovate your kitchen, consider implementing induction cooking, which is twice as energy efficient as gas-powered stoves. Induction cooktops are also electric, but they use magnetic currents created by copper coils to heat up your pots and pans.
Consider scheduling an Energy Assessment for Your Midwestern Home
For every energy-wasting light bulb or faucet, there is an energy-saving fixture ready to replace it. Contact your local utility provider and ask what free home assessments they offer to help customers reduce their environmental impact and offer possible solutions. While they’re replacing your wasteful showerheads with sustainable faucet aerators, ask what else you can do to save on energy.
Once you start thinking outside the box, you’ll notice many small changes that can make an impact on the environment. Here are some other ways to curb your energy output throughout your home:
- Properly insulate doors and windows.
- Unplug energy-sucking appliances at night.
- Reduce appliance use.
- Integrate your controls for maximum ease of use.
- Use less hot water.
If you’re looking for smart, elegant solutions to maximize your home’s efficiency and reduce waste, MediaTech can help. Our team is ready to address all of your home automation needs. Contact us online here or give us a call at 630-444-0011 to discuss what we can do for you.
