Being environmentally friendly is a sought-after quality on a property, along with home security. Residents look for appliances and gadgets that save energy, the environment, and their money. During the early 2000s, smart homes began to gain the attention of the average homeowner. From that time on, smart home technology has continued to advance. For us today, smart home devices are more than just convenience. They help us to live greener and preserve the environment. The bonus of practicing this way of life includes saving money when you lower your energy usage. It can even be integrated into home security systems. However, some still hesitate to invest in this lifestyle. They may not see the long-range benefit of investing in smart home devices. Let’s examine a couple of smart home devices and see what they can do to save energy usage in the home.

Smart Thermostat

Our HVAC unit is one of the biggest energy users in the home. If you live in the southern states, either your A/C or your heating system runs 24/7. What does a smart thermostat do to save money? It not only allows you to preprogram days, hours, and temperatures, but it actually learns your daily routine. Because the thermostat connects wirelessly to your smartphone app, it knows when you leave the house and when you come home. It learns when to automatically adjust the temperature as you come and go. In addition, you maintain constant control through your smartphone app when necessary. Or, access it on your home security control panel. Also, it turns off if it detects an open window or outside door for a period of time. No more wasted energy!

Smart Lights

Another area to control your energy usage is with the lights in and around the house. There are a couple of different ways to do this. One way is by using a smart bulb. A smart bulb is an LED bulb that you program to set the color, temperature, and brightness. They use less energy than older bulbs. The use of a timer, your motion detectors, and geofencing lets the smart bulb turn itself off when they are not in use. You also have control of this lighting with your smartphone app or home security panel.

A smart switch is another option when you want control of your lighting. A smart switch allows you to control your lights like a normal wall switch or using the home’s Wi-Fi and your smartphone app. Never worry about leaving the lights on again and wasting energy. It works well the other way also, such as when you are not home and want the lights to be on when you arrive.

Smart Plugs

Smart plugs automate wired devices so that you control them with your smartphone app. Program your wired devices so that they only come on when you need them and not wasting energy when no one is home. Not only do they save energy, money, as well as add convenience to your hurried schedule, but they are a safety device too. Have you ever arrived at work just to wonder if the space heater, curling iron, or coffee pot is still on? With a smart plug, there is no need to worry. Just use your smartphone to check the status and turn it off if necessary, eliminating any fire hazards. This makes it a valuable part of your home security.

Smart Blinds

A smart home device that not many think of is their blinds. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that about 76% of the sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters to become heat. These automated window shades use a built-in motor to open and close themselves. Some work with the exterior lighting of the sun coming and going. Or, use your virtual assistant for voice control or the smartphone app for manual adjustment.

Smart Home Security

Combining smart home devices with your security system and alarm monitoring is a wise move to save energy and money. Together as a team, your smart home security keeps you protected, saves you money, and adds a ton of convenience to your lifestyle. Allied Home Security shows you how to do this. Call us to let us know your needs and goals. We work with you and your budget to find the perfect plan. A combination of security and smart home devices, along with home security monitoring, is a winning team.