Could your home have an Intelligence Quotient (IQ)? While IQ tests are designed to assess human intelligence and not inanimate objects, people are seeking ways for their home to make autonomous, logical decisions and take independent actions to improve security and efficiency. That’s a “Smart Home!”

What makes it smart? By connecting appliances and devices that can be controlled automatically or remotely through an internet connection and using a mobile or other networked device, a smart home can save energy with little to no effort on your behalf. Through one home automation system, door locks, doorbells, cameras, thermostats, lights and appliances interconnect to improve your home’s overall security and efficiency.

If optimizing energy efficiency is a primary goal, integrating a smart meter or home energy monitor is a must. The energy you are consuming and where it’s being used is nearly immediately available using a smart phone, note pad or computer. In doing so, you can start by targeting those items used the most to determine if there are improvements that can be made to reduce usage. To achieve energy savings, some connected items might include:

Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats allow heating and cooling systems to operate more efficiently by automatically adjusting the temperature when you are out of the house or sleeping. According to the Center for Energy and Environment, smart thermostats are often the easiest way to achieve savings, often reducing your energy by 15% to 20%.

Lighting
Groups or individual light fixtures or bulbs can remotely be switched on and off, placed on a schedule, or set to change based on sunrise or sunset times. Smart lighting can often be set to change based on when motion is detected.

Smart Appliances
Smart appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, coffee makers, automatic vacuums, microwaves and televisions including entertainment systems can be integrated and controlled through one system. As more-and more utilities offer time-of-use rate options, smart home systems can use smart appliance operations to optimize rate savings.

Outdoor Watering
Smart irrigation systems can detect climate and environmental conditions, factor in weather forecasts and incorporate the data into watering schedules. Smart irrigation systems enable homeowners to optimize water use while having the best-looking lawn in the neighborhood.

These are just a few ways a smart home helps you improve the efficient use of energy in your home. To find additional information about this and other energy-saving opportunities, contact your local utility.