Save Money with Smart Home Technology
Work smarter, not harder.
It’s a phrase commonly used to describe spending your energy and time more efficiently. Put into practice often enough, it might even save you money.
The latest in smart home technology promises to do just that. With the ability to automate and control everything from lighting to heating, cooling, security, and more, your home can be more comfortable, better protected, and easier on your wallet – no matter what Mother Nature has planned.
A Promising Financial Forecast
For Wisconsin residents, adequately heating our homes can be one of the most costly and challenging living expenses to manage. In addition to notoriously frigid winters, spring and fall temperatures can fluctuate between the low 40s and high 70s – often in the span of 24 hours. If you’re coming and going, knowing where to set your thermostat can feel impossible.
Installing a can help. For an investment of roughly $200-500, you can significantly reduce home energy consumption year after year, making this one of the most rewarding tech upgrades available.
Using occupancy sensors or your phone’s location, smart thermostats can gauge whether you’re home or away, automatically adjusting the temperature to reduce unnecessary heating and cooling. Some options also allow you to make manual adjustments via your smartphone, giving you the ability to control the temperature at any given time, from any location.
In addition to enjoying lower monthly energy costs, your utility company may offer a for smart thermostat installation, meaning you won’t have to wait long to reap the benefits.
See the Light
Here’s another “bright” idea for saving money: smart lighting.
No, we’re not referring to The Clapper, although its technology certainly set the stage for modern smart lighting systems. Similar to smart thermostats, smart switch starter kits and LED cost just a few hundred dollars to install, but can equate to considerable savings over the life cycle of your home. Controlled via smartphone or voice-activated smart speaker, you have the ability to switch lights on or off from anywhere in – or outside of – your home. Better yet, pair your system with geofencing capabilities, and motion sensors will detect when everyone has left the room or house, turning off the lights automatically.
Want to take the savings one step further? Make the most of natural light sources with smart blinds and window coverings. Notice the sun making a surprise appearance midday? With smart window treatments, you can raise the blinds in the winter to let in warmth or close them in the summer to maximize your AC. Program them in advance, or use your smartphone to control them from any location – either way, you’re bank account will thank you.
Not Just a Drop in the Bucket
If you’re going to put an end to wasted electricity in your home, you may want to consider practicing the same vigilance with your water consumption. According to the , nearly 10,000 gallons of water are wasted each year as a result of U.S. household leaks and account for nearly 10% of the average household’s water bill.
Wisconsin residents know all too well the cost that can result from an undetected leak. As winter snow melts and saturates the ground, subsequent spring rain has nowhere else to go. Once it enters the cracks in your foundation, a pricey water bill is the least of your problems. Water damage can cost thousands to repair and may significantly raise your insurance premiums, not to mention the emotional toll that comes with the loss of irreplaceable items.
This is where a water monitor leak detector can prove invaluable.
Using moisture sensors, this technology can detect faulty pipes or potential flooding in real-time, increasing the likelihood you can resolve the issue before it causes any significant damage. By placing the detector in areas prone to leaks, like under sinks, near washing machines, beneath toilets, and below basement windows, you (or someone you designate) can be notified via smartphone and take quick action whenever the presence of water is detected.
Tour the Latest Home Tech
Though smart home technology may initially seem like an unnecessary luxury, the potential for long-term savings and sustainability proves it’s an investment worth considering. Combined with the opportunity to increase your home value, make a positive impact on the environment, and create a healthier, more comfortable home – smart tech just seems like a smart choice.
From heating and cooling systems to common household appliances, integrating smart and connected products into new construction and home upgrades is growing in popularity. For a firsthand look at emerging home tech and design trends, reserve your tickets to the . The ’ will be featuring both newly constructed and remodeled homes to suit a range of budgets and personal styles.
Ready for an upgrade? Community First Credit Union can help with financing options like a home equity fixed-rate loan with a locked-in rate or a home equity line of credit (HELOC) loan with access to funds for up to ten years.
Call or stop by your local branch to discuss your options with a trusted financial partner, and explore all the money-saving products and services we have available.