Security systems nowadays monitor for more than just intrusion – they can also protect against carbon monoxide, fire, and flooding, and call for help during personal or medical emergencies. Security systems protect your home and family, but did you know they can also save you money?
Using your security system to automate certain features of your home lets you better manage your energy usage and save money on your electric bills. There’s no downside to making your home more efficient.
In the last few years, home automation has become a booming industry. The number of smart home devices sold doubled from 2012 to 2013 (iWatchLife), and around 12 million home automation projects are anticipated in 2015 (Audio Visual Design).
As the number of smart phones increases, the capabilities of those devices also increases, with many people using their smart phones to check their bank accounts, post on social media, and pay bills. Smart phones can also be used to monitor and control a security system and your smart home.
Thermostats
“Heating and cooling your home can consume as much as 56 percent of your monthly energy bill” (AVD). A smart thermostat can save you up to 15 percent off of your electric bill. That means a $150 monthly bill would drop to $127.50, saving you $270 annually.
Smart thermostats let you create a heating/cooling schedule around your routines. For example, if you go to work Monday – Friday at 7:30 a.m. and come home around 5:30 p.m., you can set your thermostat to drop to 62 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and then to increase to 72 for when you’ll be home.
An automated thermostat can also easily adapt to changes away from your normal schedule. For example, if you’re flying south for a week to escape the cold, snowy winter, you can set your thermostat to remain at 62 degrees for the entire time you’re gone. A smart thermostat can also adjust to real-time changes. For example, if you get off work early, change the temperature using your smartphone when you leave work, and your house will be just the way you want it when you get home.
Lighting
With smart lighting, you can turn your lights on and off whenever you like, whether you are at home or are away. Rather than leaving a light on all day, you can set a schedule for the lights to turn on just before your typical arrival at the end of a workday. You can also set up your lights to periodically turn on and off while you are on vacation to make it look like someone is home.
“A single light bulb can last up to 20 times longer when dimmed by 50 percent” (AVD). According to the International Energy Agency, lighting accounts for 19 percent of the power used worldwide. Automating your lights through scheduling will save you energy and money.
Smart security systems save you money not only through automation, but on your insurance as well. You may be eligible to save up to 20 percent on your homeowner’s policy. Adding this discount to what you save from smart lighting and automated thermostats can save you up to hundreds of dollars a year. A security system with home automation sounds is a smart investment for your family and your pocketbook.
With a smart security system, you can access any of these home automation features from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Combining smart features with the safety of a security system just makes sense. Contact us to find out how you can save money with smart security for your smart home, managed on your smartphone.