Summer heat waves in major US cities are becoming more frequent, increasing from an average of two a year in the 1960s to as many as six a year today, according to the EPA. Heat waves are also becoming hotter, hitting an average of 2.5°F above local thresholds. In response to soaring heat, many of us reach for the HVAC thermostat. It costs an average of $133 to cool a 2,500-square-foot home over the summer, with a significant portion of the energy used to cool the house being wasted.
When people think about how smart home technology will change lives, they often think about improved energy consumption (and lower utility bills). Upgrading your home with energy-efficient tools, such as smart thermostats, reduces the amount of energy your HVAC system demands, especially when you support your smart devices with high-speed internet. Let’s explore how to keep your home cool in the summer while minimising energy consumption.
Tip 1: Install a Smart Thermostat That Learns Your Routine
Smart thermostats enable you to set heating and cooling schedules remotely, which is a huge advantage in itself: why waste energy cooling your house all day when you can turn on your HVAC on your commute home? Remote control is only one aspect of a smart thermostat, however. The best smart thermostats learn your routine over time, adjusting temperature based on home occupancy, time of day, and local weather conditions. The result is a revolution in custom comfort that can cut your heating and cooling costs by up to 26%, according to industry leader Ecobee.
In addition to Ecobee, consider the Google Nest Learning Thermostat, the budget-friendly Amazon Smart Thermostat, or the Mysa Smart Thermostat — the only smart thermostat capable of controlling electric baseboard heaters.
Tip 2: Use Smart Blinds or Curtains to Block Heat Before It Starts
Approximately 76% of the sunlight falling on a double-pane window enters the home as heat. You can counter this unwanted heat with smart window coverings that use a small electric motor to open and close. You control the blinds through a phone app or by integrating the smart blinds with your smart home ecosystem, allowing you to pair them with weather data or temperature sensors for seamless control. Depending on your preferences, you can choose smart blinds or curtains that run on batteries, use plug-in adapters, or wire the motor into your electrical system. As a bonus, smart blinds also help homes retain heat in the winter.
Tip 3: Strengthen the Internet to Support Climate Automation
So, why is your internet vital if you’re wondering how to keep your home cool in the summer? Smart thermostats and other automated cooling devices require a reliable internet provider, as they rely on a steady stream of data to trigger activity and run schedules. The more smart devices in your home ecosystem, the greater their demands on your internet. A fibre internet connection is ideal for smart homes, as fibre can handle large amounts of data without compromising download and upload speeds.
Tip 4: Manage Energy Loads with Smart Plugs and Schedules
Not everyone can have an HVAC system. Renters, in particular, often have to settle for fans or window air conditioning units, which may or may not have smart features. You can give any “dumb” cooling device a smart upgrade by using smart plugs. Smart plugs let you schedule when to provide power to your cooling device. Many smart plugs also include energy monitoring features, so you can track usage and gain insight into how to reduce waste.
Tip 5: Use Voice Assistants or Routines to Simplify Summer Efficiency
You can further increase the efficiency of your home’s cooling devices by integrating them with a voice-activated smart hub and controlling multiple devices with a single command. For instance, a routine called Cool Down Mode might lower the temperature on your thermostat, turn on fans, dim lights, and close smart window coverings. Routines are ideal for winding down at the end of the day and preparing your bedroom for a comfortable night’s sleep.
Tip 6: Explore Renewable Energy Integration
Not everyone is in a position to take advantage of smart solar or other renewable energy systems. Still, if you are, you can significantly reduce your reliance on electric companies as you cool your home. Integrating a solar battery system into your smart hub allows you to optimise when you use stored energy, such as during times of peak heat. Even if you can’t see yourself getting solar immediately, setting up a smart home now sets the stage for when you’re ready.
Tip 7: Revisit Ventilation and Passive Cooling Techniques
We put so much effort into considering how smart home technology will change lives that we sometimes forget smart design also plays a role in energy efficiency. Smart thermostats and other tech-driven cooling devices work best when combined with passive elements, such as proper cross ventilation, ceiling fans, and outdoor shading. Here are some simple ways to help keep your house cool:
- Avoid using ovens, dryers, and other heat-generating appliances during peak heat times.
- Insulate your home and seal doors and windows to repair any gaps that allow heat to enter.
- Open windows at night at opposite sides of the house to create cross-ventilation.
- Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Schedule regular HVAC maintenance and replace filters as needed.
- Close off unused rooms
- Use thermal-insulated curtains.
- Close curtains during the heat of the day.
- Install exterior window shades.
- Check your fans to ensure they rotate counterclockwise during the summer.
Cool, Connected, and Conscious
Smart technology is already changing lives, especially for energy-conscious households. If you’re ready to take advantage of smart cooling devices, start small. Install a smart thermostat or blinds, and upgrade your internet to get ready for larger, more expensive energy solutions. We can stay cool without wasting energy: we just have to be smart about it!
Thank you for reading!