#Smart Tech #Smart Thermostats #Sustainable Buildings #Sustainable Home
Valencia Meredith
Did you know that the average American’s heating and cooling habits contribute to 441 million tons of carbon emissions annually? Heating and cooling alone account for up to 50% of U.S residents’ energy bill (EIA), with an average household total of $2,000 per year and a combined total of $102 billion per year (C2ES). This is due to old, inefficient thermostats combined with natural gasses used to heat and cool the home.
A better, more energy-efficient alternative is the smart thermostat. According to Energy Star, smart thermostats are WIFI-enabled thermostats that automatically change temperature settings for the best performance. They are formulated to learn your temperature habits to best meet your needs without excess energy usage. Some thermostats even go as far as having occupancy sensors, meaning that heating and cooling will not be directed to a room if unoccupied. Another feature includes dashboards that show your energy consumption habits and recommendations to improve your usage.
If you are interested in learning more about smart thermostats, check out the featured article, “How Are Smart Thermostats Making Homes Greener?”
Residential energy usage accounts for how much of the U.S average?