10 Ways to Make Your Home Green

There are many things you can do to make your home green. Installing solar panels, using natural or recycled materials, and building in eco-friendly locations are all essential. But have you ever considered using technology to save energy and the environment? The best time to install home automation systems is during new construction. Here are 10 ways Tailor-Made Audio and Video can incorporate green smart home solutions into your Massachusetts home.

1. Install motion sensors.
Sometimes it can be hard to remember to turn off lights, especially if you live in a big house or are very busy. We can put motion sensors in key places so that you don’t have to worry about turning off lights to save electricity.

2. Use Automation to Plan a Budget
If you are following a monthly budget, home automation controls can help. Plan out your control settings by establishing temperatures at certain times of day, lighting levels, and shading adjustments. At the end of the month, compare bills and watch the savings!

3. Create settings to control your home while you’re away.
Whether you are leaving the house in the morning for work, or are going to the Bahamas on vacation, a control system can help you reduce wasting energy while you are away. Our professionals can program special settings to turn off lights, set the alarm, and adjust the temperature when you leave.

4. Coordinate lights with shades.
Your lighting and shading systems can work together to maximize energy savings while still making you feel comfortable at home. If it’s a sunny day, the shades can go up and lights dim automatically, that way you are taking advantage of nature’s light and reducing expenditures.

5. Change temperatures remotely.
Air conditioning or central heat can account for 25 to 40 percent of energy usage in the home. Having access to your thermostat on your mobile device makes it easier for you to set temperatures at strategic points throughout the day.

6. Use dimmers during peak daylight hours.
According to Lutron, simply installing dimmers in your house can save you up to 20% on energy. You can use them when natural light fills the room, or when you simply want softer lighting in your home.

7. Adjust the default setting on lights from 100 to 90 percent.
Control4 reports that simply lowering your lighting setting by 10 percent can save enough energy to reduce up to 850 pounds of carbon dioxide each year—the equivalent of not driving a car for an entire month.

8. Shut off appliances when not in use.
Appliances, electronics and lighting account for the most energy consumption in residences. Our team can incorporate your appliances into your control system so you can shut them off when not in use.

9. Install daylight sensors.
Daylight sensors work like motion sensors by detecting the presence of natural light and adjusting artificial light accordingly.

10. Give back with the extra money you save.
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that you can save up to 15 percent on your electric bill by using less energy in the home. With the extra dollars you save every month, you could create a savings account and then give back by donating it to a charity that supports preserving our world.

If you need help designing your green home, don’t hesitate to call us! We would love to be a part of your decision to help save our world for future generations. Fill out our online form to receive more information.