Energy Tips – Powered By Elevation https://www.poweredbyelevation.com Tue, 26 Mar 2024 12:01:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://www.poweredbyelevation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/tes-2-70x70.png Energy Tips – Powered By Elevation https://www.poweredbyelevation.com 32 32 Elevation Launches Curb M10, Expanding Home Energy Monitoring Device Product Line https://www.poweredbyelevation.com/post/elevation-launches-curb-m10-expanding-home-energy-monitoring-device-product-line/ https://www.poweredbyelevation.com/post/elevation-launches-curb-m10-expanding-home-energy-monitoring-device-product-line/#respond Fri, 19 May 2023 12:25:00 +0000 https://poweredbyelevation.com/elevation-launches-curb-m10-expanding-home-energy-monitoring-device-product-line/ May 22, 2023 – Phoenix, Arizona Elevation, a fully integrated residential energy solutions company, today announced the launch of the Curb M10 energy monitoring platform to better support energy efficiency for homeowners and institutional operators of single-family rental (SFR) properties. Announced during IMN’s 11th Annual Single Family Rental Forum (East) in Miami, FL, the Curb M10 features advanced communication capabilities and a simplified installation process and represents an essential addition to Elevation’s proprietary line of Curb devices.

Curb M10, equipped with 10 energy sensors (CT clamps) that can monitor all the key electrical activities in a home, will allow for accurate tracking of appliance energy usage and aid homeowners and operators in lowering rising energy costs through actionable insights delivered via the Curb app, web interface and email reports. In addition, M10 will track solar production data with its continuous cellular connectivity capabilities and monitor high home energy consumers, such as HVAC systems, EV chargers, water heaters, pools, stoves/ovens, clothes dryers, lighting and more.

M10 is the latest device to connect with Elevation’s Curb cloud-based, AI-enabled smart energy engagement platform. When deployed in a home, Curb receives energy usage data from thousands of sensors in real-time and mines this information to provide actionable insights on energy efficiency patterns and device health. For instance, Curb M10 could predict an HVAC outage or malfunction in advance, mitigating expensive and frustrating repairs or replacements. M10 represents the latest evolution of the Curb product line and pairs years of available Curb’s intelligent, actionable home energy data with new features focused on improving connectivity, reliability and ease-of-use.

Rental operators are increasingly seeking solutions that will enable them to invest in the efficiency and longevity of their portfolio homes for both the betterment of the environment and their bottom line. Curb M10 offers the SFR industry a scalable, easy-to-deploy solution for lowering operating costs and emissions with real-time data monitoring and insights. Similar to existing products in the Curb family, M10 is also designed to empower residents to optimize their relationship with energy through its user-friendly interface and advanced communication capabilities.

“Curb M10 arrives at a time when eco-friendly features continue to be preferred by both renters and homeowners nationwide,” said Greg Fasullo, CEO of Elevation. “Across most SFR portfolios, energy bills are the second-highest cost for tenants after rent. We’re excited to introduce the M10 as a scalable solution for portfolios of all sizes that will deliver measurable cost-saving benefits for operators and residents. With reliable connectivity, a reduced installation time and a more seamless configuration interface, M10 will bring energy efficiency insights and invaluable real-time data to consumers and operators.”

With energy prices expected to remain high throughout 2023, M10 is poised to become an essential and impactful solution for the residential real estate industry. In the face of a historically turbulent housing market, there is a tremendous opportunity for both operators and residents to take greater control of their energy use, carbon footprint and costs with efficiency and technology upgrades. With the launch of M10 and its existing portfolio of whole home energy solutions, Elevation remains committed to offering rental operators solutions to lower emissions, reduce utility costs and improve tenant comfort.

To learn more about the M10 energy monitoring device, please visit: https://www.poweredbyelevation.com/curb-energy-monitoring

About Elevation

Elevation is a fully integrated residential energy solutions company. As a leader in clean energy technology including solar, energy efficiency, and smart energy management platforms, Elevation takes a whole home approach to energy and sets the industry standard in its deployment of technology to homeowners, institutional operators of single-family rental properties, and utility providers.

As a 2019, 2020, and 2021 Contractor of the Year recipient by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Elevation team possesses extensive knowledge in both the single-family rental market and residential solar spaces. Elevation goes beyond solar to create an Elevated Home and collects data to analyze the direct impact of its solutions. In just one year, Elevation’s customers helped to avoid 128,738 tons of carbon dioxide. For more information, please visit https://www.poweredbyelevation.com.

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Utility Demand-Response Programs: How They Work And How They Save You Money https://www.poweredbyelevation.com/post/utility-demand-response-programs-how-they-work-and-how-they-save-you-money/ https://www.poweredbyelevation.com/post/utility-demand-response-programs-how-they-work-and-how-they-save-you-money/#respond Mon, 11 Jul 2022 12:25:00 +0000 https://poweredbyelevation.com/utility-demand-response-programs-how-they-work-and-how-they-save-you-money/ When most homeowners think about ways to start saving energy, they tend to first focus on upgrading their home, appliances and HVAC systems. This makes sense: cumulatively, these improvements can drastically cut down on your high utility bills. Yet, many homeowners are unaware of another highly effective way to conserve energy and save money: demand-response programs. Nationwide, many utility companies are now offering incentives to homeowners who help them reduce energy usage during times of peak demand.

In this article, we’ll review how you can establish a baseline measurement of your homes’ energy use, why you should enroll in a demand-response program, and where to go from there.

Start By Knowing What You’re Using

The first step to conserving energy is knowing when and how much your home is using. The good news is that today’s homeowners have more tools available to them than ever before. Curb’s home energy monitoring system, for example, helps you take direct control of your home’s energy use. Curb plugs directly into your breaker panel and gives you real-time data on your energy consumption and production.

Homeowners are able to recognize unusual patterns of your energy use and discover probable issues with appliances. In addition, its mobile app allows you to receive personalized notifications and alerts regarding your energy usage right on your phone, even when you’re not home.

One you’ve used Curb to discover your baseline energy usage, it’s time to start saving. You’ll want to check with your utility company to see if they offer a demand-response program.

What Is Demand?

Utility companies typically experience the highest demand for electricity between 3-7pm on weekdays, which corresponds with the time that most homeowners return home from work, cook dinner, and run their air conditioner or heater. These peak hours put stress on the entire system and make generating electricity more expensive – a cost that gets passed through to consumers in the form of higher rates. In a perfect world, if demand was more evenly distributed throughout the day, utilities would be able to lower costs and reduce the risk of outages.

How Do These Programs Work?

To flatten this demand curve, many utility companies have embraced real-time demand-response programs. These initiatives go by many names – “peak-hour pricing”, “rush hour rewards”, “time-of-use plans” etc. – but all operate on the same principle: incentivizing homeowners to use more of their electricity during off-peak hours instead of during on-peak hours.

Once enrolled, the homeowner’s off-peak rate is lower than the average cost of electricity, while their on-peak rate is higher. Assuming energy use is reduced during peak hours (even if the total consumption stays the same), electricity bills will fall.

Use Smart Thermostats To Save Further

In general, time-of-use savings programs are not new. However, in recent years, smart thermostats have opened up a whole new world of possibilities for demand-response savings. Many utility companies partner with thermostat manufacturers and offer automated savings programs to households above and beyond differentiated on/off peak rate structures.

Of all the electricity used in the average American home, nearly half of it is used on cooling and heating. For utility companies, air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces drive peak hours energy consumption in the summer and winter. During “energy-saving events” when demand is expected to be at its highest — such as on a particularly hot summer day — the utility company takes direct control of your home’s thermostat. In the hours preceding the “event” before peak hits, the utility sets the thermostat to start cooling your home. Then, when the event starts, your home should be cool enough to “coast” through the late afternoon without needing to run at length, reducing demand during peak hours.

Not only does this process directly save homeowners money, but utility companies heavily incentivize such programs by offering partial or full rebates on the cost of smart thermostats. They may also provide further incentives in the form of lower energy rates or cash-back offers.

You’re Just Getting Started!

Whether enrolling in your utility’s demand-response program is your first step toward energy savings or just your latest, there’s so much more that you can do to make your home more efficient and affordable. Want to know your current home energy score? Check out our free Home Energy Score today.

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21 Ways To Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency https://www.poweredbyelevation.com/post/21-ways-to-improve-your-homes-energy-efficiency/ https://www.poweredbyelevation.com/post/21-ways-to-improve-your-homes-energy-efficiency/#respond Wed, 09 Mar 2022 12:25:00 +0000 https://poweredbyelevation.com/21-ways-to-improve-your-homes-energy-efficiency/ Using the least amount of energy to get the most amount accomplished is the very definition of efficiency. And it’s what we strive for in nearly every aspect of our lives, whether it’s meeting a professional deadline or nailing that yoga pose.

Energy efficiency is no different when it comes to our homes. When your house can maximize its energy output, you eliminate energy waste, help combat climate change, and save money on your monthly utility bills.

Ready to make your home more efficient? Here’s our quick-fix guide.

Add insulation to the attic.

If the attic isn’t well insulated, you could be losing warmth during the winter and cool air in the summer. A little extra padding to keep the temperature where it’s supposed to be and reduces the strain on your HVAC unit.

Seal doors and windows.

Eliminate drafts around openings with weather stripping or a layer or two of caulk.

Install low-flow showerheads.

These utilize the minimum amount of water necessary, and can reduce water usage by up to 60%.

Hang window treatments.

In the heat of summer, blackout drapes can help your HVAC keep the house cool without overworking itself.

Repair leaky faucets.

It’s a no-brainer—when faucets are leaking, they’re wasting water. Take five minutes to fix them.

Turn off lights.

When you leave a room, get in the habit of switching off lights. Or opt for smart switches and sensors, which automatically turn off lights in unoccupied rooms.

Replace windows.

Swap single-pane windows for dual-pane. If this doesn’t suit your budget, add a solar tint or window film to reduce heat from the sun entering your home.

Enjoy natural light.

Let the daylight illuminate around-the-house tasks to avoid expending unneeded energy on lamps and overhead lighting.

Upgrade your toilet.

Energy efficient toilets use water velocity instead of water volume to reduce waste. This translates to nearly 13,000 gallons of water conserved annually.

Change light bulbs.

As your older incandescent bulbs burn out, switch them out with energy-efficient LED bulbs. Don’t forget to change bulbs in lesser-used rooms, such as the garage, closets, and pantries.

Set a timer.

Outdoor lights only need to operate from dusk to dawn. Ensure zero energy waste by scheduling their automation to a timer.

Invest in a smart home monitor.

Take the guesswork out of where your home’s inefficiencies are and allow a smart home monitor, such as Curb [link to internal article “How The Curb Energy Monitor Works”], track this information and download the data to you in real-time.

Adjust laundry habits.

Wash and dry clothes during off-peak hours, make sure to do full loads, wash items in cold water, and skip the dryer to air-dry instead.

Do dishes smarter.

Similar rules apply to dishwashing as they do to washing clothes: run the dishwasher at night, load it to full capacity, and opt for air-drying once the dishes are clean.

Keep the oven door closed.

For every time you open the oven door to check on what’s cooking, the temperature drops by as much as 25 degrees. Use the little window to peek at food.

Replace air filters.

Your HVAC doesn’t have to work as hard, or as long, if the filters are cleaned regularly. Make a point to replace your air filters every 2-3 months. If you have pets or live in a place that’s dusty, replace them more frequently.

Use ceiling fans.

Ceiling fans circulate air, which improves the efficiency of your HVAC system so much that you can set the thermostat up to 4 degrees cooler while maintaining the same comfort level.

Check the fridge temperature.

The best temperature for your refrigerator for optimal cooling: the manufacturer’s recommended setting. You can also reduce airflow by avoiding overfilling the fridge.

Dress appropriately.

Wear sweaters and socks and use blankets and throws in cooler months; come summer, dress yourself in lighter, looser clothing.

Use a programmable thermostat.

Upgrade to a smart thermostat, which not only allows you to schedule heating and cooling, it learns your behaviors and adjusts to your lifestyle.

Fight vampire power.

Even when devices aren’t in use, if they’re plugged in, it’s likely they’re draining power. Unplug all gadgets when you don’t need them.

Is Your Home  Energy Efficient?

Find out today. Start with our Home Energy Score and see what you can do to improve.

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Home Appliances Ranked By Energy Consumption. https://www.poweredbyelevation.com/post/home-appliances-ranked-by-energy-consumption/ https://www.poweredbyelevation.com/post/home-appliances-ranked-by-energy-consumption/#respond Wed, 02 Mar 2022 12:25:56 +0000 https://poweredbyelevation.com/home-appliances-ranked-by-energy-consumption/ Each year, the U.S. Energy Information Administration tracks current levels of energy use across various sectors — residential, commercial, industrial — and in all regions of the United States in order to compile detailed data on our country’s energy consumption. Reviewing the organization’s most recent research and comparing it with information from the global partnership Connect4Climate, we ranked the appliances in an average home by the amount of energy they utilize. Here is our list of appliances, ranked from highest energy consumption to lowest.

Heating and cooling unit.

Percentage of home’s energy use: 47%

Of all the appliances, devices and other energy-grid-connected items in your home, the HVAC system requires the most energy by far, accounting for nearly half of the usage. And heating a house takes significantly more energy (about 32%) than cooling does (about 12%).

Water heater.

Percentage of home’s energy use: 14%

A typical water heater consumes up to 13.5 kWh per day, and 405 kWh per month. This places it second on our list of appliances that consume the most energy, which makes sense given that most of us need year-round hot water for everything from showers to washing dishes.

Washer and dryer.

Percentage of home’s energy use: 3-9%

These two appliances’ energy usage can vary greatly depending on how you launder. For example, washing clothes in cold water, doing full loads, cleaning the dryer’s lint tray and even air-drying whenever possible all greatly reduce the amount of energy consumed.

Lighting.

Percentage of home’s energy use: 3-9%

Illuminating your home is another energy source whose consumption can be influenced by a variety of factors: types of bulbs (incandescent vs. LED), amount of time lights are on, use of timers or motion sensors, reliance on natural light instead of artificial. To offer perspective, a 100-watt incandescent bulb glowing for two hours a day uses 0.2 kWh per day, and 6 kWh per month. Multiply that times the number of bulbs in your home and the energy use adds up.

Refrigerator.

Percentage of home’s energy use: 4%

If you don’t have a smart fridge or a newer, more energy-efficient model, your unit is likely closer to using 5-6% of a home’s total energy consumption. An average fridge requires about 162 kWh of energy per month.

Electric oven and stove.

Percentage of home’s energy use: 4%

While electric ovens and stoves aren’t the biggest energy consumers, they can sometimes cause a ripple effect with other appliances. For example, when in use — especially on a hot day — an oven can boost the temperature inside your home and increase the load on your AC unit.

Media equipment.

Percentage of home’s energy use: 3%

Televisions, DVD players, cable boxes, video game consoles — these comprise your media devices and together they use close to 60 kWh of electricity per month, even when they’re in standby mode.

Dishwasher.

Percentage of home’s energy use: 2%

As with washing clothes, there are easy ways to cut back on the amount of energy your dishwasher uses: wash full loads, pre-rinse dirty dishes, air-dry as often as possible.

Computer.

Percentage of home’s energy use: 1%

Contrary to what you might think, your computer is the least offender when it comes to energy consumption even though you probably use it all the time. To decrease its energy usage even more, shut it off completely when you’re finished for the day.

What’s Your Home’s Energy Score?

Understanding your home’s energy efficiency is a great way to gain energy independence. Get started by calculating your home’s energy score and learn what you can do to improve.

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Four Smart Home Products We Love https://www.poweredbyelevation.com/post/four-smart-home-products-we-love/ https://www.poweredbyelevation.com/post/four-smart-home-products-we-love/#respond Tue, 22 Feb 2022 12:25:00 +0000 https://poweredbyelevation.com/four-smart-home-products-we-love/ The right smart home technology can help you save money and gain energy independence, but with so many smart home products out there, it can be overwhelming to find out what is right for your home. To help you save, here are four smart home products we love for their simplicity in saving money and energy.

Sensi Touch Smart Thermostat

Did you know that, on average, nearly half of your average utility bill goes to heating or cooling your home? A smart thermostat can help you save money by automatically adjusting your home’s temperature so it never gets too hot or too cold.

Sensi is one of the top-rated smart thermostats on the market. Sensi offers geofencing, a service that utilizes your location to automatically adjust your thermostat. In addition, you can program a schedule that fits your lifestyle so that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort while maintaining savings. The installation is simple and easy to do on your own. It integrates with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and Wink as well. Additionally, you may qualify for local utility rebates.

Filtrete Smart Air Filters

Your air filters play a critical role in keeping your heating and cooling systems effective and efficient. When an air filter gets dirty, it can cause an HVAC system to work harder and use more energy. To save on those costs and save energy, we recommend changing your air filters on a regular basis. But it can be hard to keep track of when to replace your filters. Smart air filters have taken the guesswork out of changing your air filters.

We love the Filtrete Smart Air Filters. They have bluetooth-enabled sensors that track the life of your air filters based on your unique air flow and usage, not just time. You can receive alerts reminding you when to replace the filters at the optimal time. These filters are also top-rated because of their ability to capture debris, bacteria, lint, dust, and pollen.

Google Nest

With so many smart home products available, it has become important to centralize them through one system. When your smart home is connected through one central system you gain increased accessibility and more power to control different devices and appliances even when you’re away from home.

We love Google Nest for this. Google Nest offers a variety of different packages that you can customize in order to create the best smart home system for yourself. With the Google Nest, you can easily add security, lighting, plugs, entertainment, and more. You are able to group your speakers together to create a home audio system that can be enjoyed anywhere. By saying “Hey Google”, you are able to stream music, turn off lights, and get answers to any question you have. Plus, Google Nest has greater understanding capabilities than the Amazon Alexa, making it much more user friendly.

Curb

Curb is your home’s energy dashboard. Curb connects to your home’s electrical system to give you real-time data so you can make smarter decisions about how your energy is being used.

Just like your car’s dash tells you how much gas you have in your tank, Curb connects to your main electric  panel to give you real-time data about how your home is using energy. It measures exactly how much energy each appliance consumes at any point in the day. By monitoring your energy consumption, you can  find out what is costing you money and make changes that can save on your utility bill. Curb also tracks  your solar production to maximize your energy savings.  With Curb, you also get access to a mobile app and weekly energy reports.

At Elevation, it’s our mission to help you improve how you use energy at home. These smart home products are just one of the many ways you can save money and energy at home. Get your Energy Score to find out how efficient your home is and what you can do to save.

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When Should You Replace Your Appliances? https://www.poweredbyelevation.com/post/when-should-you-replace-your-appliances/ https://www.poweredbyelevation.com/post/when-should-you-replace-your-appliances/#respond Tue, 08 Feb 2022 12:25:00 +0000 https://poweredbyelevation.com/when-should-you-replace-your-appliances/ Dealing with a clanking dryer? Looking the other way at a leaky dishwasher? What about a fridge that doesn’t seem to keep foods as cold as it once did? When it comes to appliances that are limping along, sure, you could manage. But at what cost? Old appliances that no longer operate at peak efficiency not only hog more of your home’s energy than necessary, they also increase your electricity bills.

Here’s our handy guide to determining when it’s time to say goodbye to old appliances and upgrade to newer, more efficient models.

Signs it’s time to replace your microwave:

·   Keypad buttons don’t function

·   Cook time takes longer than it used to

·   Food doesn’t cook evenly

·   Burning smell

·   Sparks or smokes when in use

·   Door doesn’t close

·   Age (older than 10-12 years)

Signs it’s time to replace your stove:

·   Control panel buttons malfunction or simply don’t work

·   Burners don’t heat up properly (for example, electric stove burners should be bright red and gas stove burners should emit a blue flame)

·   Cracks in the stovetop’s surface

·   Gas smell

·   Age (older than 15 years)

Signs it’s time to replace your oven:

·   Food isn’t cooked thoroughly or evenly

·   Heat escapes when in use

·   Pilot light goes out or doesn’t light at all

·   Misshapen oven racks

·   Scorched countertops nearby

·   Age (older than 12-15 years)

Signs it’s time to replace your dishwasher:

·   Streaks and food residue on dishes after they’ve been washed

·   Loud noises when in use

·   Overheating

·   Leaking

·   Stagnant smell

·   Age (older than 10-12 years)

Signs it’s time to replace your refrigerator:

·   Not cooling food, or food spoils quickly

·   Excessive condensation

·   Back of refrigerator feels hot

·   Mildew on rubber seal

·   Doors don’t close tightly

·   Age (older than 10-12 years)

Signs it’s time to replace your washer and dryer:

·   Leaking

·   Constant noise when in use

·   Excessive movement when in use

·   Clothes don’t dry completely

·   Washer drum doesn’t fill fully

·   Age (older than 10 years)

Signs it’s time to replace your HVAC system:

·   Home is not cooled or heated evenly

·   Humidity inside the home

·   Unusual sounds from the unit when in use

·   Dust accumulation in the house

·   Increasing energy bills

·   Age (older than 15 years)

How A Home Energy Audit Can Help

In addition to checking for signs that appliances are enduring long-term wear and tear, you should also consider getting a home energy audit from a licensed auditor. Call Elevation to learn more and schedule your home energy audit today.

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13 (Simple) Ways To Go Green At Home https://www.poweredbyelevation.com/post/13-simple-ways-to-go-green-at-home/ https://www.poweredbyelevation.com/post/13-simple-ways-to-go-green-at-home/#respond Thu, 27 Jan 2022 12:25:00 +0000 https://poweredbyelevation.com/13-simple-ways-to-go-green-at-home/ We know that the choices we make every day impact the environment. We’re witnessing the negative effects of this on a global scale. But what about the positive effects of our choices? What about all those micro-decisions — shortening a shower by two minutes or carpooling with a co-worker one day — that add up to meaningful change?

The surprising news is that you don’t have to go big to go green. Here, we rounded up 13 minor tweaks with major environmental benefits that you can incorporate into your daily routine.

Hang curtains.

Window treatments that offer full coverage from summer’s warm days and winter’s icy winds (which can creep in even when windows are closed) give a helping hand to your HVAC system so it doesn’t have to work so hard to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.

Grow indoor plants.

Adding houseplants helps improve your home’s air quality by reducing levels of pollutants, dust, and carbon dioxide. While you’re at it, grow a few herbs as well. This helps lessen the long-haul trucking-in of produce and your own home-to-store transportation to buy it.

Take shorter showers.

Did you know? If every American shortened their shower by five minutes every day for a month, we could save trillions —trillions! — of gallons of water.

Swap light bulbs for LEDs.

Energy efficient LED bulbs use less electricity (better for the environment and your monthly bill), plus they last longer so you don’t have to replace them as often.

Brew drip coffee. 

Pod coffee makers are certainly convenient, but those plastic pods accumulate. Consider investing in a quality drip coffee maker; you’ll get more cups of java out of it and consume less plastic.

Hand-wash your dishes.

You don’t have to do this all the time, but skipping the automatic dishwasher once or twice a week reduces your water consumption and your peak energy demand on the grid.

Use cloth for spills.

Paper towels are handy, but it’s just as easy to use old towels or t-shirts as rags and reusable linen napkins instead of paper napkins.

Install a smart thermostat.

Not only are today’s smart thermostats so advanced that they learn your habits and usage patterns to auto-adjust temperatures from room to room, even when you’re not home, they’re also affordable.

Wash clothes in cold water.

A standard washing machine spends most of its energy heating up the water. But cold water launders clothing equally as well. It also uses less energy and helps preserve the quality of fabrics.

Clean the dryer filter.

Getting rid of built-up lint on your dryer’s filter improves its efficiency — not to mention it only takes a few seconds to do.

Or line-dry clothes.

Air-drying your clothing doesn’t require much additional effort and it’s often as effective — and with delicates, more effective — as the dryer.

Pay bills online.

This is a super simple way to pay bills in a timely manner while also cutting back on paper waste.

Dust refrigerator coils.

You want the fridge to run at the optimal temperature to keep food cold, so make it a point to regularly dust underneath to remove loose dirt or debris that could be hampering its efficiency.

 

We’re Here To Help

Still not sure where to begin? Start with our Home Energy Score to see what you can do to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

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This Simple Trick Will Help You Reduce Your Electric Bill Each Month https://www.poweredbyelevation.com/post/this-simple-trick-will-help-you-reduce-your-electric-bill-each-month/ https://www.poweredbyelevation.com/post/this-simple-trick-will-help-you-reduce-your-electric-bill-each-month/#respond Tue, 25 Jan 2022 12:25:00 +0000 https://poweredbyelevation.com/this-simple-trick-will-help-you-reduce-your-electric-bill-each-month/ Sure, there are major home overhauls that you can tackle to help reduce energy usage. For one, you can add solar panels to your roof; for another, you can upgrade all your appliances with energy efficient models.

We’re definitely proponents of these improvements since they not only yield big cost savings but they also offer environmental benefits as well. But we know not everyone is in a financial position or lifestyle circumstance for large-scale changes. In fact, some of the best energy-conservation strategies are those that require the least effort.

That’s why we’re sharing the one small change you can make (no matter if you own or rent, or if you live in a 3,000-square-foot home or a studio apartment) that’ll help you realize monthly electric bill savings: Adjust the temperature on your thermostat.

Heating and cooling accounts for 47% of your home’s total energy use, so when you’re looking for simple ways to put money back in your wallet, go straight to the energy-hungry source. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that for every degree you nudge your thermostat per eight hours, you’ll see a savings of 1%. So adjusting the settings by 7-10 degrees for eight hours can save you nearly 10%, or close to $90, on electricity bills a year.

We get it. Comfort matters. So if you’re wondering how to stay warm during the winter and cool in the summer with the thermostat tweaked in either direction by 10 degrees, try these tips:

  • Slip on a sweater when temperatures dip outside
  • In the winter, utilize a small space heater for rooms you’re occupying
  • Plug in an electric blanket on cold nights
  • Use ceiling fans on hot days
  • Wear lightweight clothing in the summer
  • In warm months, cook on a grill or use the microwave instead of the oven

If you’re not totally sold on wearing layers inside come winter or positioning fans around you at all times in the summer, consider adjusting your thermostat’s settings to your preferred temperatures when you’re at home, then lowering or raising them when you’re away.

Even better, install a smart thermostat. Not only can it automatically do this for you, but some of the higher-end models actually “learn” your behaviors and adjust the settings according to your lifestyle. For example, a smart thermostat with geofencing will sense when you’re coming home from work and turn on the air-conditioner as you’re pulling into the driveway.

The range of smart thermostats on the market include easy-to-install units as affordable as $80 and pricier options for $300 that can also — bonus! — play your Spotify tunes. Plus, you can find thermostats compatible with all types of heating and cooling systems, from central HVACs to portable AC units, in-window units, baseboard heaters, and radiant heating.

The best part: Smart thermostats sync with your phone or tablet, which means you can operate them from anywhere, whether it’s from the office or a hotel in Maui.

If you’re not sure where to start, check out our free Home Energy Score. You can find out how energy efficient your home is and how you can improve it.

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Are Home Energy Audits Worth It? https://www.poweredbyelevation.com/post/are-home-energy-audits-worth-it/ https://www.poweredbyelevation.com/post/are-home-energy-audits-worth-it/#respond Mon, 17 Jan 2022 12:25:00 +0000 https://poweredbyelevation.com/are-home-energy-audits-worth-it/ The less energy your home consumes, the more efficient it becomes — and the more money you’ll save on your electricity bill. But how to find out if your house is functioning at peak efficiency? It all starts with a home energy audit.

Swapping out light bulbs for LEDs, purchasing new appliances, or installing dual-pane windows are all important steps toward reducing your home’s energy consumption. However, if you’re making those changes blindly, without data indicating where energy inefficiencies exist, you’re likely not making as big of an impact as you think. An energy audit can pinpoint exactly where to improve your home’s efficiency, and how. Here, we break down why a home energy audit is key to optimum energy efficiency.

How a home energy audit works.

An energy audit is an assessment that examines a house’s energy consumption and identifies measures to improve efficiency. An auditor will inspect your home’s exterior and interior, utilizing advanced technology to establish problem areas. The process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours, depending on your home’s size. Typically, an audit aims to:

  • Measure air leakage. An auditor will assess windows, walls, eaves, even holes where electrical lines run, to see if they are causing leaks in or out of the home.
  • Check insulation levels. An auditor will inspect insulation to ensure it was correctly installed and applied evenly between walls.
  • Identify areas that need to be sealed. An auditor will conduct a blower door test, during which all windows and doors are closed and a blower door machine depressurizes the house. Then an infrared camera is used to see where cold air is leaking into the home.

The audit sources additional information from:

  • Thermographic scans
  • Review of your past utility bills
  • Analysis of building energy consumption data

What a home energy audit can reveal.

Home energy audits are powerful tools for boosting energy efficiency because they prevent you from wasting precious time — and money — addressing the wrong problems. You might think that incandescent bulbs drain the most electricity in the home, but the worst energy hog could actually be the pool pump cycling too frequently. A home energy audit can discover this. It can also offer insight into smaller, lesser common issues that you may have never noticed. The fridge in your garage, for example, uses electricity even when it’s empty and many home appliances continue to consume energy even when not in use. An audit will report this. In short, the data gleaned from an audit is invaluable for strategizing whole-home energy solutions.

Why a home energy audit saves money.

An audit offers a complete and accurate look at how every aspect of how your home uses energy, arming you with essential information to make the right efficiency tweaks. Doing so can ultimately save you up to 30% on your energy bills — this adds up to hundreds of dollars a year. Additionally, if you plan to sell your home, an energy audit can be an asset to increasing your home value. Energy-efficient houses are some of the most sought-after living spaces on the market. Why? A home’s new owners will want to save just as much on energy bills as you do.

When to do a home energy audit.

If you think you may be paying too much on your energy bills, then the best time to schedule an audit is now. However, it’s wise to also consider the seasonality of the region where you live. Electricity bills for homeowners in the Southwest skyrocket during the hot summer months, while those in colder climates see higher costs during the winter. Schedule an audit before extreme temperatures — cold or hot — to give you time to make energy efficiency improvements ahead of the season.

Where to get a home energy audit.

Some local utility companies and government agencies may offer home energy audits. There’s also Curb Energy Monitoring. Curb provides a simple and convenient way to monitor and manage all of your home’s energy consumption. The system gives you real-time data on your home’s energy production and consumption down to each major appliance and zone (or room) in the house. With Curb, you can:

  • Track your home’s energy usage in real time
  • See real-time energy use for major appliances, rooms, and areas
  • Find out which appliances or areas of the home are costing you money
  • Identify and eliminate wasted energy
  • Have solar? Curb optimizes your investment with real-time dollar amounts based on your utility plan.

Schedule Your Home Energy Audit Today

Call Elevation to schedule your home energy audit and see how Elevation can help you.

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Your Guide To The Top Smart Thermostats https://www.poweredbyelevation.com/post/your-guide-to-the-top-smart-thermostats/ https://www.poweredbyelevation.com/post/your-guide-to-the-top-smart-thermostats/#respond Mon, 10 Jan 2022 12:25:00 +0000 https://poweredbyelevation.com/your-guide-to-the-top-smart-thermostats/ Traditional thermostats that require programming are only as good as their user (read: you!). Smart thermostats, however, rely on sophisticated technology that allows them to do everything from automatically regulating temperature based on where you are in your home to cueing up your favorite playlist on Spotify.

Not all smart thermostats are created equal though, and not every one is the right fit for your lifestyle. See our list below of the top eco-friendly thermostats.

Nest Learning Thermostat

  • Why we love it: Learns your habits and heating and cooling preferences to maximize efficiency by adjusting the temperature when you arrive home; no pre-programming necessary
  • Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Logitech, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings, WeMo, Wink, Xfinity
  • Bonus perk: Beautiful design available in seven finishes, from brass and copper to classic white
  • Price: $250

Buy Now

Nest Thermostat

  • Why we love it: Affordable, stylish, and automatically turns itself down when you leave, so you’re not wasting energy on an empty house
  • Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings
  • Bonus perk: Easy to install
  • Price: $130

Buy Now

Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat

  • Why we love it: Utilizes remote sensors to determine where you are in your home, and thus, which rooms need temperatures adjusted for comfort and efficiency; geofencing technology that senses where you’re nearing home
  • Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, IFTTT
  • Bonus perk: Large, easy-to-read display
  • Price: $200

Buy Now

Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control

  • Why we love it: Excellent remote sensors (up to 32) that tweak temperature settings in every room; it doesn’t learn like Nest, but it works with so many systems that it ends up being easier to merge with your existing technology; hands-free calling and intercom
  • Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, Logitech, Wink, IFTTT
  • Bonus perk: Voice commands let you play music via Spotify, or get news and weather updates
  • Price: $250

Buy Now

Ecobee3 Lite

  • Why we love it: An Ecobee-like experience (intuitive interface, remote sensors available) at a fraction of the price
  • Compatible with: Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, Logitech, Wink, IFTTT
  • Bonus perk: Automatically turns off AC and then updates you when a window or door is open for longer than five minutes
  • Price: $170

Buy Now

Mysa Smart Thermostat

  • Why we love it: Perfect for homes without central HVAC systems, i.e., baseboard heaters, radiant heating, and fan-forced convectors; plus in-app energy charting and geofencing
  • Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings
  • Bonus perk: Easy to install, sleek design
  • Price: $140

Buy Now

Wyze Thermostat

  • Why we love it: Very inexpensive; supports many types of HVAC systems
  • Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home
  • Bonus perk: The app recommends actionable insights based on your energy usage
  • Price: $80

Buy Now

Sensibo Air

  • Why we love it: Uses seven-day scheduling, geofencing, and filter cleaning alerts to save as much energy as possible; secondary sensor measures humidity to control the level of moisture in your home, not just temperature
  • Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home
  • Bonus perk: Small size means you can place it anywhere, such as a table or shelf
  • Price: $115

Buy Now

Sensibo Sky

  • Why we love it: Ideal smart thermostat option for homes with in-wall or in-window AC units; affordable price
  • Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT
  • Bonus perk: Geofencing to automatically turn on the AC as you get closer to home
  • Price: $8

Buy Now

Cielo Breez Plus

  • Why we love it: Great for portable AC units, in-window units, and mini splits; simplicity of use; syncs quickly
  • Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, Siri Shortcuts
  • Bonus perk: Dimmable display, geofencing capability
  • Price: $109

Buy Now

Expert Advice

With so many smart thermostats on the market today, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. At Elevation, we’re here to help. Get your Home Energy Score and see how you can improve your home’s energy efficiency.

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