Confessions Of An Energy Waster

I’m the first one to talk about getting toxins out of the home, keeping our oceans clean and eating organically but I must admit that the one area in which I really need to improve is conserving energy.

I realize that it shouldn’t just be on Earth Day that I consider these things, but hey, at least it’s a starting point. My biggest problem is being so busy and pre-occupied that I forget the little energy saving tips that can add up. Did you know that by turning off lights you could save 10 to 20 percent of your total household electricity usage? So, as they say, admitting you have a problem is the first step towards solving it. But short of retiring and making my kids fend for themselves, my life is not going to get less busy and I won’t get less pre-occupied.

What I needed was a system that could help me when I forget. That’s where ADT Pulse home monitoring system came in. When you think of home monitoring systems, it’s security that usually comes to mind. What surprises most people is how the ADT Pulse system can also help save energy and make your home a bit greener. I’m notorious for running out the door in the mornings and leaving lights on, the coffee pot turned on after I’ve had my last refill and the TV on after I’ve left a room. And my kids are even worse. I don’t think there’s a day that goes by where my girls actually remember to turn off the light in their closet. They also insist on having a small lamp lit when they go to bed that ends up staying on all night. I’ve gotten a lot better about these things since I’ve installed my ADT Pulse system. Now, when I’m half way to drop-off at school I can actually turn off my bedroom light through my iPhone. I also now have their “night light” lamp scheduled to turn off at 10 PM.

It’s not just in my electric consumption that I’ve been an energy hog, it’s also in my heating. Temperatures this spring have been fluctuating from down-right balmy to frigid cold within the span of 24 hours. There have been many days where I’ve come home to the house being far warmer than it needs to be simply because I forgot to turn down the thermostat. (I’ll also admit that being a Southern California transplant I don’t do well with cold temperatures and probably keep it warmer than I should). With my ADT Pulse system I can remotely see what the temperature is and adjust the thermostat way down during the day and, if needed turn it up before I come home.

So I’ve made some Earth Day resolutions:
1. I will set the thermostat to at least two degrees cooler in the winter and two degrees warmer in the summer.
2. I will not turn on lights when there’s plenty of natural light just because I think it’s “cheerier.”
3. I will unplug my cell phone charger and all of those other items that waste energy when not in use.

What are some of your Earth Day resolutions?

Related articles:
The Benefits of Home Automation
Home Automation: Creating a Smart Home
Home Automation Provides Energy Savings and Convenience
Home Automation System Provides Additional Security
 

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