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Energy
Half of the solution is to integrate clean, renewable energy into your home- either by purchasing directly from the grid or producing it yourself. For many households, high upfront costs and ongoing maintenance of solar technology presents a barrier, although this technology has become much more accessible in recent years.
The other half of the solution- arguably the easier and quicker path- is to tackle energy demand with more electrification and smarter energy use. Adjusting everyday behaviors while also leveraging energy-efficient technologies and automation can make a huge difference. For example, what many people don’ t realize is that just small temperature adjustments to heating and cooling( which typically account for the largest portion of home energy use) can significantly cut energy consumption. Smart thermostats, powered by AI and machine learning( ML), can automate this process, dynamically optimizing temperatures based on occupancy patterns and external weather conditions.
Smart solutions for costeffective living
Digital technology is a game-changer for home energy efficiency, and the good news is that it already exists today. Smart home devices, such as Home Energy Management Systems( HEMS), not only monitor energy usage but also automate optimization without requiring user input. These systems leverage AI to analyze real-time energy data, automatically adjusting appliance usage, shifting energy-intensive tasks to off-peak hours, and integrating with smart grids to respond to price fluctuations.
Despite their benefits, adoption of smart home technologies remains low. Schneider Electric’ s survey revealed that only 21 percent have installed smart thermostats. The most common barrier? Cost. Around half( 52 percent) of consumers perceive these technologies as expensive, even though connected homes can achieve energy savings of up to 22 percent. These investments can pay off quickly. Our previous research found that 25 percent of homeowners who invested in energy efficiency measures reported seeing a return on investment within just one to three years – before then continuing to benefit from cost and carbon savings, permanently. This is thanks to the ability of smart home solutions to automatically adjust heating and cooling in unoccupied rooms or shift energy use to off-peak hours, reducing both costs and emissions without sacrificing convenience.
Empowering change, one home at a time
The choices we make within our own four walls ripple far beyond our front doors. By embracing intelligent home energy solutions, we can each play a meaningful role in shaping a more sustainable tomorrow.
Whether it’ s taking simple steps to optimize daily energy use or investing in cutting-edge technology, every action counts. Now is the moment to get involved. By making conscious decisions today, we can collectively drive progress and build a brighter, greener future- starting right at home. ■
For a list of the sources used in this article, please contact the editor or click links highlighted.
Frédéric Godemel www. se. com
Frédéric Godemel is EVP Energy Management, Schneider Electric. Schneider’ s purpose is to create impact by empowering all to make the most of energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. At Schneider, that is called Life Is On.
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