ENERGY BILL

Smart home technology - changing how we use energy at home.

Smart technology has transformed how we live our lives, and it's now helping us save energy in our homes.

From lighting systems that turn off automatically to appliances that respond to your preferences, smart technology is making it easier than ever to automate our energy consumption. With the ability to monitor and control our energy usage, we can reduce our carbon footprint, save money on our energy bills, and live more sustainable lives.

Here, we explore how smart technology is changing the way we use energy in our homes.

6.3 million households have at least one smart home product.

Australia's Smart Home Market will be US$ 5.37 Billion during the forecast year 2028, according to the 2023 report from Renub Research, "Australia Smart Home Market, Size, Forecast 2023-2028, Industry Trends, Share, Growth, Company Analysis".

A smart home is a simple home setup where appliances and equipment can be operated remotely via a smartphone or networked computer from anywhere with internet access. We have embraced innovative home technology, with nearly two-thirds (6.3 million) of Australian households having at least one smart home product in 2021, according to Telsyte.

Devices in an intelligent home are connected over the internet, allowing you to remotely monitor functions, such as home security access, temperature, lighting, and a home theatre. It can be built up through wireless or hardwired systems and controlled through a smart home app on the smartphone or other networked devices. In addition, appliances like TVs, refrigerators, microwave ovens, air purifiers and more have intelligent home integration, giving the ability to customise actions according to a specific schedule or event.

The Australian smart home market is classified into seven types: Energy Management, Comfort and Lighting, Home Entertainment, Control and Connectivity, Security, and Smart Appliances, of which several of these types can help monitor, manage and optimise energy use.

Smart meters give greater transparency over energy use.

The Energy Market Commission has set a target of having 100% smart meter uptake in the ACT and NSW by 2030 – which is great news for consumers as smart meters come with a host of benefits to help you take control of your energy use and save! A smart meter is an electronic device that measures your usage digitally and sends data back to your energy provider. They typically measure your energy use every 30 minutes and send that data directly to your energy provider. You can access this information through your energy retailer, usually by logging into an app or account online to see your energy use and associated costs.

Smart meters arm you with the data to understand your energy use, take advantage of time-of-use tariffs, and integrate with smart home energy management systems, batteries and EV chargers.

Smart pool pumps are becoming the choice of energy-savvy pool owners.

Designed to optimise efficiency and energy consumption, a smart pool pump uses advanced technology to adjust the pump's speed and flow rate based on the pool's current needs.

To save money, you can adjust its variable speed motor to run at a slower speed or even overnight when energy prices are lower. It's estimated that running a pool pump in low-demand periods can save you up to as much as 83%. Given that the average pool accounts for 18% of household energy consumption in Australia, that can be some sizable savings.

According to Astral Pools, owners who switch to variable-speed pool pumps see a return on investment in as little as two years.

Home energy management systems reduce energy consumption.

Smart home energy systems (HEMS) display your energy consumption via a smartphone app or website. In addition, they can connect compatible appliances to set up scheduled running times that control when your appliances operate.

A HEMS can manage a mix of suitable appliances such as solar PV, air conditioners, battery storage, hot water systems, pool filtration and electric vehicles to ensure you only use the electricity you need at the cheapest time of the day. With some energy providers, including ActewAGL offering time-of-use pricing, a HEMS will work to ensure you pay less.

You can also connect and automate many elements of your smart home with a HEMS, such as lighting, hot water, air conditioning, security, and entertainment systems. It becomes a central hub where you can remotely control and monitor your home and create automation rules.

From turning lights on and off from your device, automating blinds to close with the heat of a sunrise, remotely adjusting your airconditioning and turning off stand-by appliances automatically in the evening, you can even integrate your system with other smart devices like voice assistants, smart speakers, and smart TVs.

Because of the convenience of automation, a HEMS will make your home more energy efficient, save on energy bills and reduce your household's carbon footprint.

Smart chargers power up EVs for less.

Smart EV chargers use advanced technology to provide faster charging times, energy efficiency, and cost savings compared to traditional EV chargers.

Smart EV chargers can monitor and adjust the charging rate based on the battery's state of charge, the availability of renewable energy sources, and other factors. They can also be controlled remotely using a mobile app, allowing you to monitor your vehicle's charging status and adjust settings as needed. In addition, they can be programmed to take advantage of off-peak energy rates and avoid peak demand charges saving you on the cost of powering up your car.

With the ability to integrate with other smart home devices and systems, smart EV chargers are quickly becoming popular for electric vehicle owners who want to maximise their energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint.

Summary

• Australia has a thriving smart home market, with nearly two-thirds of Australian households owning at least one smart home product in 2021.
• Smart homes can be customised and controlled through a smartphone app and monitor home security access, temperature, lighting, and appliances.
• Smart energy meters can provide transparency over your energy use and access to information through your energy retailer's app or online portal.
• Smart pool pumps can save owners money on energy consumption by adjusting the pump's speed and flow rate to the pool's needs, ultimately reducing energy consumption by up to 83%.
• Home energy management systems can automate and manage the use of electricity from solar PV, air conditioners, battery storage, hot water systems, pool filtration and electric vehicles, and create scheduled running times that control when appliances operate.
• Smart EV chargers use advanced technology to provide faster charging times, energy efficiency and cost savings. In addition, they can be programmed to take advantage of off-peak energy rates and avoid peak demand charges.

ActewAGL's energy saving tips are designed to help you take control of your energy use, while reducing your bills and environmental impact. Save with great value energy plans backed by our sustainability promise, supported by 100% local, award-winning service - so you can LIVE A Good Life now and into the future.

For more information about how you can transition to an energy-efficient home visit the SolarHub & ActewAGL Smart Energy Hub today.

Sources

https://www.ergon.com.au/network/smarter-energy/home-energy-management-systems
https://au.news.yahoo.com/australia-smart-home-markets-report-101300207
https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5715837/australia-smart-home-market-size-forecast-2023
https://www.astralpool.com.au/pool-and-spa-guides/5-reasons-why-you-should-upgrade-to-a-variable-speed-pump

Disclaimer: These Energy Savings tips and articles are for information purposes only. Please ensure you are aware of any safety precautions before operating appliances or products.