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STARTSMART THIS NEW HOUSEHOLD DYNAMIC CAN CAUSE ENERGY USE AND UTILITY BILLS TO SKYROCKET. NEW “FULL HOUSE” BRINGS HIGH ENERGY BILLS The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly turned the “new normal” household into hubs for all family activities, moving the workplace, grade school, college, extracurricular activities, meals, gyms, hobbies, all under one roof. In fact, 82 percent of company leaders surveyed by research firm Gartner say their organizations plan to permit employees to work remotely at least part of the time even post-pandemic. This new household dynamic can cause energy use and utility bills to skyrocket. As heating and cooling accounts for nearly half of home energy use, new technology can help lower bills. Get “Smart” About Climate Control: Smart HVAC systems have built-in Internet capability that can control temperatures directly without additional equipment. Smart Home Thermostats create “smart” systems by enabling remote temperature control via a mobile or Internet-connected device or voice-operated home automation system. Voice Your Preference: Most HVAC manufacturers now offer apps that enable systems to be controlled Read our magazine online at HIRpub.digital
By Erin Mezle
from anywhere using a mobile device. Voice-control capability uses digital assistants, like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, to verbally dictate home temperatures to improve energy savings. Find Your Efficient Comfort Zone: Many of us live in homes designed for bigger families, but have yet to downsize. If you find yourself using a fraction of your home on a regular basis, consider upgrading to a zoned ducted or ductless system, which can save energy heating and cooling spaces where you and your family don’t spend much time. Get a Split: Among the most energy-efficient heating and cooling products, electricity-powered ductless mini-split systems can save as much as 25 percent on your energy bill. Available from companies such as Fujitsu General America, mini-splits use thin copper tubing to pump refrigerant from an outdoor compressor directly into an indoor air-handling unit, where the air is quietly distributed to the interior space. Learn more at www.constantcomfort.com. HIRpub.com | Home Improvement and Repair
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