Role of Smart and Automated Solutions in ZNE Homes

According to the US Energy Information Administration, heating and cooling represent the biggest electrical load–about a third of the energy used in the home. To better manage this expenditure, 16% of consumers have incorporated automation into their energy-saving efforts by adopting smart thermostats. The outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive, with a remarkable 88% of users attesting to saving as much, if not more, money than initially expected.

These savings represent a great success for a solution that can cost under $300. Other home energy automation products are available to support maximum efficiency for each major electrical load and energy-efficiency considerations (below) by enabling remote or automated on/off and scheduling activities when energy rates are lowest.

• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning – Smart thermostats and smart A/Cs
• Monitoring fenestration and building envelope – Temperature and humidity sensors
• Appliances – Energy-efficient appliances, smart appliances
• Lighting – Smart lighting systems, smart light bulbs, smart switches
• Miscellaneous plugged devices – Smart plugs, smart power strips, smart TVs

Energy consumers want information they can use to make behavioral decisions regarding their energy usage. Viewing whole-home energy usage in real time continues to provide high value to consumers, as 25% of households rank this ability as the most valuable for managing energy usage and costs.

At present, home energy management systems including smart electrical panels and the devices above can provide access to this type of real-time data. Energy monitoring technology can aid residents in achieving the goal of ZNE in their homes by allowing them to manage their energy-consuming activities.

This excerpt is from a?Parks Associates?white paper in partnership with?Nice Group, “Building Net Zero Homes with Home Management Systems,” written by Jennifer Kent, Ph.D. , VP, Research, Parks Associates . To access this complimentary white paper, visit:?https://online.flippingbook.com/view/607603400/