Home automation systems enable you to control temperatures, security, media, lights, video surveillance, and much more with just a click on your mobile.
You get easier access and enhanced convenience. The biggest bonus of home automation systems is the decrease in overall energy consumption.
But did you know that you can still save more by switching your plan? Use energy comparison websites to compare plans and choose the most profitable one for you before installing home automation.
The right plan reduces your energy bills, helps you conserve energy, and saves costs all at once.
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Energy Monitoring
You can monitor your current energy consumption. Australia’s average energy consumption per household was around 130.6 GJ (gigajoule) between 2018 to 2019.
Find out how much energy your automation devices use and check if the energy consumption and rates are reasonable.
Consider switching your plan and reduce your overall utility costs. Browse through different plans through a reliable energy consumption website.
Contact the provider and inquire about the details of the plan. Make sure to inquire about how the costs reduce when you install the automation devices.
The home automation systems also monitor the total energy consumption of your home or individual appliances or circuits.
The measuring device in your energy meter board measures current and converts it into energy for your use. This information transmits wirelessly to the home automation controller.
You can then view the energy consumption information and costs. View it in real-time or check the previous week’s details. If you find that the costs are still higher, switch your plan anytime.
Finding the Right Plan
To save energy and costs effectively, you need the right plan. You have to ensure that it is compatible with the home automation devices that you wish to install.
Use energy comparison websites to compare various plans and choose the most suitable one for you.
Choose the best plan by considering a few aspects.
Energy Consumption Patterns
While reviewing your latest energy bills, identify the times when your household consumes energy the most. The chances are that your energy use fluctuates during the weekends or for different seasons.
Now, consider if your new home automation devices, such as smart lights or HVAC devices, can significantly reduce energy consumption during peak times. You may also assess and change some of your energy consumption habits.
Check if better plans are available to meet your energy needs. Until the bill arrives, you may not know how much you are paying for energy units with variable-rate plans.
Meanwhile, fixed-rate plans allow you to know the exact rates for each energy unit you use.
Determine Your Contract Length
To determine the best contract length time for your plan, you have to consider your budget and energy flexibility. If you stay in a rented home, you may need to select a plan that suits the duration of your property lease.
Meanwhile, seasoned homeowners may save more costs by choosing an energy plan for many years.
The following contract length durations are among the most common energy plans:
For Fixed-rate Plans
- Multi-year plans: Best for long-term price security. Available for two years, three years, and more.
- 12-month plans: These plans offer price protection for a whole year.
- Shorter terms: They are available for three or six months. These plans can be suitable to meet your increased energy consumption for a particular season or if you have a shorter lease.
For Variable-rate and Indexed-rate Plans
- Month to month: Offer more freedom to switch to more suitable plans every month. However, you may have to deal with supply rate fluctuation.
- Prepaid plans: These plans do not have a fixed contract period. You are free to use energy until your supply pack runs out.
Compare Costs
You can easily compare the prices of various plans through energy comparison websites. You only have to enter the zip code and answer a few questions to review the best plans in your area.
Check if the plans have any additional costs. Some may charge extra for the following:
- Energy units
- Delivery
- Capacity
- Transmission
- Ancillary services, including regulation, voltage control, and black start charges
Compare the rates of different energy plans to find the one that matches your energy needs and budget. Some plans may also offer good discounts and deals to help you save more costs. Research your available options thoroughly to find affordable plans.
Home automation devices help you reduce your energy consumption. You can save more energy and costs by switching to a better plan. Compare different plans on the internet to get the most beneficial one for you.
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