Technology is constantly shaping the electrical industry, creating innovative solutions to help us rethink how we consume energy and how new technology can help make our lives easier. However, keeping up with this industry-changing technology can be difficult as more and more innovations hit the market. Well, the geeky, dorky electrician in me has identified some of the biggest trends of the electrical industry for our Lehigh Valley homeowners and businesses.
1) Energy Reduction
Just as consumers want to have more control over their energy with access to sustainable, renewable energy options, they are also consciously buying energy-efficient solutions to cut back on energy consumption. And today, there are more solutions than ever. From smart power strips and smart thermostats to Energy Star-certified appliances and even windows, consumers are able to save hundreds every year over the lifetime of this technology.
Take smart power strips, for instance. “Phantom energy,” also known as “standby energy” or “vampire energy,” is the electricity used by electronics when turned off or in standby mode. Phantom Energy accounts for 5 percent to 10 percent of residential energy use and costs the average U.S. household as much as $100 per year. Investing in smart power strips that shut off power to electronics when they are not in use can save customers up to $200 per year.
Smart thermostats eliminate wasteful energy consumption with programmable settings, helping you heat and cool your home only when you need it. On average, a smart thermostat can save consumers up to $180 per year.
Energy-efficient appliances like a washer, dryer, and refrigerator can save on energy and water, further reducing utility costs to the average homeowner. In fact, Energy Star-certified washers consume 25% less energy and 45% less water than their conventional counterparts. Energy Star-certified refrigerators can help save up to 9% on energy costs. So, if you’re looking to invest in new appliances, consider the energy savings in the long run to see which appliances should be replaced first to help maximize on savings and reduce energy consumption.
2) Home Automation
Automating electrical systems is an increasingly popular trend. Homeowners want to be able to control their home lighting with their smartphone or set it up to automatically shut on and off when needed. Motion-sensing lights are a popular example. Lights turn on when someone walks in a room, then switch off when they leave. This can save homeowners money on their utility bill.
3) Electrical Charging Stations in Garages
According to the Department of Energy, electrical vehicles will soon become much more common, requiring homeowners to find a place in their home to charge up their car. Garages wired for the electrical vehicle revolution are definitely an up-and-coming trend, and those who are interested in purchasing this kind of car will need to upgrade their home’s wiring.
4) USB Ports Replacing Electrical Outlets
USB ports are becoming increasingly common in the modern home, and homeowners often upgrade their homes by switching out one or more of their traditional wall outlets for a USB power port. These ports allow you to plug your USB-based charger directly into the wall, without a pronged plug. If you’re not ready to get rid of your regular three-pronged outlet, don’t worry. You can pick up an outlet that has the traditional outlet and a USB connection as well!
5) Upgraded Closet Lighting
Though walk-in closets are great for storing clothing, when there’s only one small overhead light to brighten up the space, they aren’t too convenient. That’s why many are installing more lighting in their closets. From under-the-shelf lighting to spot lighting hung from the ceiling, there are a lot of different ways to better brighten up the space.
A smart thermostat can be set to automatically turn off or reduce heating and cooling during the times when you are asleep or away. When you install a smart thermostat, you can help reduce the energy you use from heating and cooling without upgrading your HVAC system.
5) Smart Thermostats
According to ENERGY STAR, a smart thermostat could save you approximately 8 percent of your heating and cooling bills, or $50 per year. Savings may vary based on the climate where you live, your personal comfort preferences, how many people live in your home, and the type and age of HVAC equipment in your home. Smart thermostats come in different models that can be set to fit your weekly schedule. Additional features may include indicators for when to replace air filters or HVAC system problems, which also improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Learn more about smart thermostats like Google Nest and Ecobee.
6) Smart Recessed Lighting
Recessed ceiling lights, loved for their modern look and even lighting, are now smart too! These “smart” lights can be activated via voice, app or even the clap of your hands. They can dim from soft light to bright, from warm light to cool, and can morph into hundreds of different colors. They can even pulse and change colors to the beat of music or gaming sounds. And multiple lights can be configured into complex scenes to match holiday decor or to provide a specific ambience.
More and more decorative indoor and outdoor lighting solutions are becoming “smart.”
7) Smart Ceiling Fans
Smart ceiling fans can be connected to your thermostat and be programmed to turn on and off, optimizing the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Some also have reversible motors for bi-directional blade movement, which means no more teetering on a ladder to switch the fan direction each season. And many have lights which are smart as well.
8) Smart Thermostats
According to ENERGY STAR, a smart thermostat could save you approximately 8 percent of your heating and cooling bills, or $50 per year. Savings may vary based on the climate where you live, your personal comfort preferences, how many people live in your home, and the type and age of HVAC equipment in your home. Smart thermostats come in different models that can be set to fit your weekly schedule. Additional features may include indicators for when to replace air filters or HVAC system problems, which also improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Learn more about smart thermostats like Google Nest and Ecobee.
9) Surge Protection – It’s Smart Too!
As you fill your home with smart items that are Wi-Fi-enabled and equipped with their own computers, it becomes necessary to consider a whole-home point-of-entry surge protector to keep your devices safe from power surges. Which begs the question, are there smart surge protectors? There certainly are.
10) LED Will Be Even More Popular
It’s not very often that an industry-changing technology comes out, but ever year it seems that LED is becoming more and more efficient and becoming more and more popular as the years go by. Not only do LEDs use 25% to 80% less electricity, but they also have a much longer lifespan than their traditional counterpart — as much as 25 times longer than a traditional bulb. For any business or home, installing LEDs is a no-brainer. The savings certainly outweigh the more expensive initial cost, and are the much more sustainable option when it comes to lighting for residential, commercial, or industrial projects.
With cost savings helping outweigh why customers are switching to LED lighting, there are also less safety risks that may yield lower insurance costs. The insurance market may consider discounts to switch to LED lighting because the bulbs are non-combustible and help prevent the likelihood of a “pop” explosion.
If you would like to speak with a professional, licensed electrician to give you an honest opinion about your electrical update needs, please reach out to GB Electric in Allentown PA. Homeowners and businesses have trusted us since 2002 to handle their residential and commercial electrical needs. Give us a call at 610-508-9525. We serve clients in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and Valley wide.
Source:
Energy Sage
City Electric Supply