Five Ways to Automate Power Savings - Part II

As discussed in part I, most power savings projects "automate" savings. If you install extra insulation, you expend work up front, but can sit back and enjoy the savings for years to come.

However, this two part series in looking at ways that home automation can save you power and add convenience and security to your home.

Part I looked at two simple products that can insure your lights and electronics get shut off when not in use.

Part II today will look at these three additional steps - plus a bonus.

1. Wall Switch Timers.  These take the place of a traditional switch, and automatically turn on and off base don programs or your local sunrise and sunset.  Perfect for outdoor lighting.
2. Programmable Thermostats.  It is more efficient for your AC and Heater to run for long periods than to turn on and off repeatedly all day.  Programmable thermostats and adjust your settings while you are at work or away from the house.
3. Outlet timers.  Traditional outlet timers are perfect for many applications - holiday lights, outdoor fountains, or anything else that you may want to turn on or off at specific times.

Wall Switch Timers

Intermatic ST01C Timers - Decora Style

Wall switch timers are installed in place of a switch, and can provide custom programing of when whatever the switch controls turns on and off.  I personally use these for my outdoor "coach" lights over the garages and by my front door.  And many newer houses have indoor switches that control outdoor outlets designed for holiday lighting or decor, providing another excellent application.

My recommendations are:

• Intermatic ST01C - there are only two reviews, though, and one is mine. But I can say I've owned two of these for 2.5 years using them with CFls with no issues (aside from the clock needing to be reset for accuracy every year or so). Unfortunately, this switch is no longer available from Amazon as of mid October.
  
• A consistently highly rated alternative to the ST01C is the Aube by Honeywell TI071/U programmable switch. Amazon reviews are consistently good, even when driving CFL-based loads.
  
• Another option is the Intermatic EJ500C. I've never used this model, but it is cheaper than the ST01C. Reviews on Amazon show a mixed bag of success with CFLs.

Both units have battery backup so that you will not lose your programs in the event of a power outage.  They both can be programmed for specific times, or to track sunrise and sunset for your region of the country.  Further, they have a randomizing feature to give your house a "lived in" look so the lights don't turn off and on at the same time every day - adding some security.


Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats allow your heat and AC to take a break when you are not home, leading to more efficient use and no more "forgetting" to turn the thermostat down when you leave and back up when you return home.  In fact, you can program it so it kicks on 15 or 20 minutes before you arrive home so the house is nice and comfortable when you get home.

Honeywell  RTH6400D

Now, there are a number of heating and cooling systems out there, ranging from traditional furnace and air conditioning units to heat pumps and combinations there of. This means a bit of research should be done before purchasing a thermostat to ensure it is compatible with your units.  This is sometimes an area where spending an extra $20 may be worth the hassle.



Considerations Before buying

• Some units allow for seven programs - one for each day.  Other units allow for only one program, and others allow for one weekday program, and separate programs for Saturday and Sunday (called 5-1-1).  In fact, there are even 5-2 units, allowing for a weekday and weekend day program.  Decide which you need.
• Do you want a fancy touch screen unit, or save a few dollars and get one with buttons?

My recommendations:

• I use a 5-1-1 unit from Honeywell, which was recommended as being compatible with many heating and AC systems.  Honeywell RTH6400D
  
• There is a newer version of the above unit. The RTH6400D can be purchased at a discount for the moment, but the new version is the Honeywell RTH6450D1009.

Outlet Timers
Outlet timers have been around for years, and are excellent security devices.  They are frequently used when people go on vacation so that a light, TV, or stereo can turn on and off while away.

Considerations Before Buying:

• Do you need a grounded outlet, or a two-prong outlet?  Be careful because many of the cheaper timers only allow for non-grounded connections.
• Do you want automatic on and off timed to sunrise and sunset?  Some digital timers support this.
• If for outdoor use, will this be a permanent installation, or temporary?   If permanent, be sure to get one that is weather proofed.

My recommendations:

• For permanent outdoor use, grounded outlets: Intermatic HB31R
  
• For indoor use, grounded outlets: Intermatic TN311C
• For indoor use, grounded outlets, with sunrise/sunset capability: Intermatic DT620CL 

A Bonus Solution
Belkin recently announced a single outlet timer that is extremely easy to use.  It supports three settings - on for 30 minutes, 3 hours, or 6 hours.  This is an excellent solution for your charging strip - i.e. the power strip you use to charge your phones and other peripherals that you carry around with you.  Why is it such a good idea?  Not only will those devices pull vampire power, but most batteries should not be left to charge indefinitely - it shortens battery life.