How motion sensors and smart thermostats work together to automate cost savings
Energy optimization is meant to be a “hands-free” experience, but that doesn’t mean it happens on its own. You’ll still need to play a role in setting up an energy management system in your home, typically by incorporating a handful of components like sensors, a smart thermostat and demand response programs. Once in place, these components work together behind the scenes so your home can respond to real conditions instead of just running on a schedule each day. Here’s how:
Motion sensors detect occupancy
Motion sensors and door and window contacts detect when a room, or the whole house, is empty or occupied. Occupancy information becomes especially useful when it works together with a smart thermostat. This can prevent heating or cooling a home nobody is in, ensuring energy is used only when it's needed.
Smart thermostats learn your schedule
On their own, smart thermostats can make a measurable difference in your home’s energy efficiency. In fact, the US Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program says that households with certified smart thermostats save 8% on their heating and cooling costs, which equates to around $50 a year. But if we’re talking energy optimization, the smart thermostat goes one step further, communicating with the sensors in your home to understand your routine and adapt as needed, without your input.
With our Comfort IQ™ bundle, for example, the Vivint Smart Thermostat uses in-home sensors and scheduling to identify when the home is occupied or empty and can automatically adjust the temperature when no one is home. You can still override those adjustments when needed for comfort.
Demand response helps save energy during high-demand periods
Automated demand response programs can help reduce electricity use when demand on the grid is high. During a demand response event, an enrolled smart thermostat may automatically adjust the temperature for a period of time, then return to its usual settings afterward.
One example of an automated demand response program is the Reliant Degrees of Difference program, which is available to customers enrolled in the Comfort IQ bundle. During certain high-demand periods, the program may automatically adjust a Vivint Smart Thermostat by up to 4 degrees to help reduce strain on the electric grid. You'll receive a notification before the adjustment occurs and can override the event at any time by changing your thermostat settings, so you're always in control of your home's comfort.
