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No matter how you measure your consumption of electricity, you know how to save on your power bill: turn appliances off when you’re not using them. Saying it is easy, but doing it is sometimes a challenge. For example, you may have family members who don’t pay attention to the use of electricity, or you may be so busy yourself that even one more thing to think about is one too many.
Automatic switches, whether controlled by clocks, photo cells, or motion sensors, won’t do your thinking for you—but they will turn electric items on and off without your actions. They can help minimize the unnecessary use of electricity in your house while improving
your comfort, safety, and security. The amounts you save using these devices will quickly pay for them; after that, it’s money you get to keep.
Photo-Controlled Switches
In winter months, the work day is longer than the daylight. You might leave home and return in the dark without changing your schedule. But just as you wouldn’t leave your thermostat set to full warmth while you’re gone, you wouldn’t leave the lights on all day.
A simple photo-controlled switch will turn on a light when the surroundings become dark. Early models often flickered, because the light that was switched on would affect the photo cell. This is no longer a problem. A modern photo control turns lights on and off as surely as a hard-wired switch. At least one model currently available turns lights on at dusk, and off again six hours later, so the light won’t be left on overnight.
Indoor Timers
For appliances other than lights, your needs are less likely to depend on the changing daylight hours. For example, you may need to run a dehumidifier while you’re out, or start an air conditioner an hour before you expect to get home. For tasks like these, a timer is a better choice.
Timers are available in analog and digital models, with anywhere from one on-off cycle per 24 hours to as many as a cycle every hour. Different models can handle varying current loads; the most basic timers will control light fixtures, while heavy-duty grounded models
handle high-demand appliances such as air conditioners and heaters. Special models are made for 3-prong, 220- to 240-volt grounded appliances.
Most timers plug directly into the wall, but some have cords and table-top controllers. These models are designed to help users who may not be able to reach an outlet. Others can be mounted in the wall, in place of switch boxes, for easy access with no cords to manage.
As timers have become more reliable and versatile, they have also become more affordable. Even the most basic models allow manual overrides without disabling the timer. Many offer random pattern switching for greater security. This feature varies the time at which a light or other appliance is switched on and off, so anyone watching your house won’t notice the same things happening at the same times every day.
For an automated switch that uses a timer and tracks the cycles of daylight, you can now find models with “astronomic” features. That doesn’t refer to the price, but to the timer’s capability to follow a year-long calendar indicating sunrise and sunset times for each day.
Outdoor Timers
If you have outdoor lighting, an outdoor timer can help you save electricity by leaving the current off until it’s wanted. For example, if you use 110 to 120 volt current to power walkway lights for greeting visitors, you won’t want the lights to stay on all day. Or if you have a water feature to attract wildlife, but only want the pump running during certain hours, a timer will save you the trouble of remembering to switch it on and off. Or if you enjoy putting up holiday lights, you want to keep your tradition going while saving energy.
Fewer outdoor timers are available than indoor models, but any building supply store will have several from which to choose.
Power Failure Lights
In case of a power failure at night, you will need a way to see. Special lights designed for just this purpose stay plugged in, drawing a small amount of current. When normal power is interrupted, the lights switch on automatically, giving you a beacon in the dark. The most
likely place for a power failure light is near the master bedroom; you might also consider placing one in a stairway, hallway, kitchen, or bathroom.
Motion Sensor Switches
Already common in neighborhoods across the country, motion sensor switches switch on outdoor lights only when a large object moves nearby. These have become popular for both energy savings and security; in fact, they are often given away by crime prevention programs. A basic model replaces an outdoor light fixture, and has a sensor and one or two bulb sockets that mount directly to the electrical box. Most motion sensor switches are designed for outdoor use; they should have rubberized gaskets to protect the electrical box and the bulb sockets.
Despite their value in improving safety and security, most outdoor lights with motion sensor switches have one flaw: The lights usually point directly at the people moving toward the house. To prevent this inconvenience, aim the bulbs outward from the fixture, or use a
separate motion sensor and mount the lights so that they illuminate the entryway, not the approach.
Home Automation Controllers and Modules
If you like the idea of automating your use of electricity, and have more than two or three devices you would like to control with timers or sensors, consider investing in a home automation system. Until a few years ago, these were complicated and expensive, requiring
professional installation and specialized equipment. You can now find do-it-yourself home automation kits with comprehensive programming options for surprisingly little money.
Using a single controller, you can create and change settings for as many items as you like—up to 16 devices on each of 12 channels. The system has modules for outlets, sockets, and wall switches, all receiving commands from the controller through radio frequencies.
That means you don’t have to run any new wiring.
Such a system includes the most advanced features found in timers: programmability, manual overrides, multiple on-off cycles, random timing for security, automatic adjustment for daylight savings time, multiple dimming levels, and astronomical figures. It even has self-diagnostic functions so you can be sure it’s set up correctly
Now and in the Future
The payback period for energy-saving devices will depend on the cost of the resource, the price of the device, and how much it helps you save. The cost of electricity is increasing, and the prices of motion sensors, photo controls, timers, and home automation systems have come down within reach of most homeowners. If you need to leave any electric lights or appliances running when you’re not home, chances are you’ll earn back the price of any of these items—and soon.
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