Smart homes are no longer a thing of the future. They're today's reality. We have gone far beyond...
Smart appliances are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reasons. They offer several benefits over traditional appliances, including energy efficiency, convenience, and security. As the technology behind the appliances evolves, and the desire for energy-efficient models increases, manufacturers are doing all they can to meet consumer demand. Energy-efficient Smart Appliances are now greener than ever before.
Energy-Efficiency and Convenience are the Key Benefits of Smart Appliances
One of the biggest benefits of smart appliances is their energy efficiency. Smart appliances are intended to use less energy than the appliances you’ve used in the past. You’ll appreciate seeing your savings increase as your energy bills decrease. For example, a smart refrigerator can automatically adjust its temperature settings based on your usage patterns, saving you up to 20% on your energy bill.
In addition to being more energy efficient, smart appliances are also more convenient. Many smart appliances have features that allow you to control them remotely with a Smart Hub from anywhere in the house. Some can be controlled through a smartphone app, though you will need to check that your smartphone is compatible in order to use it; the manufacturer will provide simple instructions on how to set it up. This means you can start a load of laundry or preheat the oven before you even get home from work.
Smart appliances offer several helpful features. Some smart refrigerators have built-in cameras that allow you to see what’s inside, when you’re outside, so you won’t have to guess if you’re running out of milk or eggs. Grocery shopping is easier, and that’s definitely smart.
Smart thermostats can detect when you’re away from home and automatically adjust the temperature to save energy on your bill each month. Smart doorbells and smart cameras are the easiest way to always know who’s at your front door. Nest Hello takes video doorbells to a new level, allowing you to record 30 days of video, all in HD.
Smart lighting is another fantastic way to save money while being more energy-efficient. Two of the most popular brands are Lutron Caseta and Leviton Decora™ Smart Lighting. With smart remotes and switches, you can control and adjust your lighting from anywhere, using your tablet, computer, or smartphone.
Smart appliances are a great option if you’re looking for creative ways to lower your energy bills and make your home more convenient and secure. And with federal tax incentives available, now is a great time to make the switch.
Tax Incentives Save You Money
The federal government is offering tax incentives to encourage people to purchase and install smart appliances. These incentives can save you hundreds of dollars on the purchase of your new appliances.
To be eligible for these tax savings, you must follow the energy efficiency standards from purchase to installation and use a particular tax form. To keep things easy, you’ll find the links you need to be eligible for tax incentives below. Bookmark this post to keep the list handy.
- Your appliances must meet certain energy efficiency standards to qualify for the tax incentives. You can find a list of eligible appliances on the Energy Star website.
- In addition to meeting energy efficiency standards, a qualified contractor must also install your appliances. You can find a list of qualified contractors on the Energy Star website.
- You must file Form 5695 with your federal income taxes to claim the tax incentives. You can find Form 5695 on the IRS website.
What if My Electrical Panel Needs Upgrading?
Confirming your electrical panel can handle the additional load is an important step if you're considering purchasing smart appliances. If your electrical panel is outdated or overloaded, it may be unable to support the new appliances. Wilcox Electric can assess your current electrical panel to see if it will meet the necessary requirements for smart appliances. Our highly trained and experienced smart home technicians can upgrade your panel and install a smart home hub to consolidate all your connections and programming in one place.
To schedule an assessment of your existing electrical panel, or to inquire about smart lighting, video doorbells, smart cameras, or other smart home services that we offer, contact Wilcox Electric today.
