I started about 3-4 years ago. Got tired of replacing all the CF lamps I got from Costco, and were advertised to last 5-7 years, none did. Back then, new LED bulbs were on promotion for about $1/piece.
So, here is what I did to save energy:
- Bought a FLIR Thermal Camera iPhone accessory to identify thermal ‘leaks’
- Replaced 100+ light bulbs (CF+Incandescent) to Dimmable LEDs
- Installed 16+ Smart WIFI dimmers (Feit)
- Replaced/Installed Storm doors on front/laundry doors
- Replaced some gaskets in windows - Some did not have any (thank you contractor)
- Installed Motion activated light switches (kids/wife have tendency to leave lights on wherever they go)
- Replaced Water heater with slightly more efficient one (after 12 years)
- Replaced all landscape lights by LEDs - From 200+ Watts to ~50W (put more lights too)
- Got Sense for electricity usage monitoring
- Got Flume 2 for water usage monitoring
- I no longer water my lawn - Sorry neighbors
- Nest Thermostats for better heating/cooling management - Just ordered 3 ‘remote’ temp sensors for Nest, to better control heating.
Future (Spring/Summer Projects)
13. Replace cracked window, and those with failed double pane seal
14. Better sealing of garage door
15. Shower-Head flow limiters - They did that in our residences, when I was in grad school many years ago.
16. Install smart plugs to turn off power to various small devices at night (e.g., TV, game console, chargers, …)
17. Smart Blinds (apparently they help with temp insulation, need to read-up more)
There were other additions/modifications to make the house ‘smart’, including various cameras, smart plugs/bulbs, smart garage opener, Smart sprinkler controller, Radon Detector, … etc
Now trying to learn OpenHab to integrate all the smart devices and energy/water monitoring into a single command center … won’t be easy, but a good project when you’re confined indoors during the winter.