Summer in North Carolina means long, hot days with temperatures regularly climbing into the 90s — and energy bills that climb right along with them. The good news? With the right smart home technology and a few practical strategies, you can stay comfortable without watching your electric bill skyrocket.
Here are five smart ways to take control of your energy usage this summer.
1. Let a Smart Thermostat Do the Thinking
A smart thermostat is the single biggest upgrade you can make for summer energy savings. Instead of cooling an empty house all day, a smart thermostat learns your schedule and adjusts automatically.
- Automatic scheduling — set your thermostat to raise the temperature when you leave for work and cool things down before you get home
- Remote control — adjust your home’s temperature from anywhere using the Alarm.com app, so you’re never wasting energy on an empty house
- Geo-fencing — your system detects when you’re heading home and starts cooling in advance, giving you comfort without the waste
- Energy usage reports — track your cooling patterns and identify where you’re spending the most
Pro Tip: Setting your thermostat just 3-4 degrees higher when you’re away can save up to 10% on your cooling costs over the summer. With a smart thermostat, this happens automatically — no daily adjustments needed.
2. Automate Your Lights and Shades
Sunlight streaming through windows is one of the biggest sources of heat gain in your home during the summer months. Smart automation helps you manage it effortlessly.
- Automated blinds and shades — schedule window coverings to close during peak sun hours and open when things cool down
- Smart lighting schedules — switch to LED bulbs and set automated schedules so lights aren’t running when natural daylight is enough
- Scene-based control — create an “Away” scene that closes blinds, adjusts the thermostat, and turns off unnecessary lights with a single tap in the Alarm.com app
These small changes add up quickly. Blocking direct sunlight alone can reduce indoor temperatures by several degrees, meaning your AC doesn’t have to work as hard.
3. Monitor Your Energy in Real Time
You can’t fix what you can’t see. Real-time energy monitoring gives you the visibility to make smarter decisions about your home’s energy consumption.
- Alarm.com energy dashboard — see exactly how much energy your home is using at any given moment
- Usage alerts — get notified when your energy consumption spikes unexpectedly, which could indicate an HVAC issue or a door left open
- Monthly comparisons — track your usage over time and see the impact of the changes you’re making
If your AC is running more than usual, that’s often an early warning sign. Catching it early can save you from an expensive repair — and an even more expensive electric bill.
4. Use Smart Rules to Eliminate Waste
One of the most powerful features of a connected smart home is the ability to create rules that save energy automatically, without you having to think about it.
- “Door left open” alerts — if a door or window sensor detects it’s been open for more than a few minutes while the AC is running, you get an alert right away
- Occupancy-based adjustments — motion sensors can detect empty rooms and adjust climate and lighting accordingly
- Time-based rules — automatically power down non-essential devices during peak electricity rate hours
- Vacation mode — heading to the beach? Set your entire home to an energy-saving state with one tap, keeping minimal systems running while you’re away
These automated rules work quietly in the background, catching the energy waste that’s easy to miss in the daily routine.
5. Schedule a System Check Before the Heat Hits
Your smart home system and HVAC work together to keep costs down — but only if everything is running efficiently. A mid-spring checkup ensures you’re ready before the first heat wave.
- HVAC filter replacement — a clogged filter makes your system work harder and use more energy
- Sensor battery check — make sure all your door, window, and temperature sensors are reporting correctly
- Thermostat calibration — verify your smart thermostat is reading temperatures accurately
- System firmware updates — ensure your Alarm.com system is running the latest software for optimal performance
Getting ahead of the season means fewer surprises when you need your system the most.
Stay Cool and Save Money This Summer
North Carolina summers are no joke, but you don’t have to choose between comfort and affordability. Smart home technology from E2 Technologies gives you the tools to manage your energy usage effortlessly — keeping your home cool, your family comfortable, and your bills under control.
Ready to make your home smarter this summer? Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out how much you could save. You can also learn more about our smart home solutions and see how we help homeowners across the Raleigh, Garner, and Triangle area take control of their energy costs.
Call us at 919-306-1230 or reach out online — we’re here to help you beat the heat without breaking the bank.