Home Automation – Turn It On Electric

Electric Bill, Home Automation, Residential

Can Smart Plugs Save You Money?

26May2022

Smart plugs have the same configuration as most electrical plug-ins. Their prongs plug into the wall outlet openings. You can then plug other electrical products into the smart plug.

The first smart plug was designed by a British teen circa 2014. So, smart plugs are nothing new. For homeowners, smart devices managing smart electronic systems is becoming the rule, not the exception.

Advantages of Smart Plugs

The distinguishing advantage of smart plugs is their ability to reduce standby energy loss.

Smart plugs can be auto-configured or controlled remotely using WiFi. Individual models have different functions and instructions for use. All smart plugs save energy, but some say the cost vs. energy savings is a wash.

They can be used to control:

Appliances
Ceiling fans
Decorative lights
Electrical power “vampires” (electronics on standby)
- Heaters/ACs
- Kitchen appliances
- Laptops/PCs
- Phone chargers
- Printers/scanners
- TVs/game consoles
- WiFi modems
Entertainment centers
Gaming consoles
Lamps

There are as many advantages to remote-controlled smart plugs as your imagination allows. Holiday lighting is frequently managed using smart plugs. Another popular advantage (but only with parents) is controlling plugged-in gaming devices and consoles. When it’s homework time or bedtime, you simply cut the power. This can ensure the kids aren’t up all hours playing games.

If you need your crockpot to cook a meal on high for 4 hours – but you’re away from home for eight hours – you can turn it on midday. No more overdone dinners.

Smart Plug Disadvantages

The smart plug’s size itself is a turn-off. They are often difficult to use in tight spaces behind furniture and appliances. And while proponents claim smart plugs can handle appliances, most plugs can only manage 15 amps of current.

They cannot be used both indoors and outdoors. You need a different type and size smart plugs for outside than the one you use in the house.

Smart plugs will save you money if they are set up correctly. This, say many smart plug ex-users, is the understatement of the year.

“Installing the device itself won’t necessarily save you energy and money, but setting it up so other devices only switch on and off as needed will save you money and help you consume less power,” says Jennifer Allen of Lifewire.

Safety standards are developed for a reason. There hasn’t been a surge of “black market” smart plugs, but it is important to buy from a reputable source.

Another disadvantage is some brands are more “hackable” than others. Hackers try to gain access to private information stored on other devices. They can use WiFi-enabled smart plugs to do just that.

Again, buy from reputable retailers. Online offers that are almost too good to be true usually aren’t. Even more confusing is HouseDigest says not only cheap but also popular name-brands are targeted by hackers.

Controlling your AC is more difficult than they say. You won’t be able to access necessary functions and the smart plug may skew the pre-programmed customizations you had.

Saving Our Planet While Saving You Money

“First, do no harm” is a familiar principle in the medical profession but it’s our policy too. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the green building standard formulated and managed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

Turn It On Electric of South-Central Arizona is LEED Certified. Our company and team of electrical professionals will always seek affordable, energy-saving solutions for our neighbors (like you).

Smart homeowners educate themselves as much as they can about smart home solutions. To learn more, contact TIO Electric.

Electrical Wiring, Home Automation, Residential

Smart Switches Versus Smart Bulbs

26May2022

Home automation will someday be “automatically” built-in to homes under construction. For now, smart bulbs, smart plugs, and smart switches are the trending home automation improvements. Electrical upgrades can increase your property value. Technology advancements like smart switches will also give your property an edge in a competitive housing market.

What Are Smart Switches?

Smart switches are replacements for traditional light switches. They give you auto-control over a room’s lighting, including bathroom vanity lights that are wired to one circuit. You can control smart switches using a phone app. Or not. You can activate lighting with word(s), for example, “Let there be light!”

Smart switch lights can be triggered by motion; walking into your walk-in closet, is an example. The switches can be set to turn off after so many seconds or minutes of no-motion.

You can’t combine a smart bulb and a smart switch in one room (usually). So, it’s best to choose one or the other. If you surveyed a hundred experts which are best, odds are all of them would say smart switches. They’re simply easier to use and pose fewer challenges than smart bulbs.

Smart bulbs can change colors, which you must admit, is fun. However, “If you have no desire for color-changing bulbs, then you don’t really have a decision to make. Smart switches are the better choice for sure,” says Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) attorney and economist Eric Blank.

What Is a Smart Bulb?

A smart bulb is an internet-capable LED lightbulb. It allows you customization capabilities. You can schedule and control your lighting remotely. Smart bulbs are one of many home automation upgrades Arizona homeowners are choosing to improve quality of life and sustainability.

To clarify, smart lightbulbs save money and energy because they are LED lights. LEDs are always a smart choice. But most of us use “dumb” LED lightbulbs throughout our homes, and they save the same amount of money and energy.

Many homeowners learned the hard way that when installing smart lightbulbs, your on/off light switch becomes a liability. Unsuspecting visitors will flip a light switch. It’s almost instinctive. And flipping the switch sidelines your smart lightbulb.

That “Don’t Touch!” sign taped to the light switch is quite attractive (not).

TechTarget says smart lightbulbs may pose security risks to personal information:

As with all IoT products, smart bulbs can become an attack vector. …researchers from security consultancy Context were able to gain a network’s password at a 30-meter distance from the targeted smart bulb… without any prior authentication or alerting.

Smart Switches Are Smarter

Smart switches controlled by electronic devices like cellphones are terrific. You can turn on the lights shortly before arriving home. If your Ring™ doorbell senses motion in your yard while you are away, turn on a few rooms-with-windows lights to deter would-be trespassers.

If your WiFi internet is interrupted, smart switches still work, just not remotely. You won’t forget how to turn the lights on and off by flipping the wall switch with your finger. Problem solved.

Your smart lightbulbs are toast if your WiFi goes out. Smart bulbs are often connected using a Bluetooth hub. Homes located in areas that have iffy WiFi connectivity often return to dumb lightbulbs. They’re simply easier than smart bulbs.

TIO Electric: Smart Home Wiring Professionals

Installing smart switches requires electrical experience and professional knowledge. It’s simply never safe to DIY (do-it-yourself) when working with electricity. We will ensure your smart switch setup is effective and efficient as we:

Partner with you to install the light switch that best meets your needs
Know your wall’s behind-the-scenes setup
Work with existing wiring type(s)
Update your wiring configuration to accommodate your smart switch
Test the installation

Smart switches are worth it! To learn more, contact TIO Electric.

Home Automation, Residential

Are Smart Switches Worth It?

26May2022

You live with someone that has never turned off a light in a room. Any room. Without going into the psychology of entitlement vs. living off the grid, let’s just say it’s sometimes better to manage people than argue with them. Smart switches do just that.

Smart Switches: Electrical Upgrades That Save Money

When it comes to smart lighting, one of the most seamless and natural ways to upgrade your home is with smart switches. They work as intended, even when the internet goes out…-CNET.com

There’s only one drawback to upgrading lights in your home with smart switches. They completely spoil you. When you’re visiting someone else’s home, you tend to forget to turn the lights on. Standing in the dark bathroom, you may become mildly irritated that you must hunt for a light switch.

What To Know About Smart Switches

Having smart switches installed is a home improvement that saves money. If you live with children or big kids, smart switches are programmed to turn off after a specific amount of time, with or without WiFi.

Do you want smart switches, smart bulbs, or smart plugs? All of them have distinct advantages.

Smart bulbs are special light bulbs that screw into traditional electrical sockets. They are internet-controlled through a mobile app or a home automation center. WiFi is required.
Smart plugs use “regular” light bulbs. They can also work with other appliances and not only overhead or lamp lighting. Most people control them with their phones. WiFi is necessary.

Smart Switch Advantages

Many people prefer motion-detected smart switches. “Smart motion” light switches are the easiest to manage because you don’t manage them at all. Your electrician can wire one switch to control all the lights on an outlet. For example, if your walk-in closet or bathroom has vanity lights (multiple lighting, usually over a mirror), they turn on when anyone enters that space.

Money savings from remote-controlled electrical appliances are a given; you lose less energy when lights are automatically turned off. Smart motion lights are timed to go off after a period of inactivity in a room or closet.

Some of the ways smart switches provide convenience are:

Smart switches can integrate with IFTTT (if this then that). One action triggers other action(s). You can set outdoor lights to turn on at sunset and turn off at sunrise.

Scheduling smart switches to turn lights on at a specific time is a security and safety option. Seniors never need return home to a dark house. Your pathways can be illuminated for mobility-challenged loved ones. When you’re away for extended periods of time, one or more inside lights can activate on and off at specific times to deter burglars.

App-controlled smart switches provide “anywhere anytime” access. Now that you’re 100 miles away, you wonder if you turned off the kitchen light… Use a phone app to shut them off. This saves energy and gives you peace of mind.

TIO Electric: The Smart Choice for Southwest Arizona Smart Homes

We are living in an exciting time! Installing electrical conveniences has gone way beyond light dimmers. But don’t feel guilty about home improvements like smart switches. Our lives are active and filled with purpose today. We need – yes, we “deserve” – the security, safety, and ease of operation electrical home upgrades offer.

Turn It On Electric wants to be your partner in navigating the affordability and convenience of electrical upgrades. If you have questions about smart electrical improvements for your commercial property or residence, contact TIO Electric.

Home Automation, Residential

8 Benefits of a Smart Thermostat

26May2022

Heating and cooling account for 51% of our energy use (and expense). When it comes to home automation, is installing a smart thermostat worth it? The answer is yes. Eight times yes.

A Smart Thermostat Is a Solid Energy Investment

A smart thermostat can be controlled with an internet-connected device, like a cellphone or tablet. They can operate as a stand-alone device or as part of a home automation system in a smart home.

Here are eight ways a smart thermostat is a smart investment:

1.

Your smart thermostat can pay for itself within about 2 years. One white paper* says a smart thermostat will save 10%-15% (about $131-$145/year) on monthly heating and cooling bills. They can learn from how you adjust your thermostat frequently. They can pre-program themselves to your daily routine.

2.

You are driving home, late at night after a hard day. All you want to do is get into bed. Because sleeping temperature just feels better when it’s cooler, you can begin cooling your home while you’re still on the road.

One woman that has been cold for over 30 years says she uses her cellphone to raise her cool sleeping temperature before getting out of bed. She can go directly to and from the shower without “freezing to death.”

3.

Motion sensors can determine if you’re home and then make temperature adjustments. Another added but very valuable feature is the motion detector will notify you if someone is moving about inside your home.

4.

Your smart thermostat learns from you. If you prefer cooler air at night, warmer air in the morning, and energy savings throughout the day while you’re at work, your thermostat can adjust itself.

5.

Tracking usage is another way to add visibility to energy use. Monthly reports can detail how much energy you used, its cost, and any changes that may have increased usage. Tracking can even offer tips on how to reduce costs.

6.

Some thermostats have a program that automatically adjusts temperatures to accommodate changes in weather.

7.

When some rooms are too hot or too cold, always check with your HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) professional to ensure there’s no problem. But sometimes, some rooms are simply too hot or too cold. Some smart thermostats have an app that can detect room temperatures. If a below-zero cold front may cause frozen pipes, your smart thermostat can detect an issue.

8.

A smart thermostat can respond to voice commands.

“Set the temperature to 69.”
“What’s the outside temperature now?”

And not just for heating and cooling:

“Tell Eufy to vacuum.”

Home Automation Made Easy

How often have you casually “googled” to see the price of something, like a waterbed? The next day, you receive annoying popups from major waterbed manufacturers. And they can last for days or longer.

The only real concern with a smart thermostat is the same concern with which we wrestle daily. Your smart thermostat is internet-connected. Internet search engines are driven to learn as much as possible about you. Armed with that information, search engines gain paying advertisers/customers.

TIO Electric professionals appreciate the conscientious and forward-thinking people of Maricopa County. Like you, we want to do what’s right for Arizona’s sustainability. Most smart appliances, like smart thermostats, were developed to save energy and reduce carbon footprints. Saving money is another advantage.

If you suspect you need a smart thermostat, you are probably right. Let’s discuss your ideas for automation at home. Contact TIO Electric.

___
*This content is for information only. TIO Electric does not recommend nor endorse any thermostat product or brand.

Home Automation, Residential

The future of home automation

1Jan2022

It’s considered smart to strive for energy conservation. And most of us are fascinated by bells and whistles. When you put the two together – managing resources and gadgetry – the future looks bright. Smart home automation is a trend we can respect and enjoy.

7 Benefits of Home Automation

There are too many advantages to home automation for it to be a fleeting fad. There are more, but the seven most important benefits are:

Data to efficiently manage homes
Enhanced energy efficiency
Flexibility of modifications or new additions to enable devices
Greater appliance functionality
Home security
Remote control of home lighting, heating/cooling, etc.
Single-point-of-management for all home devices

Trends to Watch in 2022

Futurist Architecture defines “smart homes” as “living spaces that use internet-connected devices to remotely monitor and manage processes, including heating, lighting, security, and general home maintenance.” Here are the top trends to watch in 2022.

Appliances – You’ll soon be able to control lighting or even heating and cooling from your TV. What about a built-in camera in your oven or microwave that allows you to “see” cooking foods? Self-cleaning toilets and heat-adjusting showers might be home automation tools available in 2022.
Disabilities – Voice-activated appliances and technological assistance for physically challenged people will be smart home automation drivers in future years.
Green energy – Home automation trends to deliver better energy efficiency will see increased popularity. Smart lights only illuminate occupied rooms. Even smarter lights will adjust the lighting based on room conditions. For example, when the TV turns on, the lights automatically dim.
Health – Smart homes have sleep monitoring devices that detect signs of depression. Future smart homes will have temperature-monitoring features that let us know our body temperatures may indicate illness.
Lighting – Watch for greater refinements in lighting home automation tools:
- Gesture sensors
- Intensity auto-adjustment tools
- Light simulation for security
- Remote activation
- Voice activation
Robotics – The movie “Sleeper” becomes less sci-fi and more real every year. Your floor-vacuuming robot will soon have friends that babysit, cook, and clean house.
Security/home access – We’ve had Ring and other systems a while. Fine-tuning home security to withstand cyberattacks is the goal of most security systems manufacturers. Watch for alarm, lighting, and closed-circuit cameras integrated into one home automation application. Remote arming and motion sensors “are expected to be standard features” in homes.
Security/occupancy – It’s one thing for an app to detect the presence of people in a room. It’s quite another for that system to learn movement patterns to identify family members. This may be a new form of burglar alarm.

TIO Electric For Home Technology Management

Let’s face it: Electrical systems are no longer a matter of which wire goes where. You may “just need an app,” but your electronics need to be performing properly before an app can kick in. Turn It On Electric professionals receive ongoing education to remain competent in electrical home automation.

We serve Phoenix, Tucson, and surrounding communities.

We can help when it’s time to add sensing tools to appliances and manage lighting with dimmers. Just call, and let’s discuss your options. We will share what we know because we’re eager to be your smart home electricians. Contact TIO Electric.

Chuck P

01:46 23 Jan 25

Friendly, communicative, and professional.High quality work.

Renee Delu

18:10 11 Jan 25

Mike you are the best!! God bless you for comming out saturday when I blew my fuse trying to vacumm and shout out to Josh who although not have sat office hours called me anyway after I left a voicemail. .Bob Best was here and gave me amazing information that NO OTHER electrician had. .!! I'm happy to say this is an amazing caring company...and I'm a customer for life!! Please recognize and reward Mike And Josh for them saving me on Saturday as my security system had no power and my smoke alarm had been beeping for hours. These men deserve kudos. .if you are looking fir honest and highly qualified electrical work. This is where to go. I'm thankful and grateful. Bob is now an instructor ..I'm happy to know future electricians are being schooled and trained by him. Thanks to you all

Wally Johns

01:31 11 Jan 25

Good work and very polite guys.

Rebecca RB

01:03 21 Oct 24

This company literally saved us! We had some electrical issues discovered that were rather alarming and created an issue with the garage door opener completely lost power as well as our outdoor dusk to dawn lighting and the interior garage lights. Mike the electrician came to the rescue! He listened to the issues in my non electrical language (haha) translated it and solved everything with confidence! Knowledgeable, Friendly, prompt, professional and efficient! Highly recommended! Will definitely call for future needs!

luci redmond

15:28 12 Oct 24

Great customer service & a job well done!

Samuel Heffner

17:04 14 Aug 24

I called TIO Electric because a friend referred them and they did not disappoint. I had an issue and it was rough identifying the source of the problem. Miguel and Conrad worked together to identify and solve the problem quickly. As a services based business it was extremely important to get the repair done quickly and the team stayed to ensure the job was done before they left. I expected to have to schedule another visit due to the complexity of the case, but they understood I needed to be back up and running as soon as possible and got the job done in just a few hours. They were very professional and personable and the cost was in line with what I expected.Update 8/14/24: TIO helped me again. This time with an issue I was having at my home. Marcus was very nice and knowledgable and was able to identify the problem and make the repair in quick time. I had a secondary issue I wasn't too worried about, but Marcus took care of that as well. These guys know what they're doing. Still highly recommend.They did a great job. I would definitely recommend them for projects big and small.

Caren Zellmer

12:46 03 Jul 24

Excellent service!! Marcus has been to our house a couple of times and completed the work doing an AMAZING job. He was very polite, professional and explained every process to us. His work was also completed in a timely manner. It is very rare to find anyone with great work ethic anymore! This company is very lucky to have him. We would definitely recommend and use Turn It On Electric again.

Bob

14:42 10 Jun 22

They were on time, clean, friendly, professional and did an amazing job. I would have to say that the price was fair considering the amount of work done. Highly recommend Turn It On Electrical!