As I delve deeper into the world of smart home automation, I’ve found it incredibly rewarding to implement energy-saving strategies. I thought I’d share some of my favorite automations in case they might inspire others to explore similar setups. These automations are designed to help reduce energy consumption while maintaining comfort and convenience.
1. Optimal Water Heating Times
One of my most impactful automations involves heating water during the lowest electricity price periods. Using the Octopus and Target Rate integrations, my air-to-water heat pump heats the water only during the two cheapest hours of the day. During sunnier months, when solar forecasts exceed 10 kWh, the system prioritizes times when the sun is shining to heat the water, further reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
2. Geofencing for Space Heating
I’ve set up geofencing on my mobile device to control the space heating. When I leave home, the heating automatically turns off, and it switches back on when I’m within a 2-mile radius. This ensures the house is warm by the time I arrive, without wasting energy when no one’s home.
3. Energy-Efficient Thermostats
Individual thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) in each room are programmed to heat only when needed. For rooms requiring full comfort, the TRVs are set slightly above the heat pump’s target temperature to ensure efficient heating without overcompensation. This setup prevents unnecessary cycling and reduces energy waste.
4. Negative Electricity Prices Utilization
When electricity prices go negative, I’ve programmed the system to heat the domestic hot water cylinder to its maximum temperature of 70°C. This not only takes advantage of the negative pricing but also ensures that the water remains hot enough for the next day, eliminating the need to reheat it.
5. Temperature-Based Adjustments
To prevent unnecessary heating during warmer months, the system automatically lowers the minimum temperature threshold for activating the heating. It resets to the default temperature when cooler weather returns, ensuring efficient energy use throughout the year.
6. Away Mode Automation
Using calendar integrations, my system automatically activates away mode when I’m scheduled to be out of town. This pauses the domestic hot water heating, saving energy while I’m away.
7. Energy Monitoring and Future Plans
I’m in the process of expanding my energy monitoring setup and considering the addition of battery storage. While I haven’t made a final decision yet, exploring these options has been an exciting journey toward greater energy independence.
Join the Conversation!
Have you implemented any unique energy-saving automations in your smart home? I’d love to hear about your experiences and any tips you might have. Let’s share ideas and continue to innovate together!
Happy automating! 
