I wanted to share my experience with Home Assistant and how it has helped me save both energy and money. I recently upgraded my swamp cooler setup to include a temperature sensor and automation through Home Assistant. Here’s how it works:
Previously, I used a simple schedule to turn the cooler on at 10am and off at 9pm. While effective, it wasn’t optimized for energy efficiency. With Home Assistant, I added a temperature sensor to monitor the building’s temperature. Now, the cooler only runs when the temperature exceeds a certain threshold and shuts off once it reaches a cooler level—just like a thermostat!
This simple automation has made a significant difference. According to my energy monitor, I’m saving about 30 cents a day, which adds up to $9 a month. The best part? The software was free, and the sensor only cost $10. It paid for itself in the first month!
I’ve also noticed a reduction in the cooler’s energy consumption over time. The charts below show the wattage usage and daily costs from July 2024 compared to July 2025 under similar conditions. The savings are clear!
This experience has shown me how small changes can lead to big savings. If you’re looking to optimize your home’s energy usage, I highly recommend exploring Home Assistant’s automation features. They’re powerful, flexible, and can make a real impact on your energy bills.
Happy automating! 