Smart home owners can cut fuel bills by 30 per cent

With millions of us yet again facing big rises in our energy bills, smart home owners are turning to smart technology to cut their electricity use.

After the latest round of price rises announced by the big electricity companies ranging from 8.2 to 10.4 per cent the benefits of using the latest high-tech equipment to reduce costs are really becoming obvious.

And as nights are getting darker and we start to feel winter’s chill, what better time to consider new ways of saving on your power bills!

Giuseppe Conti, of Singleswitch, based in West Hill, near Ottery St Mary, says that the technology he can install can cut bills by up to 30%.

He said: “Power companies have been installing their own ‘smart’ meters for some time now, but they are not really as smart as they could be. They’re great for the power companies, it means they get an accurate reading of how much electricity you’re using so can adjust your bills accordingly.

“But they just tell you how much electricity you’re using at any given time, what they can’t do is actually control your appliances so you can make real savings.”

Typical energy consumption in a private household over a year can be broken down to around three per cent on lighting, five per cent on appliances, eight per cent on the kitchen and laundry, 12 per cent on hot water and 72 per cent on heating.

Mr Conti said: “As you can see, the biggest percentage is taken up by heating, so by carefully controlling the temperature in every room of the house, rather than in a single location, a home automation system can help you make big savings.

“By using occupancy sensors, dimming, and even controlling curtains and blinds, savings on lighting can be up to 60 per cent.

“With the package we can install you can even set limits as to how much power you want to use on any given day.

“So no matter how many gadgets you have, our equipment can turn them off, leaving you safe in the knowledge that your bills will be restricted while essential items such as your freezer and alarms are still operating.”

Unlike the meters supplied by most electricity companies, the technology used by Singleswitch can be accessed remotely, as it works through your iPhone or iPad, meaning you’re never out of touch with how much power you’re using.

“Of course, while this equipment is good for your pocket because it saves you money, it’s also good for the environment because it cuts your carbon footprint,” added Mr Conti.

For more details on the equipment, available from £1,400 +VAT, see the website www.singleswitch.co.uk, call Singleswitch on 01404 810146 or email info@singleswitch.co.uk