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[faspina]

Total newbie at home automation, but have been looking at x10 and the other standards for a while. I am not interested in security or home entertainment. My #1 reason for energy saving. For example if I invest $200 in home automation kit, can I save $500 over 5 years by cutting my electrical bill by just $5-$10 a month.

That being said, what project should I focus on. I will be hooking what every I use up to a always on computer, and pretty good at programming (macros or whatever).  So based on your experience. What is the amount of money I should start with and what are the priorities in terms of investing.

House is 3 stories, we have 4 kids and now that school is starting back, the bedroom and playroom are left alone most of the day. So I feel like there is a potential for some automation that can shave a few bucks off the bill.  

Turn the ceiling fans on to prevent the AC from coming on on  hot days, turn lights off if now one is in the room. Automating closet  lights.Etc...

[dave w]

I am not interested in security or home entertainment. My #1 reason for energy saving. For example if I invest $200 in home automation kit, can I save $500 over 5 years by cutting my electrical bill by just $5-$10 a month.

Not being interested in Security, or Home Theater control, that is a tough question. Kind of like asking "Will I save $1000 a year in fuel costs if I trade for a hybrid car?"  Dunno, how many miles do you drive a year and what do you own now? etc.

In general, home automation is more of a convience thing than an energy saving thing. But that depends on how energy wasteful the family is now.

Are lights left on all over the house, all the time? Then yes, home automation can save you money by shutting off lights after a specific period of time or after no motion is detected in the area. But if your family is fairly energy conscience right now, then savings will be less. Conversion from incandescent to CFL lighting will likely save more money. But you will miss the "wow" factor. Home automation is fun.
 

[Knightrider]

I should warn you that my electric bill actually went up after I x10'ed this house. 

Count almost 170 modules pulling 2 watts a piece 24 hours a day, plus 3 "always on" PC's and you can see why my electric bill is around $300.

Just don't tell my wife as I have her convinced that x10 is saving us by keeping the lights off.

[HA Dave]

I am not interested in security or home entertainment. My #1 reason for energy saving. For example if I invest $200 in home automation kit, can I save $500 over 5 years by cutting my electrical bill by just $5-$10 a month.

It would be hard NOT to believe that things like "Smart Grids" could take control of you home... and save energy. We've heard that from politicians for a few years now. I don't want to be the one to break the news (so I won't)... but I don't believe everything I hear from them.

You want to save energy?... Get new (small) energy efficient appliances. Turn the temperature down on the hot water heater... or replace it with an on-demand unit. Then... limit your time in the shower. And NEVER use a dishwasher. Stay on top of your home maintenance. NEVER turn a light on before 5PM... use the light from your windows. Go to bed early (the sooner after dark the better). Allow your home to be cold in winter... and hot in summer.

Many cell phones can be used to watch TV on now. That is a HUGE energy saver.. be sure to recharge your phone with a solar panel... every little bit helps.

Learning to live with very few lights in a home... may be inconvenient or even a little unsafe. But lighting consumes nearly 12% of most homes electric use. If you can adjust to a lot of darkness... you can cut that 12% in half.

But buying an automation device... that uses electric... to save electric use. I don't know... sure.. maybe you can save a little that way. But not much.