Is there a way to minimize energy usage by room, particularly when that room is not occupied? I have heard about automated home controls being out there, but do not know any specifics, please let us know if you have any information on this?

Thank you!

When I was in college, we replaced all the light switches in the common areas of my fraternity house with motion sensor light switches. We had problems with people forgetting to turn off light switches in common areas, closets, etc. We were interested in saving money, so we could spend it on other things... well, basically parties. The switches saved us a good amount of money on our electricity bills right away and paid for themselves since they are pretty cheap.

You can see some on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Motion-Sensing-Switch-Feet-Rang/d
p/B000GAT7WG/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-5087922-2637200?ie=UTF
8&s=hi&qid=1190753217&sr=8-1 They are installed just like normal light switches.

I'm not too sure about other automated devices, but I'm sure they are available. Does anyone else have ideas/experience?

Post edited by: greeniac64255, at: 09/25/2007

There is a new Greeniacs Guide up that answers many questions with regard to motion-sensing lights. Please feel free to check this guide out http://www.greeniacs.com/index.php?option=com_mtree&tas
k=viewlink&link_id=279&Itemid=114

To reduce the energy in rooms requiring heat, create different zones in the home each having there own temp control. I use an outdoor furnace, which burns 4 ft logs and circulates water to my homes six zone redaint floor system. When my children are at college I turn the temp down, and things cool down real quick.