HOME IMPROVEMENT | ELECTRICAL

Consider installing motion sensors (not the kind in your driveway) to help you save energy inside your home. These sensors work the same way the ones you may have outside for security, but they work inside to save not your belongings from thieves but your money from the electric company.

DIFFERENT KINDS OF SENSORS

You're probably familiar with motion sensors. They turn lights one when they detect motion and then turn them off some set time after that motion. Outdoor lighting and security lighting usually come equipped with some kind of motion sensor.

Indoors, these sensors are usually called occupancy sensors and they detect motion within a certain area. This means that when your kids enter a room, the lights come on and stay on while they're in there. Once they leave, the lights turn off, no yelling required.

Occupancy sensors need to be located where they can see the whole space and may also include sensors for sounds, heat and motion. That way the Roomba doesn't turn on the lights. Photosensors can help keep the lights from turning on during daylight hours.

HOW TO INSTALL OCCUPANCY SENSORS

You can get lights with occupancy sensors already installed, but if you like your existing features, you can also swap out a switch to add an occupancy sensor to the room. The sensors are attached to the switch, so keep that in mind if the switch isn't placed so it can see the whole room. Depending on the system you install, you may be able to get sensors to extend a switch's range.

Switch models often include more than one type of sensor to help detect occupancy, such as a motion sensor and an infrared sensor. Sensing switches cost around $20 and usually have programming to turn off the lights in minute increments up to 30 minutes. They install quickly and easily over existing switch hardware and may even feature coordinating wallplates to seamlessly match your decor.

When choosing an occupancy sensor switch, be aware that there are different models for different sized rooms. Choose the one that best fits the room you're covering to make sure it works properly in your area.