Savings in Motion

Tired of having to be the family energy cop? You know, the one who has to go around switching off the lights that others leave on? TVs that no one are watching? Well, here’s your chance to put your energy police badge back in its box and retire from the force.

The answer is motion sensors. They’re like having a precinct full of Robocops to police your family. All you have to do is hook them up and let them do the rest. These clever, little gizmos automatically turn on the lights when you enter the room and turn them off when you leave. They are affordable and they can save you big bucks on your monthly energy costs.

Best of all, you never have to lift a finger to flip a switch again.

Experience the magic
Think of it! You pull your car into the driveway at night and the light magically comes on. As you walk up to your front door, your arms full of groceries, again the lights greet you. Better yet, each of these lights shut themself off the moment you walk away. How cool is that?

Just install these automatic motion sensors wherever they make the most sense: the garage, the front porch, hallways, laundry rooms, walk-in closets, attics, basements, etc. Any place where people pass through.

Lighting up more than bulbs
And motion sensors aren’t just for turning lights on and off. You can hook up these tiny marvels to fans, radios, even the trusty coffee maker. Just use your imagination.

The downside
Motion sensors are wonderful energy–saving doodads. But they can also be a little annoying. Say a houseguest goes into the bathroom to do their business. The lights come on. Good enough. But remember, these are motion detectors. No motion, and after a few minutes the light goes off. Leaving your guest all alone in the pitch darkness with their trousers around their ankles. Awkward. Of course, all they have to do is wave around their arms and presto, the lights come back on. Not a big deal, but this can get a little old. My advice: don’t put a motion sensor in every single room. Use your discretion.

The price
These handy motion sensors can be purchased for as little as $15 a piece. Some models run as much as 50 bucks. But remember, sometimes you need to spend a little money to save a lot. Also, be forewarned, motion detectors also consume energy. For instance, the person who knocks on your front door in the noonday light will inadvertently turn on the front porch light whether it is needed or not. Motion sensors also consume their share of electricity and some may require batteries. But all in all, motion sensors will save more energy than they consume, particularly for an absent-minded adult or the average conscientious-challenged teenager.

Consider a test drive
If you are not sure if motion sensors are right for you, here’s a thought: Buy one and see how you like it. Install it in the garage or the kitchen pantry, see if it works for your family. If it does, buy a few more. If not, yank it out and sell it on eBay. Then pull your energy cop badge out of the drawer and go back to walking the beat.