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At Ernest Homes, we believe in doing things the right way. With that in mind, we’ve poured our hearts into building the best homes for so many local families. Over the years, we’ve become experts at energy efficiency and energy-saving products. 

Ernest Homes cares about our environment and sustainable building. That's why we are dedicated to green building practices and energy-saving technology. Every single home we build includes appliances, materials, and devices that make it smarter, greener, and healthier. There are several energy-efficient gadgets on the market that can help you create your own smart, energy-saving home. 

• Programmable thermostats. There are many types of programmable thermostats that can help save energy. Some allow you to control your home’s temperature from your smartphone or computer; other models learn your heating and cooling habits and adapt to them. If you only choose one of these energy-saving devices, a thermostat is a great way to make your home more energy-conscious.
• LED bulbs. LED bulbs use less energy to create the same amount of light given off by an incandescent bulb. They light up immediately after being turned on and consume no power when turned off. While LEDs cost more upfront, they use about 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer. And some are “smart” bulbs that can be programmed to turn on and off. 
• Smart plugs. Like smart lights, smart plugs can be programmed to turn on and off automatically and monitor energy consumption. Plug in any gadget or small appliance you'd normally use in a wall outlet, and a smart plug will bring it online. 
• Motion sensors. If you are using smart lights, consider adding a compatible motion sensor. A good motion sensor can turn lights on in the bathroom light at night or turn off all the living room lights when no motion is detected. 
• Smart sprinklers. Smart sprinklers save water by allowing you to schedule when your grass gets watered. They can even automatically adapt if rain is in the forecast. 
• Smart appliances. These appliances (dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines) save energy and water. Major appliance brands such as Whirlpool, LG Electronics, Samsung, and General Electric all make smart appliances.
• Solar panels. Solar panels allow you to harness the sun’s energy and use it for electricity. The cost of solar panels has dropped significantly recently, making it a more affordable energy-saving option. The savings from your energy bill will help the solar panels pay for themselves.
• Solar lights. These outdoor lights also harness the power of the sun. No wires or cords; just push the stakes into the ground and you’re done. They automatically turn on around dusk and shut off at dawn. They have rain and snow-resistant designs, too. 
• Eco chargers. Did you know that your chargers use power, whether you are using them or not? If unplugging your charger is a hassle, try an eco charger. Instead of using power 24/7, an eco charger turns itself off after your device is fully charged.
• Energy monitors. These devices are located inside a home’s electrical panel, attached to the electrical main. They communicate data via wifi to show how much energy your home is using, or which devices are using the most energy. They also connect to a mobile or web-based app so you can see what’s happening in real time, or check to see if you shut off a certain appliance. (Hire an electrician to install one. Not a DIY project.)