A new study has found that homes using a range of simple technology like Smart Wiring can significantly cut energy consumption and shave almost $10,000 a year from the bills.

The ‘Smart Families’ report, which was commissioned by the Copper Development Centre Australia, showed that it can deliver up to 40 percent in electrical energy savings and half the daily cost of the current, average Australian home.

Using published Australian information, the study compared the use of 65 appliances in three sorts of homes-traditional, one with energy efficient appliances only and one with a range of basic home technology.

A smart home using efficient appliances, home networking, Smart Wiring and robust broadband was able to deliver about $21 a day in savings from lower electricity costs, reduced car use, and better management of solar heating and power.

While a home with more energy efficient appliances performed better than a home without them, the addition of technology that could link and control appliances in an intelligent system took it much further.

“A major advantage of a home with some intelligence built in is that appliances can be programmed and controlled,” said John Fennell from the Copper Development Centre.Australia, part of the International Copper Association and the Smart Wiring Consortium.

“This means they can not only adapt to changed circumstances like people in a room or temperature variations, but do it so that they operate outside peak, high priced electricity periods.”

“Fast, always on broadband that allows residents to work flexibly from home, but also manage any administrative, shopping or leisure tasks on line will have a major impact on costs and energy as well,” John said.

“While the consultants AusEng P/L didn’t look at greenhouse issues, its clear that any reduction in energy and transport would be a major benefit there as well.”