New and emerging technologies are continuously offering innovative ways to effectively manage and reduce a home’s energy consumption. Smart thermostats, for example, have proven their worth in shaving 10 to 15 percent off an average home’s electric bill. These thermostats, in time, will effectively pay for themselves which make them an attractive option to many. Unfortunately, not all technologies can live up to their hype and some even come with side effects that can arguably overshadow their benefits.