Wireless sensor networks (WSNs), which are facilitated by the internet of things (IoTs), can be difficult to improve the lifespan of the network target area. Although the hotspot issue (i.e., the cluster head closest to the base station fails quickly) is mitigated by the clustered-based routing technique, it still has an important effect on the network's lifespan and target area. However, improper distribution of load between cluster heads has been shown to negatively impact network lifespan efficiency, so even though unequal clusters have been utilized successfully to tackle the hotspot issue, further work is needed. This study provides an energy-aware reliable routing (EARR) model for resolving the hotspot as well as load balancing issues simultaneously. To extend the lifespan of the network, the EARR model effectively minimizes energy consumption by the cluster heads using enhanced multi-objective optimization parameters. Further, EARR provides improved routing optimization metrics to improve data delivery with energy efficiency, less delay, and packet loss. The results of the experiments demonstrate that the EARR model provides excellent throughput and lifespan efficiency with low delay and communication overhead.