3 Smart Home Technologies to Help You Save Energy
Smart technologies make our homes more comfortable, convenient and energy e icient. By connecting your home Wi-Fi network, smart devices automate everyday tasks like lighting, heating, cooling and home security — they can even communicate with other smart devices in the home.
While not all smart home products are specifically designed with energy savings in mind, there are several smart technologies that can help you lower home energy use. Here are the top three smart home devices to help you save.
Smart Thermostats
Smart or not, your thermostat is the most e ective tool for controlling energy use as heating and cooling typically account for the largest portion of energy bills. Smart thermostats allow you to adjust the indoor temperature through an app, giving you full control from anywhere. Many smart thermostats include learning capabilities and will adjust the settings based on previous behavior and patterns.
According to the Department of Energy, smart thermostats can reduce heating and cooling bills by more than 8% annually. With models priced as low as $65, they typically pay for themselves in one year.
Smart Lighting
Smart LED bulbs use less electricity than traditional bulbs and can be scheduled or turned on or o remotely through a smartphone app. Smart bulbs are available in a range of shapes, brightness levels, colors and more, so shop for the products that work best for your home lighting needs.
Many smart bulbs include motion sensors that turn on or o based on room activity, further optimizing home energy use. If you’re new to smart lighting, try a home starter kit. Prices for kits range from $70 to more than $300 depending on how many bulbs you may need.
Smart Plugs
Smart plugs are inexpensive gadgets that can help you save energy. Many electronic devices consume power even when they are turned o , which is known as ‘phantom load’ and can take a toll on your energy bills. Smart plugs are simply plugged into an electrical outlet and connected to your Wi-Fi network. When set up, the smart plug can cut or restore power to non-smart devices, like co ee makers, phone chargers and other items that draw phantom load.
Many smart plugs can be paired with popular smart devices, like Alexa or Google Nest, or controlled through the plug’s associated app. Smart plugs are simple to use and a set of four can be purchased for as little as $25.
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