By Abby Berry
Smart technologies make homes more comfortable, convenient, and energy efficient. By connecting with 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, several smart technologies can help lower home energy use. Here are the top 3 smart home devices to help you save.
Smart Lighting
Smart LED bulbs use less electricity than traditional bulbs and can be scheduled or turned on and off through a smartphone app. Smart bulbs are available in a range of shapes, brightness levels, and colors, so shop for the products that work best for your home lighting needs.
Many smart bulbs include motion sensors that turn on or off 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 need.
Smart Thermostats
Smart or not, your thermostat is the most effective 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 on the go. Many smart thermostats include learning capabilities and will adjust the thermostat 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 as low as $65, they typically pay for themselves in 1 year.
Smart Plugs
Smart plugs are inexpensive gadgets that can help save energy. Many electronic devices consume power even when they are turned off. Known as phantom load, it can take a toll on your energy bills.
Smart plugs are 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, such as coffee makers, phone chargers, and other items that draw phantom load.
Many smart plugs can be paired with popular smart hubs— such as Alexa or Google Nest—or controlled through the plug’s associated app. Smart plugs are simple to use, and a set of 4 costs as little as $25.