It’s easy to get excited about the benefits that smart home technologies bring. You can enjoy increased home security, improved convenience, and satisfying home entertainment. Another major benefit of smart home devices is reduced energy consumption. So, if you’re looking for advice on smart home devices that can significantly contribute to home energy savings, we’ve got your back. Read on to discover the top 5 smart home devices for energy efficiency.
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Top 5 Smart Home Devices to Maximize Energy Efficiency
With a growing focus on sustainability and energy savings, smart home devices are becoming essential tools for homeowners who want to reduce their energy bills and minimize their carbon footprint. But with so many options on the market, choosing the best ones can be overwhelming. Here’s a list of the top 5 smart home devices that will help you make your home more energy-efficient and eco-friendly.
1. Smart Thermostats
There are significant energy-saving benefits to being able to save energy at home when you don’t need it. For example, when you’re not at home, you may need the temperature to be appropriately adjusted to save energy. Smart thermostats are game-changers for home energy efficiency. They are able to learn your schedule, preferences, and habits to optimize your heating and cooling, ensuring energy isn’t wasted when it’s not needed. It is even possible for you to control the temperature of your home remotely using a smartphone app or a web-based solution.
Moreover, smart thermostats have geofencing features that help detect your absence and automatically adjust the temperature. Thereafter, it re-adjusts the temperature upon your return. What’s more? You can use the analytics feature as well as the temperature data to track and monitor energy usage. Popular brands of smart thermostats include Nest Learning Thermostat, Ecobee SmartThermostat, and Honeywell Home T9.
2. Smart Lighting Systems
Lighting is an essential part of any home, but it can also be a big energy drain if not managed properly. However, Smart lighting systems allow you to control lights remotely, set schedules, and use motion sensors to ensure lights are only on when needed. Many smart bulbs also offer dimming capabilities to save energy further. With the smart features of smart lighting systems, you can dim your lights when it’s bedtime, turn them on right before you get home, and shut them off when you leave.
You can even leverage the motion detection features to deter theft and improve security. The convenience and energy efficiency of smart lighting systems is further enhanced by voice-activated assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Popular brands of smart lighting systems include Philips Hue, LIFX, and TP-Link Kasa Smart.
3. Smart Power Strips
Many people do not realize it, but leaving your electronics plugged in when you aren’t using them can consume significant amounts of energy. In fact, estimates from experts reveal that energy wastage from standby power takes up to 5-10% of overall household energy consumption. A major way out is to use smart power strips to help prevent energy wastage. With smart power strips, you do not need to manually unplug your electronics when you aren’t using them.
Rather, the strips cut the power to those electronics that are not in use, effectively preventing energy wastage. You may even decide to program the smart power strip to turn off appliances automatically after a specified period of inactivity. Examples of electronics that you can connect to smart power strips include video game systems, TVs, and printers.
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Apart from providing remote control over the power supply to appliances and electronics, smart power strips may also offer energy monitoring features. For instance, you can track energy usage and thereby identify devices with high power consumption.
Alternatively, you can set up smart plugs and use them for individual devices. Just as for smart power strips, you can remotely control the power supply of smart plugs and monitor energy usage. Some popular options for smart plugs and power strips include TP-Link Kasa Smart Power Strip, APC Home Office SurgeArrest Smart Plug, and Belkin WeMo Insight Smart Plug.
4. Smart Appliances
Smart appliances go beyond traditional functionality by adding automation and energy-saving features. With smart refrigerators, washing machines, and other appliances, you can set schedules to run them during off-peak hours, track usage, and access energy-efficient settings that help reduce overall consumption.
Some smart appliances even let you check your fridge contents remotely or adjust your washer’s time based on load size. Look for ENERGY STAR-rated models to ensure they meet energy efficiency guidelines. Notable brands include GE Profile Smart Appliances and Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator. Additionally, consider smart water heater controllers, which allow you to set heating schedules and only warm water when needed to save energy.
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5. Energy Monitoring Systems
You may be taking the right precautions and doing the right things, but still notice that your energy bill is still on the high side. An effective step to take is to implement an energy monitoring system. It can help you understand your energy consumption in your home, and you can take steps to save more energy.
Energy monitoring systems can track energy consumption and provide detailed reports. As such, it is easier to identify those devices that consume a lot of energy.
Furthermore, you can receive recommendations on reducing energy consumption. You can even receive alerts and reminders on suboptimal use of energy. For example, the system may send you a notification when you leave a light on.
Popular brands of energy monitoring systems include Sense Energy Monitor and Neurio Home Energy Monitor.
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Embracing Smart Devices for a Greener Home
Using smart home devices not only increases convenience and security but can also significantly reduce energy usage and lower utility bills. Smart thermostats, lighting systems, power strips, appliances, and energy monitors all make a measurable impact on home energy efficiency. Embracing these devices is a step toward a more sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly lifestyle.
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