By Maria Kanevsky
Looking for easy ways to save more money on your monthly energy bills? Beyond some of the more traditional energy efficiency measures, such as sealing air leaks or adding additional insulation, several popular electronics can help you use energy more efficiently.
These devices are relatively easy to incorporate into your home, making them a simple way to help manage your energy use.
Smart thermostats
Smart thermostats are becoming an increasingly popular option to help save energy at home. With smart thermostats, there’s no longer a need to adjust the temperature continually. They can be programmed to follow a heating and cooling pattern throughout the day and year to maximize your comfort and energy use. Some advanced smart thermostats can even learn your habits and adjust the temperature accordingly.
Another great benefit is the ability to control a smart thermostat remotely from an app on your phone, allowing you to set the temperature to your liking before you even arrive home. Some smart thermostats can be integrated with a smart home hub, like Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
Smart plugs
If you’re looking for ways to save energy on a budget, consider smart plugs. Smart plugs can be inserted into any standard electrical outlet and can help manage the energy of the devices that are plugged in. With control of the smart plug, you can stop power-hungry devices from being on longer than necessary.
Some smart plug models have a scheduling option, allowing you to turn on lights or turn off the TV at certain times of the day. Others offer a dimming function, enabling you to change the brightness of lights plugged into the smart plug. These features can be controlled through an app on your phone, and some models also have voice-controlled options when connected to a smart home hub.
Home energy monitor
A home energy monitor helps you monitor home energy use and set energy budgets. If your goal is to reduce your energy use at home, energy monitors can give you the information you need to achieve this goal. They are connected to your electric meter and provide a big picture of your home’s energy use.
Some home energy monitors can show which appliances are using the most energy, giving you the knowledge on which devices to cut down on. Other models can show real-time electricity use and costs, while some can help create a personalized plan for energy efficiency. Most home energy monitors can be connected through a smartphone app, which can send notifications, warn about abnormal energy use and provide tips for further energy savings.
These simple devices can help you save a little more energy each month. Considering what your needs are will help you choose a device with the appropriate features. With any new product, do some homework first to determine which device suits your home best.
