This holiday season, think “smart” and consider giving a loved one (or yourself) a gift that keeps on giving. Many smart devices reduce home energy use, which can put a little more jingle in your pocket. Consider these five energy-saving smart gadgets while shopping this holiday season.
Smart thermostats learn users’ schedules and the temperatures they prefer to keep their home. The thermostat remembers these temperatures while a home is occupied. When no one is home, it adjusts to a more energy-saving setting to avoid heating and cooling an empty home. Smart thermostats also feature apps that let family members change the temperature from anywhere in the world using a phone or other mobile device.
Smart lighting saves energy in multiple ways. Smart lightbulbs last longer and use less power. Smart lighting systems also have scheduled timers and allow you to remotely turn the lights off (a great feature if you have loved ones who constantly leave lights on).
Virtual assistants, like Siri or Alexa, can connect to smart thermostats, smart lights, entertainment center devices and others. With a few spoken words, virtual assistants can turn lights, appliances and other devices off and on, activate and deactivate security systems, shut or open a garage door, and more. These home automation devices allow homeowners to control their appliances and create daily smart-home routines through smartphone apps. This creates many new ways to save energy. For example, owners can schedule kitchen appliances, such as dishwashers and coffee makers, to run while they are out of the house or to operate at a specific time every day.
Thermal Leak Detectors use infrared sensors to detect energy draining drafts so they can be repaired (filled) to make your home more energy efficient. Thermal imaging accessories now exist for smart phones as well, converting them into light-weight, portable thermal leak detectors. Repairing thermal leaks in a home can save up to 20% in heating and cooling costs.
Smart power strips & surge protectors are a less expensive option to gain some smart technology without upgrading all appliances and devices to smart models. Smarter devices can be used independent of an all-smart home. The strips can detect when a device is in standby mode and cut its power supply. Using smart power strips can reduce a home’s overall energy usage, which equates to savings on your energy bill.
As you wrap up your holiday shopping, remember that the best gifts are those that continue to give long after the season ends. By choosing energy-saving smart gadgets, you're offering a present that embodies the spirit of innovation, sustainability, and thoughtful giving. So, let your holiday gifts shine bright in more ways than one!
Happy Holidays and happy savings!