logo
logo
Sign in

5 Smart Home Gadgets and Solutions for Smarter Energy Consumption

avatar
John Tailor
5 Smart Home Gadgets and Solutions for Smarter Energy Consumption

Many homeowners dread the monthly energy bills, but they have their own carelessness to thank for the predicament. Namely, an average home spends almost $2,000 on energy costs annually and this is simply too much. It is estimated that these costs can be cut by one-third. After all, gadgets are capable of not only devouring energy, but also conserving it. Hence, there is a multitude of tactics to trim the expenses and bring down the energy consumption.

Timers and motion detectors

Lighting accounts for 25% of the electricity expenditure in an average home. So, it is time to ditch incandescent bulbs and use CFLs, automatic timers, and motion detectors. First off, timers allow you to program when the light will turn off and on. Sensors, on the other hand, do this automatically according to the flow of movement and daily habits. They are a perfect choice for spaces that are unoccupied for the most of the day, such as garages, bathrooms and hallways. Studies have shown that these occupancy sensors and timers cut lighting costs in half.

Programmable thermostat

Nearly half of the utility bill goes on heating and cooling. Thus, a programmable thermostat acts as the mainstay of domestic energy efficiency. Users are able to control the temperature in the home efficiently throughout the year. For instance, during the winter, you can set lower temperatures whenever you are not at home. Just note that the effectiveness of this tech marvel depends on the good old insulation. So, make sure to employ carpets, rugs, and rubber mats that will serve as natural insulators, prevent temperature loss, and provide warm comfort.

Energy management system

Investing in a smart energy-efficiency hub takes your efforts to the next level. Take the example of The Energy Detective (TED), a system that enables you to keep track of up to four 240V circuits. It is possible to obtain detailed information on electricity usage, voltage, and projected monthly bills, all in real time. Carrying the portable wireless display around, you can also turn the appliances and circuits off and on. In case you do not want to spend $200 on this gadget, use your smartphone. With appropriate apps, it becomes a powerful tool for manipulating the surroundings with a tap of a finger.

Water-saving showerheads

Water conservation is another major area that demands our attention. And the proof that the endeavor does not have to cost an arm and a leg comes in the form of energy-efficient showerheads. Evolve Showerheads, for example, utilize cutting-edge ShowerStart technology. They save $246 on utility bills per year by conserving water while the shower is warming. Moreover, this is achieved without lowering the water pressure and flow. Even better, these gadgets cost only $40, which is a drop in the bucket compared to the benefits.

Solar-powered chargers

Harnessing renewable energy is the present and the future of green living. Solar power comes free of charge, except for the upfront investment. Photovoltaic panels adorn many roofs across the globe, but there are some other amazing applications such as solar-powered chargers. They can supply everyday electronics, like mobile devices, with juice by capturing the sunlight. All you have to do is expose them to it. A similar technology is expected to rock the world of wearables, which will make products such as Apple Watch much more appealing.

Green revolution

In a society of customers and industry giants, energy efficiency is rather short supply. Lack of it in your home has an impact on both the planet and your bank account. Therefore, it is high time to step up and make the positive change. The market is flooded with amazing products and it is up to you to make informed decisions and cherry pick your green tools. Put them to practice today and assemble a sustainable dwelling. Bear in mind, however, that no amount of tech wonders can make up for the absence of smart habits.

collect
0
avatar
John Tailor
guide
Zupyak is the world’s largest content marketing community, with over 400 000 members and 3 million articles. Explore and get your content discovered.
Read more