Have you embraced smart home technology? If so, you’re not alone. Almost a quarter of UK internet users between 16-64 years old now own smart home devices, which is around double the global average. The technology offers real potential to optimise our homes – yet not all devices are built equal when it comes to energy efficiency.
In reality, some devices such as smart speakers and cameras actually increase energy usage as they’re adding a load, not replacing one. But some technologies, those that are designed specifically to save energy, can make tangible impacts, which is especially valuable as energy prices continue to rise.
Below are five efficient options worth investing in.
Smart lighting
Turning lights off remotely used to be something you’d only see in futuristic films. But smart lighting systems allow you to do just that by controlling individual bulbs from your smartphone.
Smart bulbs themselves are a quick and easy money saver. LED bulbs use considerably less energy than traditional bulbs and last a lot longer too, especially if you take advantage of dimmer settings.
Smart thermostats
A significant portion of the energy we use goes on heating and cooling our homes. But smart thermostats allow you to control temperatures in different rooms and implement a schedule, so you don’t need to waste money heating your home while you’re not in it.
You can connect modern thermostat devices to smart radiator valves and even window sensors for full climate control.
Smart appliances
Smart appliances such as ovens, fridges, washing machines and dishwashers can all save energy too, as well as time and effort. You can run them to take advantage of cheaper off-peak energy, for example, as well as syncing them to your schedule.
From a financial perspective, it’s unlikely to be worth upgrading for the sake of it. But if you’re planning to buy a new appliance anyway, you may as well make it smart.
Smart energy meters
It’s worth noting that smart energy meters don’t actually save energy themselves. But by displaying how much energy you’re using in real time, as well as how much it’s costing you, they could help you reduce your energy consumption.
This is because you’ll get a better idea of what habits and devices drain the most energy in your home. You can power the meter itself with long-lasting batteries for even greater efficiency.
Smart plugs
Did you know that electronic devices continue to draw electricity even when they’re in standby mode? If not, you do now – but that’s where smart plugs come in. You can use them to switch off power-hungry devices without reaching into awkward spaces.
Granted, smart plugs won’t save you huge fortunes – but every little helps.
Could you integrate any of these technologies into your home?