We love smart home technology. It’s amazing to see a vast variety of new connected devices being released, and how these devices aim to simplify and better our daily lives in different ways. Summer brings with it long, hot days, which can cause energy and water bills to spike. Are you sick of paying high bills and feeling guilty that you’re not doing your part to reduce energy consumption and water waste? Fortunately, there are several smart home devices that can help you become more energy efficient, and more importantly, save money along the way.
Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats were one of the first and most popular smart home devices to hit the market. The number of U.S. homes with smart thermostats is projected to reach 33 million by 2020, a significant increase from only 2.5 million in 2014. These thermostats are one of the easiest ways to start saving money and reducing energy waste. They learn to heat and cool your home based on your preferences and schedule, ensuring AC or heat aren’t being used when no one is home. Since this technology has been out for a while, there are several providers to choose from, making it easy to find something to fit your needs and budget.
Smart Sprinklers
Keeping your lawn healthy without experiencing an exorbitant water bill is a difficult task during hot summer months. There are several smart sprinkler and irrigation systems on the market aimed at helping you save by only using the water you need. These systems can be programed to water based on the specific needs of the plants in your garden and the type of soil you have. They also track weather forecasts, allowing them to cut back on rainy days.
Smart Shower
According to smart shower head company, HYDRAO, the average shower uses 21 gallons, which adds 50 cents to the monthly water bill (25 cents for water and 25 cents for heating). Add that up for a family of four, and over 2,500 gallons of water is used each month for showers. This company is here to change that, by using lighting to alert users on their water usage. The shower head flashes red when users have hit a preset threshold, and it offers a convenient app to help families track and adjust water usage long before receiving their bill.
Smart Power Strips
Many plugged in electronic devices use power even when they’re turned off. This adds up each month, with estimates ranging from five to 10% of the total household energy bill coming from standby power consumption. Smart power strips are an affordable way to cut down on wasted energy consumption, as they shut down power products when they go into standby mode.
Energy Monitors
Have you implemented some of the smart devices above and still aren’t seeing an impact on your bills? Consider purchasing a smart energy monitor. These devices connect to your meter, helping you understand how much energy you’re using each month and identify energy usage for individual appliances. Best yet, it provides customized recommendations on what you can do each month to reduce energy waste.
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