Smart Devices That May Help Lower Your Energy Bill

Looking for ways to lower your energy bill? Check out these smart devices and how they can help keep your power bill low. Learn more now!

Every year, Americans spend about $3,500 per person on energy that goes to waste, whether by powering appliances and devices that aren’t in use, or by heating and cooling air that leaks out through cracks in walls and around windows. That’s a scary thought, especially in an era when energy costs are climbing and the need for the widespread adoption of more sustainable practices is becoming urgent, too.

Smart devices aren’t just for making your life easier or showing off to your friends. They can also help you save energy and lower your electricity and heating bills. Find out more about the devices and energy saving tips that will improve your household’s energy efficiency and cut your costs.

Smart Plugs

Did you know that there are power vampires in your home right now? It’s true! But you can put away the garlic and sharp wooden stakes. These vampires aren’t undead creatures of the night waiting for a chance to suck your blood – they’re appliances that continue to draw power even when idle.

Which appliances are power vampires? The usual culprits tend to be televisions, printers, laptops, desktops and smartphones. All of these devices continue to draw power even when they are powered off, so be mindful of how long you charge mobile devices and laptops. In fact, vampire power could account for up to 20 percent of your energy bill!

Smart plugs kill power vampires. Simply insert the smart plug into any outlet, then plug your devices or appliances into it. You can program your smart plugs to turn off power-hogging appliances according to a schedule or use a smartphone app to turn them off remotely when you’re away from home.

Motion-Activated Lights

Lighting accounts for about 10 percent of your energy bill, so by minimizing your use of lights, you can lower your energy costs by a noticeable amount. Don’t leave the hall light on or rely on an always-on nightlight to find your way to the bathroom in the dark. Install motion sensors on your household lights or use a motion-activated night light so you’re only illuminating your home when you need to. 

Smart Lights

Smart lighting gives you a greater degree of control over your use of energy. Never again will you get to work or school only to realize that you left a light on at home. Smart lights let you turn lights on or off, or even dim them, from anywhere. Of course, even if you don’t install smart lights, LED bulbs are less expensive to use than traditional bulbs, and they don’t heat up, either.

Smart Thermostat

Installing a smart thermostat can save you up to 23 percent on heating and cooling costs. How? It allows you to heat or cool your home only when you’re present and active. Set a heating or cooling schedule that allows you to use less energy at times when you’re away from home or asleep. Some smart thermostats can even learn your family’s daily patterns and adjust your home’s temperature accordingly. And if you’re unexpectedly delayed leaving work or you’re coming home early, you can adjust your home’s temperature from afar so it’s nice and toasty or refreshingly cool when you arrive.

Smart Blinds

Your windows allow sunlight into your home, and while natural light can do wonders for a space, it can also increase your energy costs. Sunlight streaming through the windows in the summer can add heat to your home, boosting your cooling costs. In the winter, however, letting sunlight heat your home can lower heating costs, if only marginally. Motorized smart blinds make it easy to have your blinds open or closed at the appropriate times of day for your heating and cooling needs, whether you program a schedule into the device or give it a command from afar.

Smart Appliances

People tend to run their large appliances, like washers, dryers and dishwashers, at the same time of day. This creates peak times during which electricity is in highest demand among users on your grid. Power is more expensive during peak times and cheaper during off-peak times.

Today’s smart appliances use this to the homeowner’s advantage. You can set your smart appliances to operate during non-peak times, so you can get the lowest price for the electricity you need to wash and dry clothes or do a load of dishes.

Smart devices are making life easier than ever – and they’re making it easier to save money on energy, even as the number of electronic devices in the average household is growing. So, if you’re looking for a way to improve your energy efficiency, don’t dismiss the value of smart devices. These energy saving tips will help you start to save money right away.

While we're on the topic of smart devices and budget protection, protect some of your favorites with the Electronics Protection Plan. If your covered product fails, it will be repaired, and if it cannot be repaired, it will be replaced or you will be reimbursed up to $2,000 per claim limit. 

*The Electronics Plan is provided by Allstate Protections Plans and can only be purchased in conjunction with American Home Shield® home service plans. Please click here for terms, conditions, and full coverage details.