Cutting back on your consumption isn’t the only way to save energy around your home. If you’re looking to make a large impact on your energy bill, replacing your appliances with ENERGY STAR-rated ones isn’t the only solution. Check out some of our favorite energy-saving devices that won’t break the bank.
A Bright Idea: Philips HUE Line
How many times have you realized you accidentally left the lights on right after you’ve gotten comfortable? Now you don’t have to leave your seat with the Philips HUE line of LED light bulbs. These smart light bulbs are compatible with most everyday fixtures, from your bedside lamp to your dining room light. Not to mention you can control them with your smartphone, switch, or voice control with Amazon’s Alexa Voice Service. HUE lights not only make home automation more affordable but also add some extra ambiance to your home. Dim the lights to make a dinner extra cozy or change the color with the click of a button.
Image via www2.meethue.com
Stop Overloading Your Outlets
Overcrowding your outlets isn’t only an eyesore, it’s also a fire waiting to happen. Stop wasting precious plug space with your everyday activities. The energy-efficient SnapPower outlet comes in two different versions, a USB phone charger, and a nightlight. Imagine having a nightlight that costs less than 10 cents per year to operate and lasts more than 25 years! This smart outlet takes mere seconds to install and requires no special tools.
The Self-Programming Thermostat: Nest Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are a handy way to get your home’s heating and cooling under control – but sometimes it’s a bit of a guesswork process. Is 69 the right temperature for those cool spring mornings, or would 65 be enough to keep off the chill? Until you experiment, it’s difficult to know for sure – and the experimentation could be time-consuming and expensive. Enter the Nest learning thermostat! The Nest lets you manually set the heating and cooling levels to what’s comfortable, learning what your preferred patterns and schedules are. The Nest then starts running your home’s climate control system efficiently and to your exact preferences.
Image via Nest.com
Automate Your Appliances: WeMo®Insight Switch
WiFi allows you to look up information anywhere you go, so why not use it to monitor your appliances at home? Home automation takes the guesswork out of lowering your energy bills. The WeMo® Insight Switch® allows you to check in on your electronics right from your smartphone. You’ll have the ability to turn appliances on and off, create a custom schedule for your holiday lights, or turn off the TV when your child exceeded his daily limit. Not to mention you’ll now have the ability to know exactly how much energy your electronics are consuming, making energy-saving that much easier.
Image via Belkin.com
Never Flip Another Light Switch: Lutron Occupancy Sensing Switch
You’ll never need to flip a light on or off with the Lutron Occupancy/Vacancy Sensing Switch. This handy unit detects motion and presence in a room and then turns the lights on accordingly. After you leave, the lights switch off. It couldn’t be easier, and it can save you hundreds of dollars a year. Not to mention installation takes only a few minutes and can replace a current light switch.
These new products are great ways to further cut down on your energy bills – and they’re just the tip of the iceberg. Every year there are tens of thousands of new electronic products released onto the market. With a little prudent judgment, you can update your gadgetry and cut your power costs at the same time.
Image via Lutron.com
Join the hundreds of smart Massachusetts homeowners who have made their homes smarter and more efficient. Schedule your no-cost Mass Save home energy assessment to learn how you can get some of the devices listed here at low-cost.
