Updated: Dec 13, 2024

Smart home devices are not only convenient but can also help you reduce energy consumption, lower utility bills, and make your home more eco-friendly. Discover which smart devices offer the best savings, from smart thermostats to energy-efficient lighting.

1. Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats, such as the Nest Thermostat or Ecobee, help optimize heating and cooling, saving money on energy bills. These devices learn your daily routine and adjust temperatures accordingly, preventing wasteful heating and cooling when no one is home.

• How It Works: Smart thermostats can automatically adjust temperatures based on schedules, weather, and even room occupancy. Many also allow you to control temperatures remotely through an app.
• Potential Savings: Households can save up to 10% annually on heating and cooling costs.
• Pro Tip: Some utility companies offer rebates for installing a smart thermostat, so check with your provider to save even more.

2. Smart Plugs and Power Strips

Smart plugs and power strips let you turn appliances on and off remotely or schedule when they’re in use, preventing “phantom” energy consumption. Devices left on standby mode, like TVs or game consoles, still consume energy, but smart plugs help cut this waste.

• How It Works: Plug your electronics into smart plugs or power strips and use an app to schedule or turn them off when not in use.
• Potential Savings: Reduce standby power costs by up to 10% annually.
• Pro Tip: Use smart plugs for appliances you frequently leave plugged in, like coffee makers or lamps, and set schedules to prevent energy waste.

3. Smart Lighting Systems

Smart lighting systems, like Philips Hue or LIFX, allow you to control lights remotely, set schedules, and even adjust brightness. LED smart bulbs use much less energy than traditional bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer.

• How It Works: Replace traditional light bulbs with smart LED bulbs and control them via an app. Set schedules to turn lights off when not in use, or use motion sensors for automatic lighting.
• Potential Savings: Smart LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and can save you $100 or more annually, depending on usage.
• Pro Tip: For extra savings, set lights to lower brightness levels when full lighting isn’t needed, or use dimmers on compatible smart bulbs.

4. Smart Water Leak Detectors

Smart water leak detectors, such as those from Honeywell or Flo by Moen, alert you to leaks before they become costly problems. These sensors can be placed near sinks, toilets, and water heaters, notifying you through an app if they detect moisture.

• How It Works: Place leak detectors in areas prone to leaks, and they’ll send an alert to your phone if water is detected.
• Potential Savings: Catching leaks early can save hundreds in water bills and thousands in potential water damage.
• Pro Tip: Some devices, like Flo by Moen, can even shut off your water supply if a significant leak is detected, providing an extra layer of protection.

5. Smart Irrigation Systems

Smart irrigation controllers, like the Rachio Smart Sprinkler, adapt watering schedules based on weather, soil moisture, and plant types, conserving water and lowering your water bill.

• How It Works: Smart irrigation controllers adjust watering schedules based on real-time weather data and soil conditions, optimizing water usage.
• Potential Savings: Households can save up to 50% on outdoor water use, depending on location and climate.
• Pro Tip: Look for models that integrate with smart home ecosystems (like Alexa or Google Home) for even more control over watering routines.

6. Smart Window Blinds or Shades

Smart window blinds and shades adjust to sunlight and temperature changes to help reduce heating and cooling needs. These blinds can close automatically to block out sunlight on hot days or open to allow natural warmth in winter.

• How It Works: Set your blinds to open and close on a schedule or according to sunlight and room temperature, reducing the need for air conditioning or heating.
• Potential Savings: Save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs by reducing the strain on your HVAC system.
• Pro Tip: Smart blinds can be paired with a smart thermostat for optimized temperature control throughout the day.

7. Smart Ceiling Fans

Smart ceiling fans, such as Haiku by Big Ass Fans, integrate with smart thermostats to provide efficient temperature control. They adjust speed based on room temperature, circulating air to reduce the need for constant air conditioning or heating.

• How It Works: Connect a smart ceiling fan to your smart thermostat, and it will automatically adjust to maintain comfortable temperatures without overusing your HVAC system.
• Potential Savings: Save 4-8% on cooling costs by circulating air more efficiently.
• Pro Tip: During colder months, run your ceiling fan in reverse to push warm air downward, helping keep rooms warmer without raising the thermostat.

8. Smart Appliances

Energy-efficient smart appliances, such as smart washers, dryers, and refrigerators, monitor energy use and can be controlled to operate during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower. They often come with eco-friendly modes that help reduce energy use automatically.

• How It Works: Program smart appliances to run at specific times or monitor their energy consumption through apps to avoid peak energy rates.
• Potential Savings: Depending on the appliance and usage, energy-efficient models can save between 10-30% annually.
• Pro Tip: Some appliances, like smart washers, allow you to set cycles to start during off-peak times for extra savings.

9. Smart Shower Heads

Smart shower heads, such as the WaterHawk or Hydrao, monitor water flow and temperature, helping you manage hot water use. Some models also alert you when you’ve used a set amount of water, encouraging shorter showers and reducing water heater usage.

• How It Works: These shower heads track water use and adjust flow for efficiency. They can also provide real-time feedback on water usage, helping reduce consumption.
• Potential Savings: Save up to 40% on water heating costs by reducing hot water use.
• Pro Tip: Use this in combination with a tankless water heater for additional energy savings.

10. Smart Energy Meters

Smart energy meters, like Sense and Emporia, track real-time energy use and provide insights into which devices consume the most power. This helps you understand and adjust your habits, reducing your overall energy consumption.

• How It Works: These meters connect to your electrical panel and track energy usage across devices, sending data to an app where you can monitor your consumption.
• Potential Savings: By identifying energy hogs, you can reduce waste and save up to 20% on electricity bills.
• Pro Tip: Use the insights to unplug or adjust high-consumption devices and set reminders to reduce usage when you’re away.

Final Thoughts on Saving with Smart Home Devices

Smart home devices can help you achieve real savings on utility bills while making your home more efficient and environmentally friendly. By investing in technology that optimizes energy and water use, you can reduce waste, extend the life of your appliances, and save significantly on monthly bills. With a few simple upgrades, you can enjoy a comfortable, eco-conscious home that saves you money all year round.