Best Smart Home Devices to Save Energy 

When it comes to helping the environment, even small changes can make a big impact. Most people want to protect the environment, and the best way to start is right at home.

If you’re not sure where to start, we’re here to help! These tips will show you the most meaningful steps to take and smart home devices you can use to help you save energy at home.

Energy use at home

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the number one cause of climate change is the energy we use at home. If you want to conserve energy, it’s helpful to know the home appliances that consume the most energy. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), the top energy sources around the house include:

1. Heaters (including space heaters)
2. Hot water heaters
3. Air conditioners
4. Refrigerators
5. Clothes washer and clothes dryer
6. Lighting
7. Televisions and gaming equipment

Heating and cooling your house uses the most energy by far, with the HVAC system making up nearly half of all energy use. It also makes up the majority of a home’s utility bills. The average electric bill in the United States is $2,072 each year, while the average gas bill is $809.

When it comes to saving energy — and cutting energy costs — there are plenty of things you can do to cut down on your energy consumption.

Energy saving tips

In addition to smart home devices, there are other small changes you can make to reduce your energy consumption, helping you save energy and money at the same time:

• Wash clothes in cold water. Hot water uses more energy than cold water, so set your washing machine to the cold setting whenever possible. At the same time, make sure you’re washing full loads to cut down on water waste.
• Air dry clothing when possible. Air drying your clothing, whether on a clothes line outdoors or a rack inside, is a simple way to reduce carbon emissions, cut your heating costs, and take advantage of solar energy. It’s also worth noting that many states and HOAs prohibit the use of clotheslines over concerns of neighborhood aesthetics; however, 19 states currently have “right to dry” laws that make these bans on clotheslines illegal.
• Change air filters regularly. A home’s HVAC system uses the most energy, and trying to cool air with a dirty air filter can lower your air conditioner’s efficiency. By regularly replacing your filters, you can improve your HVAC’s efficiency by up to 15%.
• Apply weather stripping. Weather stripping your doors and windows stop air leaks throughout the house. It improves insulation and can cut down on heat loss and help prevent cool air from escaping the house. This is an easy, inexpensive task that can be done in a few minutes.

Best smart energy devices and upgrades

One of the easiest ways to use less energy is through smart home devices. Using energy-saving smart home devices and upgrading to energy-efficient appliances automates energy use around the house, helping you to reduce the amount of energy you use without having to even think about it.

Some of the best devices for energy conservation include:

• Smart thermostats. Smart thermostats learn your temperature preferences and automatically adjust the temperature in your home. It also uses geofencing to conserve energy while you’re away, helping you to reduce your energy usage and helping you save on heating and cooling costs. You can also remotely control your thermostat via an app on your phone.
• Smart lighting. With smart lighting, you can control the lights at your house remotely with your phone, set timers, and automate your lighting. Smart light bulbs also use LED bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. Smart bulbs can also be controlled remotely via your smartphone, allowing you to turn off lights when you're not in the room or even set them to turn on at specific times.
• Smart plugs. These small devices, which you can plug into your outlets, can turn most appliances into smart devices by allowing you to control them remotely. This makes it easy to use less electricity by turning off appliances that are not in use, such as your TV or computer, while also saving you money on your energy bill.
• Energy Star appliances and electronics. If you’re in the market for a new appliance, look for ones that are Energy-Star certified. This means the appliance meets the energy-efficiency requirements set forth by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). More than 65 different kinds of products — including water heating appliances, kitchen devices, washers and dryers, office equipment, and air conditioning, to name a few — are Energy-Star certified, giving you plenty of options for homeowners to conserve energy.
• Smart power strips. Smart power strips are another effective energy saver. These strips allow you to plug in multiple devices, such as your computer, chargers, and speakers, and turn them all off with a single switch. Some models even have energy monitoring capabilities, allowing you to see how much energy each device is using.

Benefits of smart energy products

When it comes to helping conserve energy, smart energy products are a great choice for many reasons. Some of the best benefits of implementing smart energy products in the home include:

• Help the environment. With an increase in awareness about climate change, global warming, and other threats to the environment, many people want to help contribute to environmental sustainability. Smart energy products are designed to help you preserve natural resources and reduce your carbon footprint.
• Cost savings. Reducing your energy consumption through energy efficient appliances can help you save money. By monitoring your energy usage and making adjustments, such as using a smart thermostat or opting for natural light during the day instead of electricity, you can reduce your energy bill.
• Convenience. Smart energy products are designed to be user-friendly and convenient. Because they can be controlled remotely via your smartphone, it’s easy to adjust settings and monitor your energy usage from anywhere.
• Improved comfort. Smart thermostats can help you maintain a comfortable temperature in your home automatically, and smart lighting can create a relaxing ambiance.
• Long-term savings. Smart energy products are an investment that can provide long-term savings. While some may have a higher initial cost than traditional products, they can help you save money over time by reducing reducing the need for repairs and replacements. For example, smart bulbs last 25 times longer than incandescent lights.

Let Vivint help you save energy at home

If you’re ready to start saving energy — and money — at home, Vivint can help. With a wide range of smart energy-saving devices, it’s simple to make home a more comfortable, sustainable place for you and your family.

Getting started is easy. Contact a Smart Home Pro at 855.822.1220 and start building your system today.