Today we have many options for technology products that can help reduce energy consumption, and in some cases save money. You may already be familiar with Energy Star Rated appliances. But more recently, companies are creating products that learn from your unique behaviors to make your home smarter and more efficient. These “smart” devices and appliances in your home connect to the Internet, so you can easily access and control them with your phone or computer.
Programmable thermostats that are connected to the Internet are becoming more commonplace. Most of these thermostats cost around $215-250 each, and end up paying for themselves in about 1.5-2 years with energy savings. Typically, they will have features such as responding to voice commands, being programmable from your phone and learning your behavior, so they automatically adjust temperature settings based on previous usage. These thermostats serve to heat and cool your home in the most efficient way to save on energy costs. They will turn down energy usage when you are out of your home or are asleep, and they will adjust the temperature when you are home.
Switching to LED lighting in your home is far more energy efficient than traditional incandescent light bulbs. The cost of LED lighting has come down considerably in the past few years, and now, many manufacturers are offering automated LED light technology. Automated LED technology allows you to connect your lighting directly to the Internet so you can adjust your lighting through your phone via an app, whether you’re home or out.
You have more options for smart, energy efficient appliances for your home than ever before, such as the LG Smart Washing Machine and Stove with Wi-Fi Smart Diagnosis, using ThinQ technology. This technology connects online and uses Smart Grid technology that determines optimal wash times, providing the cheapest electricity rates at any given time. Electrical rates are highest during peak usage times, so ThinQ works to find the times when usage is low, and consequently rates are lowest. Other smart appliances that can be connected to smart electric meters or home energy management systems to help you shift your electricity use to off-peak hours include air conditioners, refrigerators, dishwashers, and many more.
Here’s a list of some of our favorite apps you can use to monitor your energy use and help save on energy costs:
