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Smart Tech Gadgets for Your Home
Energy-saving smart home devices can help lower your electric bill.Written by Caitlin Ritchie
Edited by Jamie Cesanek
Last updated 10/18/2024
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Gadgets to save electricity in your home
Electricity rates have increased across most of the U.S. in the last year. Based on data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average U.S. home energy rate went up 6.25% from 2022 to 2023. Some states, like Maine, experienced a 22% increase in electricity rates. Cutting back on energy consumption is the simplest way to lower your electricity bill. Fortunately, there are energy-saving gadgets and smart devices to help you save energy in your home, including monitoring equipment, smart thermostats, solar technology, and more. SaveOnEnergy can help you find the best products for home energy conservation.
Energy monitors
Energy bills tell you the cost and total amount of your household’s energy usage but not which devices or appliances use the most energy. An energy monitoring device allows you to better manage your electricity usage and understand consumption patterns.
| Product | Price | Standout Features | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor | $99.99–$199.99 |
| Amazon |
| Sense Flex Home Energy Monitor | $349 |
| Amazon |
| Efergy True Power Meter | $169.95 |
| Amazon |
Smart thermostats
You can reduce electricity costs by installing a smart thermostat in your home. Smart thermostats have many features and capabilities to increase your home’s energy efficiency. Most smart thermostats connect to a smartphone app where you can remotely control your home’s temperature and receive money-saving alerts about energy usage.
| Product | Price | Standout Features | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Nest Thermostat | $129.99 — $279.99 |
| Amazon |
| Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium | $249.99 |
| Amazon |
| Amazon Smart Thermostat | $79.99 |
| Amazon |
Electric vehicle chargers
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more common, and many drivers choose them to reduce fuel costs. Level 2 EV chargers let you charge your vehicle using electricity from your home. While home EV chargers may increase your utility bills, they can lead to significant savings on fuel over time.
| Product | Price | Standout Features | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emporia Level 2 EV Charger | $399 |
| Emporia with SaveOnEnergy |
| Wallbox Pulsar Plus Level 2 EV Charger | $649—$699 |
| Amazon |
| Grizzl-E Level 2 Smart EV Charger | $349—$599 |
| Amazon |
| ChargePoint Home Flex EV Charger | $549–$599 |
| Amazon |
| JuiceBox 40 Smart EV Charging Station | $599 |
| Amazon |
Energy-efficient lights
Light bulbs certified by ENERGY STAR use 90% less energy and last 15 times longer than standard light bulbs. LED light bulbs may be more expensive at first, but they can help you save money over time because they use less energy and last longer than other light bulbs.
| Product | Price | Standout Features | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE Smart LED Light Bulbs | $24.87 |
| Amazon |
| Philips Hue LED Smart Bulbs | $54.99–$149.99 |
| Amazon |
Portable solar batteries
Solar batteries store electricity generated by solar panels for later use. With a solar battery backup, you can protect yourself from power outages or avoid using electricity from the power grid when rates are high. These solar batteries are portable, meaning they are not directly attached to a solar panel system and can be moved around easily.
| Product | Price | Standout Features | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLUETTI Portable Power Station | Starts at $1,199 |
| Amazon |
| Anker Portable Power Station | $499.99 |
| Amazon |
| Togo POWER Portable Power Station | Starts at $369.99 |
| Amazon |
Home security
Smart home security systems allow you to monitor your home remotely and provide more security for peace of mind.
| Product | Price | Standout Features | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| SimpliSafe Home Security System | Starts at $309.99 |
| Amazon |
| Wyze Home Security System | $121.78 |
| Amazon |
| Ring Alarm Home Security System | Starts at $329.99 |
| Amazon |
Home cameras
Cameras can offer added security with or without a home security system. Smart home security cameras allow you to monitor your home remotely no matter where you are.
| Product | Price | Standout Features | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Nest Cam | Starts at $94 |
| Amazon |
| Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera | Starts at $59.99 |
| Amazon |