Today’s smart home technologies do more than add convenience—they can help you save energy and reduce your monthly power bill. By connecting devices to your home’s Wi-Fi network, you can automate lighting, temperature, and even appliance usage to better manage your energy use.
While not all smart devices are built specifically for efficiency, many offer real savings. Here are 3 smart home upgrades that can make a big difference:
Smart Thermostats
Heating and cooling make up the largest chunk of most energy bills, so your thermostat is the number 1 tool for reducing usage. Smart thermostats can be controlled from your phone, whether you’re home or away. Many models “learn” your habits and adjust automatically to save energy.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, smart thermostats can cut heating and cooling costs by over 8% per year—and some models qualify for a PenLight incentive when operating certain heating systems.
Smart Lighting
Smart LED bulbs use less electricity than traditional bulbs and can be controlled by a smartphone app. Many offer motion-sensing features or allow you to create lighting schedules to avoid wasted energy. 12588
Starter kits are an easy way to begin and range from around $70 to $300, depending on how many bulbs you need.
Smart Plugs
Smart plugs are a simple, low-cost way to reduce “phantom load,” or the energy some electronics use even when turned off. Just plug them into an outlet, connect them to Wi-Fi, and control them through a smartphone app, voice assistant, or home automation system.
You can find a 4-pack for as little as $25, making this 1 of the easiest and most affordable ways to manage home energy use.
At Peninsula Light Co., we’re always looking for ways to help our members save. If you’re exploring energy-efficient upgrades, these smart devices are a great place to start.