Illustration by David Clark
Wouldn’t it be great to wake up, say “Good morning, house!” and stand back as the lights flash on, the coffeemaker starts, the outdoor security lighting switches off and the toaster oven begins preheating for your frozen toaster pastry? Today’s smart home electronics make it all possible.
Smart devices use digital technology and Wi-Fi to take your home to a new level of convenience and comfort—and can help reduce electricity waste and lower your energy bills. You might be surprised by some of the newer devices that could change your daily life.
Smart thermostats
Heating and cooling use more energy than anything else in your home. Replacing your home’s standard thermostat with a smart model can lower your monthly electric bills while keeping you more comfortable. Smart thermostats learn your habits and take over for you. You won’t have to raise or lower your thermostat every evening because it will happen automatically. Because smart thermostats know exactly when you need electricity and when you don’t, they use a lot less energy.
Smart appliances
The second-biggest share of your home’s electricity powers appliances, from your refrigerator to your water heater. Smart appliances use Wi-Fi and sensors to operate more efficiently. A smart washer can sense the size of your load and adjust the water and cycle times accordingly. Smart refrigerators can warn you when the kids leave the door open. And smart water heaters don’t waste energy by heating water while you’re asleep.
Smart plugs and power strips
An easy and affordable way to explore smart technology is with smart plugs for your wall outlets. You can plug lighting, appliances and other devices directly into smart plugs and control the devices through a single app. Smart power strips are particularly helpful for eliminating waste caused by “phantom load,” such as leaving your phone charger plugged in when it’s not charging.
Smart shades
Perhaps you wish your family room didn’t face south because it’s always warm there during the day. Smart shades and blinds can help. You can set them to automatically open or close depending on the time of day (and year) or based on your home’s indoor temperature. They can help your air conditioner keep you cooler for less.
Smart assistants
When you combine the capabilities of individual smart home electronics with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa or whole-home smart energy management systems, they become even more powerful. You can teach voice assistants to carry out multiple tasks that make up your daily routine, like the “Good morning, house!” message. Energy management systems simplify control of all aspects of your home’s energy use, and some offer specific tips to help you save even more.
Be smart (with your smart devices)
While all those smart devices may make your home more energy efficient and your life more comfortable, they’re not perfect. Most require an internet connection, so if your service is down, your smart devices won’t work, either.
Smart devices typically don’t receive frequent system updates like your smartphone or laptop, so be aware of potential security issues. Before you choose any smart home device, make sure it’s completely secure and compatible with what you have. Then prepare to be amazed by what smart home electronics will do for you.
Scott writes on a variety of energy-related topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing nearly 900 electric co-ops.