Manufacturers are now creating more green gadgets due to the high demand from consumers looking for energy saving products. An energy consulting firm would probably advise you to be careful in choosing a product because some are an outright waste of money. But here are 6 gadgets that are really worth purchasing because they help you save money and live green:
- Smart Thermostats
The latest smart thermostats already know when you use your heating and cooling systems, and they can analyze your patterns of use. Remember that around 40% of your energy bill comes from cooling and heating, and with a smart thermostat, you can really save money. You may have to fork over $200 for a quality smart thermostat but you get more savings in the long run.
- Energy Management Systems
You can now control your entire home using a remote control. Even if you’re not at home, you don’t have to worry if you left your AC running or if your lights are on while you’re away for a 2-week vacation. Basically, it can control your lights, cooling and heating systems, appliances, security system, and just about any electronic device on your smartphone.
- LED Lighting
LED bulbs may be expensive at the onset but they will cost the least amount of money to use compared to compact and halogen fluorescent lights. You get really good lighting and they are also safe because they don’t contain mercury.
- Smart Power Strips
There’s no need to unplug your appliances and electronic devices every night because with a smart power strip, you can cut power from anything that you plug into it. It’s especially handy in areas that are hard to reach such as the back of your kitchen counter, behind the TV and under your work desk.
- Energy Star Appliances
Nowadays, energy consultants would really advise people to buy appliances that have energy star certifications if they need to upgrade old ones. Products that are Energy Star certified offer great savings because they are very efficient and are equipped with smart technologies. In fact, the latest washing machine with smart technology now will only cost you around $80 a year to operate. Smart refrigerators are also just as efficient in spite having more features that you can really appreciate.
- Charging Stations
Phantom power is one of the biggest cause of energy wastage and it often results from devices that are plugged but aren’t being used. You can avoid this by using charging stations that can turn off automatically when your electronic devices are fully charged, such as your laptop and smartphone. Some smart chargers can also turn off after a specific length of time.
The prices of these smart gadgets vary but one thing they have in common is that they can help you reduce your power bill. They may not be cheap but in the long run, you will really save money and reduce your energy expenditure.
