President’s Message – August 2025

3 Smart Home Technologies to Help You Save Energy

Smart technologies make our homes more comfortable, convenient, and energy efficient. By connecting to your home Wi-Fi network, smart devices automate everyday tasks like lighting, heating, cooling, and home security—they can even communicate with other smart devices in the home.

While not all smart home products are specifically designed with energy savings in mind, there are several smart technologies that can help you lower home energy use. Here are the top 3 smart home devices to help you save.

Smart Thermostats

Smart or not, your thermostat is the most effective tool for controlling energy use, as heating and cooling typically account for the largest portion of energy bills. Smart thermostats allow you to adjust the indoor temperature through an app, giving you full control from anywhere on the go. Many smart thermostats include learning capabilities and adjust the thermostat based on previous behavior and patterns.

According to the Department of Energy, smart thermostats can reduce heating and cooling bills by more than 8% annually. With models as low as $65, they typically pay for themselves in 1 year.

Smart Lighting

Smart LED bulbs use less electricity than traditional bulbs and can be scheduled or turned on or off remotely through a smartphone app. Smart bulbs are available in a range of shapes, brightness levels, colors, and more, so shop for the products that work best for your home lighting needs.

Many smart bulbs include motion sensors that turn on or off based on room activity, further optimizing home energy use. If you’re new to smart lighting, try a home starter kit. Prices for kits range from $70 to $300-plus, depending on how many bulbs you need.

Smart Plugs

Smart plugs are inexpensive gadgets that can help you save energy. Many electronic devices consume power even when they are turned off, known as “phantom load,” which can take a toll on your energy bills. Smart plugs are simply plugged into an electrical outlet and connected to your Wi-Fi network. When set up, the smart plug can cut or restore power to non-smart devices, like coffee makers, phone chargers, and other items that draw phantom load.

Many smart plugs can be paired with popular smart hubs, like Alexa or Google Nest, or controlled through the plug’s associated app. Smart plugs are simple to use. A set of 4 costs as little as $25.

If you’re looking for new ways to save energy, try these budget-friendly, convenient smart home technologies.