Your home may be using more energy than it needs to — and your utility bills could be showing it. Smart home technology can spot inefficiencies, automate energy-saving adjustments and help cut waste while still keeping your home comfortable.
But some devices can be pricey up front. So, if you want to make several upgrades at once, a home improvement loan may be worth considering. It could help break the cost into monthly payments that are easier to plan around.
Here are eight types of smart home tech that could help trim your monthly expenses
Smart thermostats
Smart thermostats are kind of like the attentive roommate who always remembers to turn down the heat when everyone leaves. The thermostat learns your schedule and automatically adjusts your home’s temperature.
These devices can lower the temperature when you’re asleep or away, then warm things up before you wake up or get home. Many let you control the settings from an app on your phone, so you can turn off the heat later if you forgot to do so on your way out the door.
Since heating and cooling account for a large portion of the average energy bill, a smart thermostat may help you save some money.
Smart light bulbs
Smart light bulbs use LED technology, which draws far less power than traditional bulbs. They also last longer, so you replace them less often.
Beyond energy-efficient LED technology, smart bulbs also let you control your lights remotely from an app on your phone.
You may be able to:
Smart power strips
Many devices continue to draw power through what’s known as “phantom energy” — even when they’re switched off. This unnecessarily inflates your electric bill month after month.
A smart power strip fixes that. It cuts power to devices that aren’t in use. Some models even detect when a device has gone idle and shut it down automatically. This small change can help you chip away at wasted electricity all year long.
Smart plugs
Smart plugs turn ordinary appliances into ones you can control from an app your phone. That means you can switch off your lamp, fan or coffee maker from anywhere — no more worrying about whether you left something on when you’re halfway to work.
Many smart plugs also track how much energy each device uses. That data can help you spot the appliances driving up your bill, so you can adjust how often you use them.
Smart irrigation systems
A smart irrigation system can help your lawn or garden thrive without sending your water bill soaring. Instead of watering on a fixed schedule, it uses weather data and soil sensors to deliver the right amount of water at the right time.
These systems adjust based on rainfall, temperature and soil moisture levels, so your plants get what they need without waste. You may also be able to monitor and manage watering from an app wherever you are.
Leak detectors
A small leak might not seem like a big deal, but if left unchecked, it can balloon into a costly repair and a spike in your water bill. Smart leak detectors help you catch problems before they worsen.
Place these sensors near water heaters, sinks or washing machines. If the sensors detect moisture, they send an alert straight to your phone. Some models can even shut off your water supply automatically.
Smart pool equipment
If you own a pool, the running costs can seem like they’re doing laps of their own. But smart equipment can help keep your bill under control.
For example, variable-speed pumps, automated cleaners and smart controllers typically run only when needed. That way, you can reduce your pool’s energy and maintenance costs.
Smart pool tech can also monitor chemical levels and water temperature, reducing waste and manual upkeep.
Thinking about adding a pool in the first place? A pool loan can help you cover the initial investment, and smart equipment may help you manage the ongoing costs afterward.
Upgrade your home without overhauling your budget
Smart home tech doesn’t have to mean a full renovation. Even one or two devices can start lowering your bills right away.
Begin with the area where you spend the most money — whether that’s heating, lighting or water. Whether you choose to go big or start small, energy changes can lead to lasting savings and greater value from the money you put into your home.
Notice: Information provided in this article is for information purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views of designmode24.com or its employees. Please be sure to consult your financial advisor about your financial circumstances and options. This site may receive compensation from advertisers for links to third-party websites.
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