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Modern tech devices for lowering energy bills are all around us these days. According to Ronas IT, an MVP development company, there will be a surge of tech companies focused on environment issues over the next few years. But which ones are really worth the money or offer convenience? It all depends on your personal or household usage and your goals. But there is always something you can do to bring costs and CO2 contributions down. So, from energy-efficient lighting devices to solar panels and using better appliances, here are some handy suggestions for reducing your energy consumption.
Advanced Window Systems
Windows, we all need them, and we all love them. Without them, your home is a box. A very dark box. However, windows can cause a lot of heat to escape from your home if they are old or inefficient. There have been advances in window technology over the past few years. You can check out this window replacement website for some of the best examples of modern windows. Of course, smart tech has extended to glass that can change its reflective qualities as required.
Lighting Devices for Lower Energy Bills
We are facing something of an energy crisis which shows no sign of getting better. There might be the odd small decrease in cost, but essentially it just gets higher. It is so bad that the UK’s Office for National Statistics reports that 38% of people struggle with energy bills right now. Fortunately, there are some excellent energy-saving devices for the home, including lighting. LED strips, smart-enabled lamps, and battery-powered candles offer style and practicality.
Using Timed Smart Plugs
There are many smart devices on this list, and for good reason. Smart devices are a great way to save energy because you have full control over how your electronics and electricals work. But not all appliances are smart. But smart plugs bridge the gap between dumb devices and smart systems. With smart plugs, you can control otherwise dormant devices such as the TV or lighting. These work with apps, and some can be controlled using virtual assistants like Alexa.
Full-Control Smart Thermostats
Heating is another point of contention and one of the largest costs a modern home has. Just having a thermostat can ensure you use your home’s heating as efficiently as possible by maintaining a constant temperature. However, you need to be at home to adjust it. A smart thermostat, such as Nest, allows you to control your home’s heating from anywhere. Using a laptop, phone, or tablet, you have full control over the heating system, reducing energy waste.
Installing Solar Panels
Solar panels are becoming more popular as the costs come down. They are no longer out of reach for most people and have become very affordable. With a solar panel system, you catch the light from the sun and convert it to energy for use in the home. But there are other benefits:
- You can rest easy knowing you are contributing less to global warming.
- Solar panels can help your home go “off the grid” and become more sustainable.
- Any land you have can easily accommodate more solar panels.
- Lower transmission distance means no energy is lost between the source and the home.
- Blackouts and brownouts will affect your home much less than grid reliance.
- The energy you capture, store, and use is completely free and non-polluting.
- Buying solar panels helps contribute to a growing green industry and creates jobs.
Every home that can accommodate them should have solar panels to help with the shift towards renewable energy. Modern solar panels are extremely efficient, and no power is lost or wasted. And the industry itself is a growth sector providing many jobs for workers now and in the future.
Multi-Device Smart Power Strips
Consider how many devices you have plugged into your home’s sockets right now. A good chunk of these are probably connected using power strips, as most houses weren’t built with phones, TVs, and game consoles in mind. These can all drain power and act as vampire devices while plugged into a standard power strip. Like smart plugs, smart power strips are easy to control at the touch of a button and can save money by making sure everything is turned off.
LED Light Bulbs, Of Course
Lighting at home is one of the most used systems by modern humans. Yet it can be costly if you like to be bathed in light all the time or have a family of teens who don’t know what a switch is! Fortunately, smart LED light bulbs are here to save the day and some energy. They cost a bit more than standard bulbs but use up to 90% less energy, depending on the brand. However, they can also be dimmed or switched on and off with phone apps and smart hubs like Alexa.
Energy-Efficient Devices for Lower Energy Bills
The appliances we need and use all the time, such as kitchen appliances, account for around 4% of energy bills. There is a shift towards better devices these days as older and inefficient ones die out. Additionally, manufacturers are being held accountable and must also make their appliances as efficient as possible. Energy efficiency ratings are law in most countries, so always check before buying. Replacing older ones can save you a lot of cash in the long run.
Home Energy Monitoring Apps
Monitoring the energy you use can help form a set of data that you can use to bring down your bills. Many energy suppliers offer these today, and almost all can be accessed using a smartphone. You can check peak times and how much it costs with these apps, which is useful for knowing when to use appliances such as the washing machine and when to leave them off. Some apps will also inform you of any CO2 contributions so you can work to reduce those, too.
Summary
Modern advanced windows and smart glass are among the best tech devices for lower energy bills. Solar panels and other renewable sources will also reduce costs and CO2 contributions. Home energy monitoring apps allow you to form a picture and plan around energy usage.
