Utility prices are skyrocketing so using more electricity-consuming products like smart tech may seem counter intuitive. But, the appliance and gadget experts at Domestic & General, argue that smart tech devices can help to save money by automating or boosting large parts of a home’s energy-saving efforts.
The company estimates that across savings on lighting, water and heating the average home can save a whopping £550 a year by using smart devices. So, the initial outlay can be well worth it in the long run!
LIGHTING
- Smart bulbs are an easy way to save money because switching lightbulbs is a simple and cheap change to make. Smart bulbs are also LED bulbs, which use roughly 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and they last 25 times longer on average. Smart bulbs offer additional savings by providing a dimming function, which could save another 40 percent.
- Smart bulbs can be programmed by an app or in response to other smart devices, such as motion sensors or proximity to the device to be switched off automatically, allowing the bulbs to work efficiently without you needing to remember to turn them off manually.
Initial outlay: £10 for 3 bulbs
Energy Saving for the year: £250!
WATER
- Saving water using smart tech seems unlikely but there are products on the market now that enable you to do just that. A smart leak sensor is a device to monitor under sinks, behind toilets, around washing machines, and other potential leak points. When a leak is detected, the device sends a smartphone alert so you can attend to the issue quickly, before excessive amounts of water are wasted, or property is damaged.
- Smart outdoor sprinkler controllers can control water waste in the garden or outdoor areas by controlling the quantity used; this can be as specific as basing irrigation levels on your specific soil moisture and plant types.
Initial Outlay: £20 for a smart leak sensor and £100 for a smart outdoor sprinkler controller
Water saving for the year: £100!
ENERGY
- Install a smart thermostat, this is one of the best changes you can make, especially in eternally temperamental Britain. There are smart device options on the market that are “learning thermostats” which can automatically adjust to optimal temperature levels based on habits, location, and the average time it takes to warm or cool the property. Many are also smartphone enabled so that heating can be adjusted in preparation for a colder evening, or switched off if the weather turns warmer.
Initial Outlay: £100 for a smart thermostat
Heating saving for the year: £200!
Ian Palmer-Smith, Director of Heating at Domestic & General said: “Smart tech devices used wisely can open a world of energy-saving options for your home. However, balancing the initial outlay of the device to your own budget and circumstances need to be taken into account. It’s clear that reviewing your energy consumption could lead to significant financial savings for you.”
