Reducing your home’s energy use doesn’t require a complete renovation. The right devices can make a significant impact. Here are the top 10 energy-saving gadgets available now, tested for performance, ease of use, and return on investment. All of these smart gadgets will help you save money on your energy bill and make your day-to-day life easier.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats adjust your home’s temperature based on your individual habits. They learn your schedule and optimize usage to reduce energy waste, while also keeping your house at a comfortable temperature year-round.
Top Pick: Google Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen)
- Learns your preferences within a week
- Auto-schedule feature adjusts heating/cooling when you’re away
- Compatible with 95% of HVAC systems
- Energy History and Home/Away Assist provide insights and control
- Saves an average of 10-12% on heating and cooling bills
- Costs around $250, pays for itself in under two years
The Nest integrates seamlessly with most smart home platforms. It also sends maintenance reminders and weather updates. If you travel often or work irregular hours, the adaptive learning feature is a game-changer.
Other options:
- ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium includes an air quality monitor and built-in Alexa.
- Amazon Smart Thermostat offers a budget-friendly option under $100 with basic automation.
Advanced Power Strips
Most electronics draw power even when turned off. Advanced power strips (APS) cut phantom energy use by shutting off power to devices not in use.
Top Pick: TrickleStar 7-Outlet Advanced PowerStrip
- Automatically turns off idle electronics
- Designed for home office and entertainment centers
- Features always-on outlets for routers or DVRs
- Reduces standby power by up to 50%
These strips are handy for TV setups, gaming systems, and desktop computers. They work by sensing when a primary device, like a TV, powers down and then cutting power to related peripherals. This eliminates the constant trickle of wasted electricity.
Look for APS models with:
- Timer functions
- Motion sensors
- Load-sensing master outlets
These strips can save $100+ per year if used on multiple devices throughout your home.
Smart Plugs
Smart plugs allow you to control individual appliances remotely. They’re ideal for lamps, fans, coffee makers, and other small electronics.
Top Pick: TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings
- No hub required
- Schedule and timer settings through the mobile app
- Usage reports help monitor energy habits
Smart plugs are extremely affordable and easy to install. You can set schedules so that lights and devices run only when needed. You can also turn off the power remotely if you forget to do so. For renters or those without a smart home hub, this is one of the simplest ways to start saving energy.
Use smart plugs to:
- Turn off devices while at work or asleep
- Monitor power-hungry appliances
- Automate morning or evening routines
Most models cost under $25 and offer fast ROI for high-usage items.
Smart Lighting
LEDs already use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs. Adding smart features boosts savings by automating use.
Top Pick: Philips Hue Smart Bulbs
- Dimmable and programmable
- Control via app, voice, or motion sensors
- Customizable schedules and scenes
- Up to 25,000-hour lifespan per bulb
You can set lights to turn off when you leave the house or dim automatically in the evening. Some models mimic sunrise to help you wake up naturally. These bulbs work well in hard-to-reach fixtures where long life really pays off.
Replacing a 60-watt incandescent with a Hue bulb can save $130 over its lifetime. For budget-friendly smart bulbs, consider Wyze Bulb or Sengled.
Low-Flow Showerheads
Heating water accounts for 18% of the average home’s energy use. Low-flow showerheads cut water and heating use without sacrificing pressure.
Top Pick: High Sierra 1.5 GPM Showerhead
- Made in the USA with a patented nozzle
- Delivers a strong, steady stream
- Reduces water use by 40% or more
- Saves about $50-$100/year on water heating
Unlike older models, modern low-flow heads maintain solid pressure while using much less water. Installation takes minutes and doesn’t require tools. This is a simple, low-cost upgrade that pays off quickly.
Look for units with:
- Flow rates under 2.0 GPM
- WaterSense certification
- Easy installation with no plumber required
Smart Irrigation Controllers
Outdoor watering systems waste up to 50% of water due to overwatering. Smart irrigation controllers adjust schedules based on weather data and soil conditions.
Top Pick: Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller
- Monitors the weather in real time
- Skips watering during rain, wind, or freeze
- App control from anywhere
- Integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant
This controller helps avoid overwatering while keeping lawns healthy. It’s ideal for climates with variable rainfall. Installation usually takes under an hour and connects to most existing sprinkler systems.
Users report up to 30% reduction in outdoor water usage. Installation takes under an hour and fits most existing systems.
Energy Monitors
You can’t fix what you can’t measure. Home energy monitors track usage in real-time, pinpointing which appliances are costing you the most.
Top Pick: Sense Home Energy Monitor
- Tracks energy usage by device
- Provides real-time alerts and insights
- App access with historical data
- Requires professional installation
The Sense device connects to your electrical panel and identifies patterns over time. It helps detect inefficiencies, such as aging appliances or forgotten space heaters. The data makes it easier to prioritize upgrades and change habits.
Typical users identify energy hogs like old fridges, dehumidifiers, or pool pumps. The device pays off by helping prioritize upgrades.
For renters or smaller homes, try plug-level monitors like the Emporia Smart Plug with built-in metering.
Solar-Powered Outdoor Lights
Solar lighting reduces electricity usage while improving outdoor safety and visibility. Modern solar lights perform well even in low-sun areas.
Top Pick: URPOWER 2-in-1 Solar Spotlights
- Weatherproof, adjustable heads
- Work up to 10 hours after a full charge
- No wiring required
- Ideal for walkways, driveways, and landscaping
Today’s solar lights are brighter and more durable than past models. They charge even on cloudy days and work automatically at dusk. Great for DIYers, they install in minutes and require zero maintenance.
Cost per light is under $40. They’re easy to install and require no ongoing maintenance.
Window Insulation Kits
Heating and cooling loss through windows drains energy. Insulation kits offer a seasonal, low-cost fix.
Top Pick: 3M Indoor Window Insulation Kit
- Clear plastic film creates an insulating barrier
- Installs with double-sided tape and a hairdryer
- Reduces drafts and energy loss
- One kit covers up to 5 windows
These kits are ideal for older homes with single-pane windows. They’re easy to remove in spring and help reduce winter condensation. You can install them yourself in under 30 minutes per window.
Saves up to $20 per window each winter, especially in older homes with single-pane glass.
Smart Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans with smart controls reduce reliance on HVAC systems. They adjust speed and direction based on room temperature or schedules.
Top Pick: Hunter Symphony Smart Ceiling Fan
- Works with Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant
- Quiet motor with reversible airflow
- App-based speed control
- Sleek, modern design
Smart fans extend the comfort zone in both summer and winter. Reverse airflow pushes warm air down in colder months. They use a fraction of the energy that air conditioners do, and automation keeps them running efficiently.
Fans use about 60 watts, while central AC units draw thousands of watts. When combined with smart thermostats, they extend the comfort range in your home.
Final Tips for Maximizing Savings
To get the most from energy-saving devices:
- Use your utility’s rebate programs for smart thermostats and lighting
- Install devices in high-use areas first, like kitchens, family rooms, and home offices
- Monitor monthly utility bills to track savings
- Bundle multiple devices for compounding effects
Energy-saving gadgets aren’t just convenient—they’re effective. With the right mix of smart devices, you can cut your energy use by 20-30% annually without sacrificing comfort.
Want deeper savings? Combine gadgets with better insulation, updated appliances, and behavior changes like shorter showers and off-peak laundry.
Bottom Line
Start with one or two devices that match your home’s biggest energy drains. Whether it’s a smart thermostat, power strip, or energy monitor, each device puts you in control. Over time, these upgrades pay for themselves and keep your home efficient, modern, and cost-effective.
You might also be interested in: Integrating Home Automation with Security Systems
