We’re all feeling the pinch right now. Energy bills have skyrocketed – and it only looks like they’re going to keep rising. According to research from the House of Commons Library, “household energy bills increased by 54% in April 2022”. And they’re going up by another 27% this October…
But there’s a way to bring those bills down and make a difference: smart tech.
What is smart tech and how does it work?
Smart technology is tech with a brain, with more clever stuff going on under the hood. Take a simple bit of gear – then automate it, control it using an app and connect it with other devices in your house. And Bob’s your uncle. You’ve got yourself some smart tech.
We’re talking about the kind that’s there to save you some serious money and energy. Combining smart plugs, lights and thermostats can make a big difference to your wallet at the end of the month.
Smart lights
Installing eco or LED bulbs in every room can really help keep the cost of your bills down long-term. Smart bulbs are designed to save power and last a lot longer than traditional ones, so you won’t have to replace them as often.
You can even set their brightness if you want to. This adds to their energy efficiency; smart bulbs use less energy than normal bulbs as they don’t give off as much heat.
We’re all guilty of leaving lights on. Tucked up in bed but know you’ve left one on in the kitchen? Grab your smartphone and switch it off in a second. Sorted.
Smart plugs
The modern home is a hive of electronics. The TV. Your fridge. The PlayStation in the lounge. All of it hoovers up energy. Certain tech can even be a drain on standby.
Get yourself some smart plugs and slot them into as many outlets around the house as you can. You can then switch devices off and on via your smartphone. No more accidentally leaving your TV on standby when you head out for the evening!
Companion apps will usually show you which bit of tech is the biggest energy sink. Knowing which gear is consuming what level of energy can be a real money saver.
Smart plugs are cheap to buy and easy to set up and use, so do yourself a favour and get a set.
Smart Thermostats
With a smart thermostat, you can outline schedules, set timers, tweak temperatures and do a whole lot more when it comes to controlling your boiler, heating and water. Along with a dedicated app – displaying a dashboard with your energy usage – you can quickly view how and where your home is consuming energy.
A lot of leading energy companies even offer a rebate once you buy and install your thermostat. That’s a win-win situation.
Got any top energy saving tips you want to share? Comment down below and let us know.