5 smart devices to invest in to save on utility bills this winter

The easiest way to reduce your utility bill in winter is to turn down the thermostat and wear layers of clothing around the house, but not everyone wants to do that. A good alternative is to install smart home devices that maximize efficiency and reduced utility bills.

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You don’t need to break the bank to invest in smart home devices. In some cases, you can stock up on various devices for a few hundred dollars, but you can easily spend much more than that for high-end options.

If you want to save on your utility bills this winter, here are five ways smart home devices to consider buying.

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Smart Thermostats

Your thermostat can be your best friend or your worst enemy when it comes to winter heating bills, especially if you live where subzero temperatures are the norm. Smart thermostats fall into the “friends” category because they are designed to adjust the temperature in your home for the most efficient performance.

Energy Star describes a smart thermostat as a “Wi-Fi enabled device that automatically adjusts the heating and cooling temperature settings in your home.” Many models learn your temperature preferences, then set a schedule that automatically adjusts to energy-efficient temperatures when you’re sleeping or when you’re away from home.

Featured price of smart thermostats on Amazon Typically range from $35 to $180, although some cost more.

Smart leak sensor

If you want to reduce your water bills during the winter, installing a smart leak sensor is a good first step. These are internet-connected devices placed next to plumbing to monitor pipes for dripping and freezing, according to a blog on the Tom’s Guide website. Smart leak sensors can be integrated into your smart home platform to send notifications to your phone, make announcements on your smart speakers, or flash indoor lights to let you know if a drip occurs.

Featured price on Amazon generally range between 20 and 80 dollars.

Smart lights

It gets dark early and often in winter, and smart lights are a good way to ensure your electricity bill doesn’t have any nasty surprises. As Best buy As noted on its website, smart lights are fixtures and bulbs that can “automatically sense and interact with their surroundings as well as users and other smart devices.” They can be controlled remotely or via voice commands via wireless connectivity. Smart lights can also be programmed to automatically turn off when they are no longer needed, helping to reduce electricity bills.

Featured price on Amazon For smart ceiling lights, the price typically ranges from $30 to $100, although some items cost significantly more.

Smart sockets

Smart plugs allow you to remotely connect and control devices like heaters and fans, according to Tom’s Guide. For example, you can program a heater to warm specific rooms only when needed, meaning you don’t waste energy. If your smart plug supports energy monitoring, you can also adjust usage patterns to maximize efficiency.

Featured price on Amazon generally range between 15 and 30 dollars.

Smart Energy Monitors

These monitors serve as a “personal energy consultant” by helping you identify areas where you can reduce your energy use and save money, according to a blog from Race Communications. The devices provide real-time data on the energy consumption of your appliances and help you identify energy leaks that drive up electricity bills during the winter. For example, a smart energy monitor can determine that your heating system is running too high when the house is empty.

Featured price on Amazon generally range between $100 and $300.

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