In this Canstar Blue guide, we reveal some of the best energy saving products for your home. Innovative technologies can make managing your home’s energy usage simpler than ever. This article looks at some of the best products to help you save power in the home and reduce energy bills.
The eight best energy efficient gadgets:
1. Smart or energy saving power boards
Smart power boards function similarly to standard multi-boards, allowing users to make the most of limited power sockets. The difference is that these energy saving power boards are able to measure the electricity flow from each outlet, allowing it to detect when devices are in use and when they are in standby mode. When the smart power board recognises a device on standby mode, it will cut the flow of electricity to that particular device without compromising energy flow to other connected electronics. The board can also recognise when you’re trying to turn a device back on and will recommence energy flow immediately.
Smart power boards are becoming increasingly popular as a means to save energy, particularly when it comes to standby power in the home. Using a smart power board may be useful for home entertainment systems and bedroom set ups, which tend to have multiple electronics powered by one board.
How much is leaving your appliances on standby costing you each year? Find out in Canstar Blue’s standby power cost analysis.
2. Smart thermostat
Smart thermostats are a helpful tool for increasing energy efficiency in the home. A smart thermostat is a device that controls a household’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (otherwise known as HVAC) via a tablet or phone. Smart thermostats will learn the user’s habits and auto-adjust the HVAC system to the optimal setting. Installing a smart thermostat can help make your home more energy efficient by avoiding unnecessary use of heating or cooling, while conveniently allowing the household to remain comfortable.
See if you could be saving on your energy with one of the following plans
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
3. Smart glass
Smart glass, also known as privacy glass, uses electro chromatic technology to tint glass when an electric current is applied, letting you remotely tint and untint your windows when it suits. This is similar to transition lenses in your glasses, but controllable with your phone or tablet.
Tinted windows helps cut cooling costs by reflecting the sun’s heat; combine this with smart glass technology, and you could have the ability to let heat in on a cold day and keep it out the next.
4. Smart lights
While many households have switched over to LED or fluorescent lighting, smart lighting could be the next investment for your home. Smart lighting allows you to control light switches from anywhere with smartphone apps. This helps ensure that a light is never left on when you’re not in the room. While a light bulb doesn’t in itself use that much electricity, the savings from switching off can add up over time.
See what your home lighting situation could be costing you each year with Canstar Blue’s lighting cost analysis.
5. Electricity usage monitors
Electricity usage monitors are generally inexpensive gadgets that help to keep track of energy efficiency in the home. These devices allow bill-payers to identify areas of inefficient energy usage (e.g. standby power), minimise their peak demand energy usage, monitor the health of their solar systems, and provide insights into how to improve a home’s energy efficiency.
Some systems even go one step further and automatically control the source of your home’s energy. This could be from drawing electricity from a stored solar energy source during peak periods, or staying on the grid during cheaper off-peak periods. Some of the different kinds of power usage monitors available in Australia include wireless, online, solar and 3-phase power models.
Most electricity and solar retailers offer a range of energy apps and systems which let you use your phone, tablet or computer to track power usage.
6. Energy efficient appliances
Most large appliances in Australia are given a clearly displayed energy star rating. Choosing an appliance with a higher energy rating means that that appliance uses less energy than comparable appliances to provide the same function and so lowers running costs. When shopping for your next appliance, keep an eye out for the energy rating sticker.
7. Solar panels
While installing solar panels itself won’t change the energy efficiency of your home, it will mean that you are covering more of your energy needs with energy from the sun instead of costly grid electricity.
According to Sustainability Victoria, 30-50% of the energy generated by a photovoltaic solar system will typically be used in the home, with 50-70% exported to the grid. Not only can solar panels help make your home more energy-efficient, it can also be fairly cost-effective in the long run. Government rebates and competitive feed-in tariffs (FiTs), combined with the right number of solar panels and potentially a battery storage system can help cut your energy bills.
While your initial investment on a solar system will likely be several thousand dollars, you can determine how long those savings on grid electricity will take to repay that investment using a payback calculator.
8. Solar batteries
Solar batteries allow users to store unused energy generated by the home’s solar panels for later use, rather than letting that extra energy be wasted by exporting it back to the grid at a cost. There are a number of storage systems available in Australia, though the range of products is only expected to grow in the coming years. Some of the top companies currently in the market include Tesla, sonnen, LG, RedFlow, BYD and Enphase.
Find out more about Australia’s solar battery scene with Canstar Blue’s guide to the best solar batteries for your home.
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What do I need to consider with energy saving devices?
The biggest thing to consider is the initial cost of purchasing energy-saving devices or gadgets. While energy-efficient tech can potentially help you save on your power bill, the upfront cost of these appliances can be expensive. This means that it will take some time to recoup the cost of buying the product.
Appliances like energy saving power boards are relatively low cost: but even with the less expensive smart power boards on the market, it will still take time to recoup the costs. Other appliances that require integration can cost thousands and take years or decades to recoup what you’ve initially spent. Weigh up the considerations and see if investing in energy efficient products is right for you.
Original reporting by Kelseigh Wrigley
Image Source: mayam_studio/Shutterstock
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