You are not able to change your life overnight. However, if you start by making a few modifications to the gadgets you use, it’s easy to save money every month. Even better, you will be living a green life. Here is how to get started.
1. A Smart Thermostat
Try the Google Nest Thermostat from Amazon!
The best way to work on reducing your energy bill is to install a smart thermostat. It’s the best way to avoid leaving your HVAC system running throughout the day or night or waiting uncomfortably for your place to cool down or heat up when you get home. You will have great control over your system.
This amazing thermostat from Amazon can easily connect to your Wi-Fi network allowing you to turn the temperature up or down remotely using an app on your phone. Additionally, you can control it using a smart-home hub such as the Amazon Echo.
If you are driving home from work, you can notify the Nest when you will arrive home. This way, it can adjust the temperature of your home so it is warm or cool enough when you arrive. Additionally, you can set up the thermostat to learn your schedule with time so it can cool or warm your home more efficiently.
This thermostat is compatible with 95% of the HVAC systems. If yours isn’t compatible, you can always use the company’s free online tool to make sure it works perfectly for you. You can find Google Nest Thermostat for $209.99. If you don’t love the colour screen or aluminium frame, you can try out the entry-level model. It comes with the same smart features and is compatible with at least 85% of HVAC systems. It is available for $99.99 on Amazon.
2. Smart Light Bulbs
TP-Link Smart Bulb on Amazon!
Smart light bulbs can reduce your energy bills similarly to thermostats. Even better, you will have more control over your technology. These smart bulbs from TP-Link are remote controlled using an app. Additionally, you can do so using your voice through a smart-home hub such as Amazon Echo.
Use the app to turn your lights on or off or dim them to reduce energy use. Additionally, you can set your lights on a specific schedule so there is a safety net if you happen to leave the lights in your attic or basement on. Corgi Home Plan will help you to keep your home safe, warm & energy efficient.
Do you want to save energy and have fun while at it? Well, you can’t go wrong with the colour change bulbs. They have energy-saving and smart features of the regular bulbs from the same company. Even better, you will be able to change to any of the colours to bring more ambience to your room. You can find these bulbs on Amazon for $11.98.
3. A Solar-powered Battery Pack
ANTOPP Solar Battery Pack on Amazon!
One of the surest ways of reducing reliance on electrical energy is by harnessing solar energy but it depends on whether or not it’s sunny outside. This amazing battery pack has 4 foldable solar panels and 2 USB ports. You will be able to charge multiple devices at once without any hassles.
It comes with a maximum capacity of 25000mAh, meaning it can charge your iPhone 8 times or an iPad Mini about 3 times. Charging your devices through solar power is more efficient than plugging them into the wall. It’s prudent to install these solar panels near a window and then keep your devices plugged into them for the better part of the work day for the best results. You can buy it for $44.99 on Amazon.
4. Battery-powered Smart Security Cameras
Blink Outdoor Camera
You don’t need to choose between installing a security system in your home or making your home more energy efficient. Battery-powered smart security cameras make these things more achievable. The Blink outdoor camera, which you can also install indoors, is pocket-size and portable. Even better, it can run for 2 years using AA batteries. It also comes with a 1080P sensor. Therefore, the footage it takes will be clear and comes with infrared night vision so it’s easy to monitor your home at night.
You will be able to get a notification on your phone whenever the camera senses any movement. It will also save a video clip on the cloud so you can review it later. If there is an intruder, you can easily communicate with them using the microphone system (2-way) to catch them red-handed.
There is no clear information on the durability of the camera. However, according to the company, it is referred to as weatherproof. This way, it can withstand snow and rain, if you are keeping it outdoors. It comes with a wall mount so you can mount the camera at a perfect angle for the best results.