15 gadgets to improve energy efficiency

With global warming wreaking havoc around the world, it has become even more important to conserve energy as much as possible. Fortunately, the latest technology allows you to consume energy far more efficiently than before. Check out these gadgets that will not only reduce your carbon footprint, but also help to save a lot of money on your energy bills.

Philips Hue White A19 60W Equivalent LED Smart Bulb Starter Kit

PhilipPhilips LED Smart Bulb Starter Kit

One of the best ways that you can save electricity is by using LED light bulbs combined with smart operation. This Philips kit comes with 4 Energy Star certified LED smart light bulbs and a Hue Hub that can be used to control up to 50 bulbs. The hub pairs with the Hue app for remote control and also couples with Alexa for voice control, so not only can users control their home lighting using a mobile device from any location, they can also conveniently switch on the lights with voice commands when they are home.

Sense Energy Monitor with Solar

Sense Solar Energy Monitor

People are often caught off guard when a device with high energy consumption is accidentally left on for a long time, leading to a high energy bill. Instead of constantly managing your family’s energy usage, you can invest in a smart energy monitor that will warn you when there is excessive power consumption. The Sense Energy Monitor lets you view real time data on energy consumption on your mobile device. It also identifies the appliances that are in operation, allowing you to see which one consumes the most electricity. The Sense also includes two sensors that will give you data on your solar production.

Nest Learning Thermostat

Nest Learning Thermostat

Since heating and cooling a house takes up a major part of most people’s energy bill, it makes sense to invest in a smart thermostat that uses the latest technology to keep energy usage to the minimum. While the Nest Learning Thermostat can’t make your air conditioner more efficient no matter how small, it does allow you to control them remotely using just your mobile phone, ensuring that your devices are not functioning unnecessarily. It also allows you to maintain your desired temperatures throughout the day, and it can also auto-detect when you enter the house.

Tripp Lite 8 Outlet

Tripp Lite 8 Outlet

One of the biggest threats to energy efficiency in the home environment are ‘energy vampires’ – devices that consume electricity when they are turned off. One remedy is to be mindful and remember to unplug them when not in use, but that is easier said than done. For those who tend to be forgetful, a great workaround is having a smart power outlet that can detect devices that are switched off but are still consuming electricity and cut off power to those devices. The Tripp Lite 8 does this well, while also combining surge protection with the option of keeping some devices on 24/7.

Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller

Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller

A common area of wastage in many homes is the automatic sprinkler system. Since the amount of water required can vary based on the type of lawn, weather, soil condition and numerous other factors, an automatic sprinkler system often results in considerable water wastage. That is why investing in a smart sprinkler systems that considers these factors can have a significant impact on your water bill. The Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller monitors weather patterns and other externalities to give your plants exactly the amount of water they need.

Aootek 182 Led Solar outdoor motion sensor lights

Aootek 182 Led Solar outdoor motion sensor lights

While many people have outdoor solar lights, you can conserve even more energy by combining these lights with smart technology. The Aootek 182 comes with 2 ultra-bright LED lights and a highly efficient solar panel, and can be upgraded to include motion sensor technology. The lights can be programmed to come on when motion is detected, stay on whenever it gets dark or operate partially at night and turn on fully when there is motion.

GOSUN Fusion Solar Oven

gosun solar oven

Ovens and grills are among the most power hungry appliances that you can have in a home. A great way to save on power is buying a solar oven that uses the sun to cook food. The GOSUN is perfect because it is so versatile, combining an over and grill with solar and electric capabilities. This means that, while you can use it in solar mode to conserve energy, you can always fall back on electric power during rainy days or when you care cooking at night. If neither solar nor electric power is available, you can even use a battery to cook for a limited period.

TOPDC 60W High Efficiency Solar Charger

TOPDC Solar Charger

Solar chargers are useful because, besides being able to use them when you go camping, you can also use them to charge your devices without consuming power when you are at home. The TOPDC High Efficiency Solar Charger has highly efficient panels that quickly convert solar energy to free power. It also an IC chip that identifies the device that is being charged and maximizes charging speed while preventing overcharging. Dual ports allow you to simultaneously charge your mobile phone and tablet or computer.

Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500, 518Wh Outdoor Solar Generator

Jackery Portable Power Station

While this solar powered generator is designed to be used when camping or during some other outdoor excursion, it will also benefit people who want to reduce their energy bills by using as much solar power as possible. Fourteen hours of sunshine is sufficient to fully power this generator, which can then be used to power a variety of devices such as laptops, phones, and even TVs and small blenders. In fact, this generator can be used to power any device of up to 500W, whether it be your TV or smart air purifier, this device can be useful in a variety of domestic settings.

ACOPOWER LiONCooler 1st Battery Powered Portable Solar Fridge Freezer

ACOPOWER LiONCooler 1st Battery Powered Portable Solar Fridge Freezer

Another household appliance that is very power hungry is your fridge. A solar powered fridge can help you reduce costs and is especially useful if you don’t have a lot of things to refrigerate. This ACOPOWER freezer has a capacity of 30 liters and can be powered by solar energy as well as batteries and electricity. It also has smart control and can be operated via mobile phone. Equipped with handles and wheels, it is extremely portable and can be used for outdoor barbecues, trips, camping as well as at home to conserve energy.

Sungzu Portable Power Station 1000W Portable Solar Generator

SUNGZU Portable Power Supply 1000W Generator

The great advantage with solar generators is that it can be used to produce free power for a variety of home appliances. The powerful Sungzu needs just 14 hours of sunlight to be fully charged and is capable of supplying up to 1000W of electricity to a plethora of devices, including TVs, fans, mini refrigerators and laptops. Besides helping you to save money, this generator, which comes with a lithium battery pack, is also useful as a backup in case of power failure.

RYMERCE Ionic Shower Head

RYMERCE Ionic Shower Head

Do you spend a great deal of time bathing? If you do, you should consider buying a Rymerce Ionic Shower Head which boosts water pressure by 200% using mineral balls and micro nozzle holes. It sounds like a small detail, but can help you use up to 30% less water. This is also an excellent shower head to install if you have a low water pressure problem in your area. And if you find the maximum pressure too uncomfortable, there are two further settings of water pressure to choose from.

Solar Kettle Thermal Flask Survival Gear

Solar Kettle

This solar kettle is ideal for people who love their cuppa and have several every day. Instead of using valuable electricity to boil your water, you can use this ingenious kettle which uses the rays of the sun and can bring 500ml of water to boiling point in less than an hour. It is able to do this thanks to reflectors and two glass tubes that channel the energy to warm the contents inside, so you don’t have to worry about attaching solar panels when you use this kettle.

Raven Smart Windows

Raven Smart Windows

In hotter climates, air conditioning can take up a large portion of your energy bill. Help your air conditioners function more efficiently with Raven smart window technology. This consists of a thermo chromic layer that goes on your window and is automatically activated once the glass reaches a certain temperature. The window then becomes tinted, blocking out solar heat and helping to keep the interior cool. Once the weather becomes cooler, the window become clear again.

Goal Zero Solar Generator

Goal Zero Solar Generator

The Goal Zero is another generator that uses the rays of the sun to power appliances. All you have to do is connect it to a suitable solar panel to get free electricity for your mobile phone, laptop and other devices. Unlike petrol or diesel generators, it is extremely silent and doesn’t pollute the air, so you won’t be disturbed when it is working. It is also quite compact and can be easily taken on outdoor trips.

Of course, when we do come into the summer months, there is one device in our homes that dwarfs the energy usage of any other appliance. Yep, you guessed it – the air conditioner! Sadly we’re not quite at the stage where you can buy a practical solar powered air con, but you maybe amazed at just how economical some air conditioners have become over the past 6 years.

This article was written by Julia Montague – check out her author bio here