Have you ever wondered if your electricity bills are higher than everyone else’s? Well, you’re not alone! Everyone wants to know if they’re getting a fair deal and how to save money on their bills.
Luckily, the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) recently released its Residential Electricity Price Trends 2021 report. It sheds light on the average usage and cost of households in the National Electricity Market (NEM). And sifting through their data, we found that the average bill in NSW for a 2-3 person household is $1253. That’s a considerable amount, right?
So, do you have to continue paying that much? Or are there ways to reduce your electricity bills at home?
The answer lies in smart home gadgets. These devices and appliances can help you monitor and manage your electricity usage. They allow you to see what uses the most power, set up automation tasks, and even get alerts when your energy usage is too high.
Here’s a list of smart home gadgets that’ll ease the burden on your wallet.
Smart Thermostat
Is your Sydney home too hot or too cold? A smart thermostat will let you control your home’s temperature. You can adjust the settings to save energy depending on the time of the day and when you are home. Smart thermostats also come with built-in sensors that track changes in temperature and humidity.
However, since most models are US-based, they may not be compatible with Australian energy providers. Research and ensure your chosen model is compatible with your electricity provider.
To install or replace a thermostat, you’ll require the services of a professional. Thankfully, for homeowners seeking a level 2 electrician Sydney offers a lot of options. For those of you who don’t know what a level 2 electrician is, they’re certified electricians who carry out connections and disconnections and address mains power electrical issues on residential properties.
Smart Lighting System
Have you ever experienced that feeling of dread when someone in your house forgets to turn off the lights? It’s like you can almost feel your energy bill skyrocketing! (Or maybe that’s just your blood pressure) Well, fear not because smart lighting is here to save the day. With remote control, scheduling, and automation capabilities, this everyday fixture can end energy-hogging behavior once and for all. Say goodbye to wasted electricity and hello to peace of mind!
You can control your indoor and outdoor lights by clicking a few buttons. You can dim and brighten the lights, set timers, or have them turn on when you enter the room. This super-efficient and cool solution saves more than a third of your light bulb energy consumption.
Smart Leak Sensor
The recent 2017-2020 drought dropped Sydney’s water storage levels by a whopping 50%. And since 85% of the water supply depends on rain, it’s important to conserve it wisely. That’s why installing a smart leak sensor is essential for any home.
This device sends instant notifications to your phone when it detects a leaking pipe or running water. Water leakage can increase the humidity levels in your home and lead to mold growth (in extreme conditions). Plus, your cooling systems will have to work much harder to keep a stable temperature, which can lead to more energy wastage—not to mention a hefty electricity bill.
So, act fast and get a smart leak sensor now.
Smart Power Strips and Plugs
Did you know that any device plugged into an electrical socket still consumes energy, even when turned off? This phenomenon is known as ‘phantom’ or ‘vampire’ energy. And it can account for up to 20% of your electricity bill.
While it’s possible to manually unplug your mobile charger and other electronics, it can be a hassle to remember. Smart plugs and power strips solve this issue by automatically cutting the power supply when the device is idle.
Most of these devices also come with energy consumption tracking capabilities and the ability to schedule on/off times for your gadgets. It makes them more efficient and cost-effective in the long run.
IR/RF Blasters
IR or RF blasters allow you to control your home’s air conditioning and other appliances with your remote control. It means you can adjust the temperature and settings without leaving your couch.
It’s like having a personal assistant for your smart home! Not to mention, this will also help you save energy by keeping your home at the optimal temperature.
These blasters also work on dumb devices like pedestal fans and air purifiers. So, they help cut down your electricity bills bit by bit.
However, before purchasing an IR/RF blaster, ensure it’s compatible with your air-conditioning units and other appliances.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Smart home Gadget
Before buying a smart home gadget, you must take into account the following factors:
- Compatibility with your electricity provider
- Ease of installation
- Quality and reliability of the product
- Cost-effectiveness in the long run
- Energy-saving capabilities
You must also consider the intricacies of your home’s technology before investing in any smart home products. For instance, investing in an IR/RF blaster is unnecessary if you already have a smart thermostat.
DIY Ways of Saving Energy
Honestly, not all of us can go all out and invest in the latest and greatest smart home gadgets. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still save energy and money. That’s where these nifty DIY tricks come in handy.
Unplug Everything that You Don’t Need:
Done using your laptop? Pull the charger out. Not using the iron? Unplug it. Most of us forget to unplug devices when they’re not in use. It can add up significantly to our electricity bills.
So, unplug the devices that aren’t in use and turn off the power strips too. It’ll take some practice to make it a habit. But you’ll get there.
Reduce Air Leakage in Your Home:
Air leakage is a primary culprit when it comes to energy wastage. The higher the air leakage in your home, the harder it’ll be for your cooling system to maintain a comfortable temperature.
So, identify any leaks around windows and doors and seal them with caulking. You can also install weather stripping around your windows and doors too.
Swap Your Lightbulbs for LEDs:
LEDs are much more energy-efficient than traditional lights. Their power consumption is much lower, which makes them a great choice for saving energy.
Plus, they have longer lifespans and don’t require frequent replacements. So, replace your traditional bulbs with LEDs and enjoy your energy savings.
Final Thoughts
Thanks to technological advancements, we now have many gadgets that can help us save on electricity bills. But these devices don’t come at a low price. So, make sure you assess your needs before you go out and splurge. It’s not necessary that you need all of the above-mentioned smart home gadgets.
We also urge you to do your research and compare prices. You can also take reviews for the products from your friends and family. After all, investing in something that will last you for years and help you save energy, in the long run, is always wise.
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