top smart gadgets under $50 to save energy

Top Smart Gadgets Under $50 to Save Energy

1. Smart Plugs
   Smart plugs are one of the most versatile gadgets for saving energy. By connecting any device to a smart plug, you can control its power usage remotely through a smartphone app. This means you can schedule devices to turn off when not in use, preventing energy waste. Popular options include the TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug and the Amazon Smart Plug, both of which integrate seamlessly with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.

2. Energy Monitoring Smart Plugs
   For those looking to dive deeper into energy usage insights, energy monitoring smart plugs are ideal. These devices not only allow remote control but also provide data on your appliance’s energy consumption over time. The Eve Energy Smart Plug, although slightly pricier, is known for its HomeKit integration, while the Etekcity Smart Wi-Fi Plug is an excellent budget option that offers reliable tracking of your energy usage.

3. Smart LED Bulbs
   Traditional incandescent bulbs consume a lot of energy, while smart LED bulbs offer an energy-efficient alternative. Options like the Philips Hue White A19 or the Wyze Bulbs allow you to control brightness, set schedules, and even change colors—all from your smartphone. These bulbs can reduce your energy bill significantly by using up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs.

4. Smart Thermostats
   While many smart thermostats are over the $50 threshold, budget models like the Ecobee Lite SmartThermostat can occasionally be found on sale for under this price point. Smart thermostats optimize heating and cooling schedules based on your lifestyle, drastically cutting energy usage. They learn your habits over time and can be controlled remotely, ensuring your home is only heated or cooled when necessary.

5. Smart Power Strips
   Smart power strips are another effective way to monitor and reduce energy consumption. By allowing you to control multiple devices at once, these gadgets prevent phantom load (the energy consumed by devices when they are turned off but still plugged in). The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip is a solid choice, offering multiple outlets and USB ports, all controllable from your smartphone.

6. Wi-Fi-Enabled Smart Sensors
   Wi-Fi-enabled smart sensors can monitor temperature, humidity, and even CO2 levels in your home. Devices like the Aqara Temperature and Humidity Sensor integrate with other smart home devices to optimize energy use. For example, if humidity levels rise, your thermostat can adjust to save energy by reducing air conditioning use.

7. Smart Refrigerators Monitors
   Smart refrigerator monitors, such as the Govee Bluetooth Temperature Sensor, provide insight into your refrigerator’s energy efficiency. By monitoring temperatures, you can ensure that your fridge operates efficiently, reducing energy usage and preventing spoilage. These devices alert you if temperatures fluctuate, prompting corrective action.

8. Smart Irrigation Controllers
   Smart irrigation controllers like the Rachio 3 or Orbit B-hyve help optimize garden watering by scheduling and automating the irrigation process. These devices assess weather conditions, ensuring that you only water when necessary. By preventing overwatering, you save on water bills and conserve energy used in water heating.

9. Smart Indoor Environmental Quality Monitors
   Devices like the Eve Room can monitor indoor air quality, temperature, and humidity, helping you to create an energy-efficient environment. By providing alerts on poor air quality, these gadgets encourage you to ventilate efficiently using natural air without relying heavily on heating or cooling systems.

10. Smart Window Thermometers
    Smart window thermometers can notably aid in energy conservation. Products like the Netatmo Weather Station offer insights into indoor and outdoor temperatures. By tracking these metrics, you can take advantage of natural heating or cooling and adjust thermostat settings accordingly.

11. Smart Water Leak Detectors
    Water leak detectors such as the Aqara Water Leak Sensor alert you to leaks in real-time, helping prevent damage and the unnecessary energy costs associated with heating burst pipes. Integrating with your smart home system means you can receive alerts straight to your phone, allowing prompt action.

12. Smart Laundry Monitor
    Smart laundry monitors like the SensorPush can help manage energy consumption related to washing and drying clothes. These gadgets monitor humidity and temperature levels in your laundry room, alerting you when the washing machine has finished or indicating the optimal time to transfer clothes to the dryer, thus avoiding excess energy use by running appliances for longer than necessary.

13. Smart Shades
    While they might slightly exceed the $50 mark, budget options like the IKEA FYRTUR Smart Roller Blind can sometimes be found on discount. These smart shades can be programmed to open or close with the rise and fall of the sun, moderating indoor temperatures throughout the day and reducing the reliance on heating and cooling systems.

14. Smart Outlet Adapters
    These devices can turn any standard outlet into a smart device, allowing control over everything plugged in. The Wemo Mini Smart Plug not only facilitates scheduling and remote control but can also group multiple devices to save energy collectively.

15. Smart Bedroom Products
    Consider smart mattress pads like the Sleep Number SleepIQ Bed, which optimizes temperature for better sleep while minimizing energy use. While this may be slightly above the budget, utilizing smart features to adjust sleep environment can lead to long-term savings on energy bills.

By incorporating these smart gadgets into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce energy consumption and contribute to a greener lifestyle—all without breaking the bank. Choose smart technology that fits seamlessly into your home, saving you both energy and money.