Home Tech Week - Get smart and save energy
Our favourite smart gadgets not only look good, but they can help you and your home be more energy efficient.
WeMo Switch and WeMo Motion Kit
Imagine being able to lie in bed and use your smartphone to get your coffee on and your heating warming your home. With Belkin, this is possible. The WeMo Switch and WeMo Motion Kit allow you to have wireless control of your home appliances and electronics. This means you can see if you’ve left a lamp on when you’re out of the home so you can switch it off, helping you to save on your energy bills.
Energy Saving Charging Station
Another Belkin favourite is the Energy Saving Valet USB Charging Station. With 4 USB outputs, you are able to charge your phone, camera, mp3 players and other devices that use a USB charger. Usually chargers are often left plugged into the wall, and this uses energy whether or not a device is plugged in, but the Energy Saving Charging Station will switch off as soon as the devices are charged.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are getting more popular. A smart thermostat gives you the ability to manage the temperature in your home from a remote location, using your smartphone, tablet or computer. This can be hugely beneficial for your home life. If you know you will be home late, you can ensure that you aren’t wasting energy by heating an empty home, but you can set it to come on just before you get home, so you still come home to a warm house. There are several different manufacturers of smart thermostats, including British Gas’ Hive, tado, Google’s Nest and ScottishPower Connect.
Smart Meters
By 2020, most homes should have a smart meter installed. Smart meters send an electronic meter reading to your energy supplier, so you’ll never again have to crawl into the cupboard under the stairs to find that number to give a manual reading. It also means you won’t get estimated bills.
Smart gadgets are a great way for you to be more in control of your energy usage, which will mean you waste less energy and save money on your bills.