While not all smart home products are specifically designed with energy savings in mind, several smart technologies can help you lower your home energy use. Here are the top three smart home devices to help you save.

Smart Thermostats

Smart or not, your thermostat is the most effective tool for controlling energy use, as heating and cooling typically account for the largest portion of energy bills. Smart thermostats allow you to adjust the indoor temperature through an app, giving you full control from anywhere on the go. You can also set up schedules to adjust your thermostat settings during different days and times of the day. Many smart thermostats feature learning capabilities and will adjust the thermostat based on previous behavior and patterns. According to the Department of Energy, smart thermostats can reduce heating and cooling bills by more than 8% annually. With models as low as $65, they typically pay for themselves within one year.

Pee Dee Electric members can save even more with the Connect to Save program. Once you’ve successfully registered, you’ll receive an email with details about how to redeem your initial $50 reward. On the anniversary of your enrollment each year, we’ll send another $50 reward. When participating in the Connect to Save program, you agree to allow us to adjust your thermostat during peak days to help reduce wholesale power costs It’s an easy way to stay comfortable while helping manage peak energy demand across our community. You can find more details about the Connect to Save program at our web site.

Smart Lighting

Smart LED bulbs use less electricity than traditional bulbs and can be scheduled or turned off (or on) remotely through a smartphone app. Smart bulbs are available in a range of shapes, brightness levels, colors, and more, so shop for the products that work best for your home lighting needs.

Many smart bulbs include motion sensors that turn on or off based on room activity, further optimizing home energy use. If you’re new to smart lighting, try a home starter kit. Prices for kits range from $70 to $300-plus, depending on how many bulbs you need.

Smart Plugs

Smart plugs are inexpensive gadgets that can help you save energy. Many electronic devices consume power even when they are turned off (known as “phantom load”), which can take a toll on your energy bills. Smart plugs are simply plugged into an electrical outlet and connected to your Wi-Fi network. When set up, the smart plug can cut power (or return power) to non-smart devices, like coffee makers, phone chargers, and other items that draw phantom load.

Many smart plugs can be paired with popular smart hubs, like Alexa or Google Nest, or controlled through the plug’s associated app. Smart plugs are simple to use, and a set of four can be purchased for as little as $25.