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Do Smart Home Devices Actually Save You Money?
4 minute read • Last update February 2025
Smart home devices promise convenience, security, and energy efficiency—but do they actually save you money in the long run? With the rising popularity of smart thermostats, energy-efficient lighting, and automated appliances, many homeowners are eager to cut costs on utility bills. However, the upfront investment and ongoing maintenance can make people wonder if the savings truly outweigh the expenses. In this blog, we’ll break down the costs, benefits, and real-world impact of smart home technology to determine whether smart home devices are a worthwhile financial decision.
What are smart home devices?
Smart home devices are gadgets designed to automate and optimize various functions within your home. These devices connect to the internet, allowing you to control them remotely through apps or voice commands. Some examples of smart home devices include thermostats, light bulbs, appliances, and security systems. Smart home devices can make life more convenient while helping to reduce energy consumption. By learning user behavior and making adjustments automatically, these devices help reduce energy consumption and lower utility costs.
Popular smart home devices for energy conservation
Energy conservation is one of the primary benefits of smart home technology. Some popular devices include:
- Smart thermostats: Automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on your schedule and preferences
- Smart plugs and power strips: Monitor and control the energy usage of devices plugged into them
- Smart lighting: Uses motion sensors, timers, and dimming features to reduce unnecessary energy consumption
- Smart appliances: Optimize energy use for tasks like washing clothes, drying clothes, or cooking
- Smart water heaters: Will only heat water when it’s needed, reducing standby energy losses
Best smart home devices in 2025
The smart home industry continues to evolve, bringing innovative energy-saving solutions. Some of the most popular smart home devices in 2025 include:
- Nest learning thermostat: A user-friendly thermostat that adapts to your habits for efficient heating and cooling
- Philips Hue smart lighting: Offers customizable lighting options with energy-efficient LED bulbs
- EcoFlow smart plug: Tracks energy usage and allows for remote control of connected devices
- LG ThinQ smart washer: A washer that optimizes water and energy use based on load size
- Rheem EcoNet smart water heater: Manages water heating schedules to save energy
Benefits of using smart home devices
Smart home devices offer several benefits when it comes to reducing energy consumption. These devices are designed to optimize energy usage by automatically adjusting settings based on user behavior to increase their efficiency. Many smart gadgets provide real-time energy tracking, allowing homeowners to monitor and analyze their consumption patterns to make more informed decisions. Smart home devices offer several additional benefits when it comes to reducing energy consumption:
- Automation: Devices can operate independently, minimizing human error
- Remote Control: Manage your home’s energy use from anywhere
- Energy Monitoring: Track usage to identify and address device or appliance inefficiencies
- Custom Schedules: Program devices to operate during off-peak hours to maximize savings on a time-of-use electricity plan
How to maximize energy savings with smart devices
To get the most out of smart home devices, consider these strategies for optimizing energy use and maximizing savings:
- Set schedules: Program devices to work only when needed
- Use energy reports: Analyze data from devices to adjust usage patterns
- Integrate systems: Use a smart home hub to sync multiple devices for efficient operation
- Regular maintenance: Keep devices updated and in good condition to maintain efficiency
How smart home devices can reduce your energy bills
The biggest financial benefit of smart home devices is their ability to lower energy costs. A smart thermostat alone can save homeowners up to 10-15% on heating and cooling bills. Smart lighting can cut down electricity usage by as much as 75% compared to traditional bulbs. Additionally, smart plugs and power strips prevent unnecessary energy waste from devices that are left on or in standby mode. These smart devices help reduce your energy bill by:
- Minimizing standby power: Turning off devices when not in use
- Optimizing usage: Adjusting energy use based on real-time needs and conditions
- Reducing waste: Preventing overuse of lights, heating, cooling, and appliances
Cost vs. savings: are smart home devices worth it?
The cost of smart home devices varies widely. A basic smart thermostat costs around $100-$250, while more advanced systems can exceed $500. However, with energy savings of ~$100 per year, most smart thermostats pay for themselves in just a few years. Smart plugs, lighting, and power strips offer smaller but still notable savings. Over time, a fully optimized smart home can save hundreds of dollars annually on energy bills, making the investment worthwhile for most households. Reference the chart below for average cost, annual savings, & time to break even on the investment with smart home devices.
| Device Type | Average Cost | Average Annual Savings | Time to Break Even |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart thermostat | $100 – $500 | $100 | 1 to 5 years |
| Smart plugs (per plug) | $10 – $30 | $10 – $50 | 8 months to 1 year |
| Smart lighting (per light) | $20 – $50 | $20 – $75 | 8 months to 1 year |
| Smart power strips | $20 – $50 | $10 – $50 | 1 to 2 years |
| Smart water heater | $500 – $1,500 | $100 – $300 | 5 years |
By calculating potential savings and considering rebates or incentives, you can determine if these devices are worth it for your household.
Tips for choosing the right smart home devices
Now that you have determined which smart home devices would be financially beneficial to invest in. It’s essential to choose the right ones to maximize efficiency and savings. Here are some key considerations to guide your decision:
- Compatibility: Ensure the device works with your existing smart home system.
- Energy Efficiency Certifications: Look for ENERGY STAR-rated products.
- User Reviews: Read reviews to gauge reliability and performance.
- Features: Prioritize features that align with your energy-saving goals.
- Budget: Balance upfront costs with potential savings.
- Check for rebates – Many energy companies offer rebates for installing energy-efficient smart home technology.
Save more with a straight-forward fixed rate
Pairing the right smart home devices with a simple fixed-rate energy plan is a great way to save energy & reduce costs. Explore BKV Energy’s simple and affordable fixed-rate electricity plans. Enter your zip code to explore rates in your area.
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