Looking for smart home devices that save energy? From smart plugs to thermostats, these upgrades can lower your bills and increase your home’s IQ.
When we think about smart homes, most of us imagine voice assistants and fancy lighting. But today’s smart technology can do more than just impress your friends — it can dramatically cut your energy usage and lower your utility bills.
In 2025, upgrading to the right smart devices is one of the easiest ways to make your home more energy-efficient without sacrificing comfort.
Here are five smart home devices that actually save you money — and how they do it.
1. Smart Thermostats
Key Benefit: Lower heating and cooling costs by automatically adjusting to your habits.
Smart thermostats like the Google Nest and ecobee SmartThermostat learn your schedule and optimize your HVAC system to use less energy when you’re away or asleep.
Some models even factor in real-time weather data and energy rates to maximize savings.
Average savings: Up to 10–15% on heating and cooling bills annually.
2. Smart Power Strips
Key Benefit: Eliminate “phantom load” energy waste.
Many electronics — TVs, gaming consoles, chargers — continue to drain power even when turned off.
Smart power strips cut off electricity to devices that aren’t in active use, saving you from paying for energy you’re not actually using.
Bonus: You can schedule power strips to turn off at night or while you’re at work.
3. Smart Lighting Systems
Key Benefit: Reduce lighting costs through automation and remote control.
Smart bulbs like Philips Hue or LIFX let you control lights remotely, dim them, or schedule them to turn off when not needed.
Some even adjust brightness automatically based on natural daylight, minimizing electricity use without you lifting a finger.
Tip: Replace old incandescent bulbs with smart LEDs to double your savings.
4. Smart Plugs
Key Benefit: Turn regular appliances into energy-efficient ones.
Smart plugs give you app-based control over anything you plug into them — coffee makers, fans, lamps, you name it.
They’re affordable and incredibly easy to set up, making them one of the fastest ways to start automating your home’s energy use.
Real-world example: Set your space heater to shut off after 2 hours instead of running all night.
5. Energy Monitoring Systems
Key Benefit: Track where your home’s biggest energy drains are.
Devices like Sense Energy Monitor connect to your electrical panel and provide real-time reports on energy usage.
Knowing exactly which devices are energy hogs empowers you to make smarter decisions — and stop wasting money where it matters most.
Pro tip: Look for monitors that integrate with smart assistants like Alexa or Google Home for even easier management.
Key Takeaway
Investing in smart home devices isn’t just about convenience — it’s a proven strategy for cutting your utility bills and reducing your carbon footprint.
You can start small with a few key upgrades like a smart thermostat or smart plugs, and you’ll be surprised how quickly the savings add up.
In 2025, a smarter home truly is a more energy-efficient (and cost-efficient) home. Some of the best smart home devices that save energy include smart power strips, motion sensors, and connected thermostats.
Bonus: Tips for Choosing Smart Devices That Actually Save You Money
Not every smart device is created equal. Before buying, make sure you:
- Check for Energy Star Certification: Devices with this label are independently tested for efficiency.
- Look for Automation Features: The more your device can automate based on schedules, sensors, or behavior, the more energy you’ll save.
- Verify Compatibility: Choose devices that work seamlessly with your existing smart home hub (Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit).
- Review Real User Feedback: Check customer reviews to make sure energy savings claims are realistic — not just marketing hype.
- Consider Upfront Costs vs. Long-Term Savings: A more expensive device may pay for itself faster if it saves more energy over time.
Smart shopping = smart saving!
Want to go further? See our guide on energy-saving habits for homeowners.