In today’s age of rapid digitalization, an increasing number of households in the United Kingdom are incorporating smart home devices into their daily lives. These gadgets not only boost convenience but are also particularly beneficial in energy management. They allow homeowners to monitor and control energy use, thereby contributing to environmental conservation and reducing energy bills. This article explores some of the best smart home devices available in the market for energy monitoring.
Amazon Alexa – The Best Smart Home Assistant
Alexa, Amazon’s voice-controlled assistant, is a popular device offering an array of smart services. One of its notable features is its ability to integrate with a huge number of smart home devices, allowing you to control everything from your lights to your heating system.
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Alexa can operate with various energy monitoring devices like smart plugs and smart lights. By simply using the associated Amazon Alexa app, you can control these devices and check their energy usage. You can also set up routines and schedules for your devices, ensuring that they are only on when needed, thereby saving energy.
The Alexa app also supports a "Hunches" feature. It learns about your usage patterns over time and suggests actions to save energy. For instance, if you usually turn off your heating at bedtime but forget one night, Alexa can remind you.
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Philips Hue – Smart Lighting System
When it comes to smart lighting, Philips Hue is an excellent option. This system provides energy-efficient LED lights that are controllable through an app or smart assistant. The Philips Hue app allows you to remotely control your lights and set up schedules for turning them on and off.
Philips Hue lights are also compatible with the Philips Hue Motion Sensor, which can turn lights on when you enter a room and off when you leave, saving energy in the process. In addition, the system supports a "geofencing" feature that turns off your lights automatically when you leave home and turns them on when you return.
Smart Plugs – Remote Control of Appliances
Smart plugs are another excellent device for energy monitoring. They allow you to control your appliances remotely via an app, and many models also provide energy consumption data.
One option to consider is the TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug, which offers energy monitoring features. Using the Kasa app, you can see the real-time and historical energy usage of any device plugged into the Kasa Smart Plug. You can also set schedules and timers for your appliances to help reduce energy usage.
Nest Learning Thermostat – Intelligent Heating System
The Nest Learning Thermostat is a smart heating system that helps save energy by learning your schedule and adjusting the temperature accordingly. It can sense when you’re away and sets itself to an Eco Temperature, saving energy.
Through the Nest app, you can not only control your heating but also see how much energy you use daily and why, helping you make informed decisions about your energy consumption. The app also provides Energy History and Home Report, showing you more detailed information on your energy usage and tips for saving energy.
Smart Security Devices – Energy Efficient Security
Last but not least, smart security devices have also started to incorporate energy-saving features. For instance, the Ring Video Doorbell can be paired with the Ring app to allow you to control your home’s security remotely.
When no one is home, you can set the system to Away mode, which reduces energy usage. Similarly, some smart security cameras, like the Arlo Pro 3, feature a sleep mode that conserves battery life when the camera’s not in use.
In conclusion, a multitude of smart home devices can aid in energy monitoring in UK households. By choosing the ones that best fit your needs and preferences, you can take a big step towards a more energy-efficient home.
Google Assistant – The Ultimate Voice Assistant for Energy Monitoring
While Amazon Alexa is an excellent personal assistant, Google Assistant is an equally strong contender in the smart home sphere. With Google Assistant, you can manage various home devices like lights, thermostats, and even your television with just your voice.
Similar to Alexa, Google Assistant can integrate with numerous smart home devices, including smart plugs, making it easier for you to monitor and control your energy use. It works with TP-Link Kasa Smart Plugs, allowing you to see the energy usage of any device plugged into the smart plug.
The Google Home app provides a centralized platform to manage all your smart devices. It also provides insights into your energy usage, making it easier to identify devices that consume more power and adjust their usage accordingly to save energy.
Furthermore, Google Assistant’s compatibility with energy-efficient smart lighting systems such as Philips Hue is a noteworthy feature. This integration allows you to control your lighting system, including adjusting brightness and setting schedules, thereby ensuring energy conservation.
Overall, Google Assistant is an all-rounder voice assistant that significantly aids in home energy monitoring and management.
Smart Locks – Energy-Saving Home Security
Besides the Ring Video Doorbell, smart locks are another type of smart security device that can contribute to energy savings. These devices provide security for your home and can be controlled remotely, thereby reducing the need for physical keys and potentially saving energy.
A prime example of a smart lock is the August Smart Lock Pro. This device offers auto-lock and auto-unlock features. The auto-lock feature automatically secures your door when it’s left unlocked, while the auto-unlock feature recognises when you’re approaching your home and unlocks your door for you.
Not only do these features enhance security, but they also help save energy. For instance, you no longer have to leave lights on to see the keyhole at night. You can also pair the August Smart Lock Pro with the Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa to manage your lock using voice commands, providing an even more seamless and energy-efficient experience.
Conclusion
In the fast-paced digital world we live in today, smart home devices have become an integral part of many households, especially in the United Kingdom. These devices, ranging from voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to smart plugs, smart lighting systems, and smart security devices like the Ring Video Doorbell and smart locks, have revolutionised how we monitor and save energy at home.
These advanced gadgets provide detailed insights into our energy usage, allowing us to identify and control power-hungry appliances, set schedules, and make more informed decisions regarding our energy consumption. By integrating these technologies into our homes, we are not only stepping towards a more convenient and secure lifestyle, but also contributing to energy conservation and a greener environment. Choose the smart home devices that best suit your needs and start your journey towards a more energy-efficient home today!
