- Category:
Home Energy Savings - Published:
October 14, 2021
Top Energy Saving Inventions and Innovations
New energy saving inventions are coming to market more and more frequently, largely to meet the demand of residential energy users who are increasingly aware of the need to be more efficient. Some are concerned about the environment. Others are concerned about cost. And some care about both.
Companies are innovating quickly to address these concerns and bring new energy saving technology to market. Here is an overview of the best technology to reduce energy consumption in your home.
10 of the best energy saving home technologies
When it comes to new energy saving innovations, your options can be overwhelming. Which ones are worth it and which ones are more hype than real? Here is our list of energy saving devices that are worth considering now.
1. Smart home hubs
Ideal for tracking and controlling your energy usage, smart home hubs offer both energy savings and convenience. Connect virtually every energy-using device in your home to automate and optimize. Schedule your HVAC to power down to low during the day when you’re at work, then crank it back up just before you return. Set your dishwasher to run at night when energy is cheaper. Program your television to turn off when it’s been idle for a certain time. Smart-home energy-saving strategies include automating and customizing the operation of your devices for efficiency, convenience and comfort.
2. Internet-connected appliances
Connecting and automating kitchen appliances can save time, money and energy. Today’s smart kitchen gadgets connect to your home automation system for convenience and savings. You can command your coffee maker to be ready with a hot beverage when you wake up. Preheat your oven on the way home from work so it’s ready for making dinner. Optimize your refrigerator and freezer temperatures to minimize energy use.
Generally, smart home devices that are worth it tend to be in the kitchen, since that’s where most energy is used in your home. Many smart kitchen devices are also ENERGY STAR® rated for even more savings.
3. LED lights
The humble light bulb is an area where energy saving innovations have had a massive effect. LED vs CFL bulbs differ in technology. Instead of heating a filament until it glows, LED lights produce light from semiconductors. LED lights use 85% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional bulbs.
To put that number in perspective, by the time most homes have switched to LED technology in 2035, over 569 TWh will be saved every year. This is equal to the energy output of ninety-two 1,000 MW power generating plants.
4. Smart thermostats
A smart thermostat connects to your smart hub and phone so you can program it according to your personal preferences and control it remotely. Higher-end smart thermostats use machine learning to detect patterns in your home and optimize how your heater or air conditioner runs, truly fine-tuning your climate control system to save energy. These devices record data you can use to determine your heating and air conditioning power usage patterns.
5. Energy-efficient insulation
Another new energy saving technology area of innovation is with insulation. Some new options include products made with recycled materials like denim and automotive glass. Others focus on renewable sources like bamboo and sheeps wool.
Another area of insulation innovation is in achieving high insulation value with lower manufacturing inputs. The value of insulation is both its cost and its ability to keep your home at an optimal temperature. Energy saving inventions in the area of insulation are steadily improving heating efficiency–and cooling, too.
6. Smart plugs and power strips
When making a list of energy saving devices, you would have to include some low-tech items like smart plugs and smart power strips. These devices make any device plugged into them “smart.” That means any lamp, stereo, or household appliance can be remotely controlled, voice activated and programmed. You can use smart plugs to disconnect devices from power, putting an end to wasted energy when devices aren’t in use.
7. Cool roofs
The materials and color of your roof have a dramatic effect on the inside temperature of your home. Cool roofs are made with material that reflects heat. They are often painted or covered in a light-colored material that does not absorb heat.
A roof covered in dark asphalt shingles can reach temperatures above 150°F in the hot summer sun. A cool roof is worth considering if you live in southern climates. In the north, however, a dark roof that absorbs heat can help keep your home warmer in the winter.
8. Smart motion sensors
Smart motion sensors are a convenience that save energy around your home. They turn on lights and other appliances when you walk into a room, then turn them off when they no longer sense movement. You save money by not leaving lights and other devices on when not in use.
9. High-efficiency heat pumps
An energy-efficient alternative for heating and cooling your home, high-efficiency heat pumps work by transferring heat. In winter months, they move heat into your home. During the summer, they remove heat from your interior.
Transferring heat consumes much less energy than generating it or using a compressor to cool air. Newer heat pumps have more efficient fans and use a variety of energy sources, including geothermal. Because they’re more efficient, running them will lower your power bill.
10. Smart HVAC vents
Smart vent systems give you the power to control the climate in your home, room by room. A smart thermostat only regulates your heat and air conditioning systems, not the temperature in any specific room.
You may have a room that gets direct morning sun, and thus is warm in the morning. A smart vent system can sense the temperature, and slow or stop heat from flowing into the room. In the afternoon, after the sun has moved to the other side of your house, that same room might get chilly. The smart vent can open to pour in the heat.
You can also adjust the temperature in any given room to suit your own needs. You might be working out in a room in the evening and prefer to blast the air conditioner in that room for an hour. Room-by-room fine tuning creates greater comfort while trimming your power bill.
What’s next for the future of energy savings?
Adopting smart technology is a good way to save energy in your home. As more people begin to take responsibility for environmental stewardship and actively work to control their energy usage, companies will continue to create new energy saving technology. New technology to reduce energy consumption offers savings that quickly repay the upfront costs. Staying ahead of the curve when it comes to adopting energy saving innovations is a smart move for the planet and your wallet.
