It used to be that people believed shifting to clean energy was simply too expensive for the Philippines. Now that that myth is being debunked and the country can look forward to even more renewable energy power plants, it is high time we Filipinos normalize using alternative ways to energize the way we live. This includes choosing smarter options for powering up our everyday life.
In today’s era of smart technology, leading an energy-efficient lifestyle is not only environmentally responsible but also a great way to save money. The good news is that there are so many affordable devices to start people off on their path toward a sustainable lifestyle.
If you’re looking to upgrade your daily life while also contributing to a greener and more sustainable world, look no further. Here are 5 affordable smart devices that can transform your life and your electricity bills.
Smart LED Bulbs
Replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with smart dimmable LED bulbs offers several energy-efficient lighting options. The simple act of dimming lights reduces the flow of electricity to the bulb and allows lights to operate with lower power outputs, giving you instant savings. Dimming is also known to extend the life span of bulbs.
Smart bulbs can be controlled remotely through apps. There’s no need to leave the front light on the whole time you’re on vacation anymore because you can simply switch it on at night with a tap on your smartphone. Better yet, some apps allow you to automate your lights according to schedule, a change in weather, or some other trigger. You won’t even have to open up your smartphone anymore.
Smart Motion Sensors
Passive Infrared Sensors (PIR sensors) can be configured to operate a variety of devices. When motion is detected, they can trigger CCTV cameras to start recording, automatic pet feeders to dispense food, or automatic doors to open. But they are also incredibly useful when paired with affordable smart LED bulbs, allowing you to have the lights turned on only when needed, where needed.
Keep in mind, though, that they can be annoying to have in rooms you spend a lot of time in. For example, the lights will automatically shut off when you’re sitting motionless in a chair reading a book. So make sure to use these sensors in areas of the house that you merely pass through, such as the front and back doors, the stairwell, and the hallways.
Smart Plugs
Aside from giving you the ability to remotely turn non-smart appliances on and off, smart plugs also reduce the hidden costs associated with phantom load or the electricity that devices consume just by remaining plugged-in devices. While smart plugs do still draw some power being plugged into a wall, this is a smaller amount compared to what bigger devices draw. So instead of having the kitchen microwave on standby mode the whole day, you can simply “plug” it in around mealtimes by turning on the smart plug it is attached to.
Smart Power Strips
Similar to smart plugs, using smart power strips is the easiest way to transform conventional appliances into smart ones. Except in this case, you have the ability to control multiple devices with a single command. You can prevent energy waste in one fell stroke by simply cutting the power to all the devices on your home office desk, for instance.
Smart Speakers
Among the more affordable smart devices available is also the most useful. A smart speaker, such as the Google Nest Audio and Amazon Echo, is a multitasking device worth investing in because it allows you to control multiple smart devices in your home. You can even configure it to control groups of these devices at once, much like smart power strips. Using voice recognition technology, this device can replace your smartphone as a remote control.
Transforming your daily life into an energy-efficient one is not only achievable but also affordable with the right smart devices. To make your sustainable lifestyle seamless, make sure to choose just one main smart platform to use, and then purchase only compatible devices.
Every small step towards energy conservation counts. By using these 5 affordable smart devices, you can actively reduce your energy consumption, save money on electricity bills, and help save the planet.