STACK #245 March 2025

TECH FEATURE

visit jbhifi.com.au/stack

Most of us dread the arrival of an energy bill, and the sting of a higher-than-expected figure is hard to overstate. But installing smart home devices gives you the advantage of numerous energy saving features, which is better for both your pocket and the planet. Here's how they can save you money. Words James O’Connor THE SMART WAY TO REDUCE YOUR ENERGY BILLS

Lights on, and off Smart LED lights are highly energy efficient – 75% more so than traditional bulbs – and also have a longer lifespan. So, it makes sense to replace those old globes with smart shiny new ones. Turning bulbs on and off from a phone app is a great benefit of smart lights, but setting schedules can be even more impactful to energy saving. You can make sure that all lights are off or dimmed

controller lets you easily control an irrigation system remotely, and can track your water usage in real-time while also automating your watering process

TP-Link Tapo Mini Energy Monitoring Smart Plug

Philips Hue White Ambience Luster E14 Bulb

via scheduling. Your neighbour won’t be left holding a hose when you’re away.

at certain times, and that bulbs aren't at full brightness except when necessary. Smart lighting schedules have

benefits beyond saving energy, too – a light that dims as bedtime approaches can help with sleep patterns. Integrating lights with a motion sensor can also reduce power

TP-LinkTapo Smart Water Sensor

Plug in and save

consumption – especially if lights are constantly left on after someone leaves a room. It will detect when people come and go and turn lights on and off accordingly. Savings in the laundry A new washing machine or dryer is a

Smart plugs are an affordable smart-home starter and some can monitor your energy

Eve Aqua with Thread Smart Water Controller

consumption, which is helpful if you own appliances that don't have their own energy tracking features. Smart plugs with monitoring can give you live updates on how much electricity your devices are using, and can highlight surprising data that might explain high bills. It's easier to use less power when you can turn plugged-in appliances on and off from your phone from anywhere, or with a voice command (via Alexa or Google Assistant). And scheduling them to operate during specified times can also keep usage down. Watch your water Water usage can sneak up on you, and an issue like an undetected leak can dramatically drive up your bills (and potentially damage your property). Smart water sensors and controllers can detect leaks and problem areas across your entire home, and can help you take control of your water usage. A smart water sensor in a suspected problem area will give you live updates if a leak is detected. When it comes to the garden, a smart water

Smart temperature tracking Keeping your house cool or warm can be a major energy drain. A temperature and humidity monitor connected to a heater, a cooling fan, or a humidifier can automatically turn the device on or off once the house hits a certain temperature. This is especially good if you're going to bed before a cool change – you can ensure a comfortable home for minimum spend. Smart air conditioner controllers can adjust temperature settings automatically, or be controlled remotely via an app. Location-based on/off (geofencing) can also be set up to activate based on a connected phone’s geo

big investment, but the savings will add up fast thanks to their typically high energy ratings. A smart washer with Wi-Fi connectivity is even better, and designed with energy

efficiency in mind. It can dynamically adjust water levels while using less hot water to ensure your wash is as efficient as possible. Smart dryers can learn your habits and track and optimise regular drying cycles more effectively and efficiently, saving you in the long run. Hisense HDF5S90H Series 5 9kg Heat Pump Dryer

location, so the air-con will switch on when you pull into the garage.

Sensibo Sky Air Conditioner and Heat Pump WiFi Controller

TP-LinkTapo Smart Desktop Temperature & Humidity Monitor

20 MARCH 2025

jbhifi.com.au