Best Energy Star Smart Home Products to Slash Your Bills

The Energy Star smart home certified products will not only be cool gadgets but essential tools in controlling energy consumption and reducing utility bills. These devices will go a long way in helping households make smarter energy choices, contributing to both environmental sustainability and cost savings.

Our research shows that the average American household will spend more than $2,000 every single year on utility bills (source needed). That can get significantly lowered with a good set of smart devices.

Before diving into the top 7 Energy Star smart devices, it's essential to understand what qualifies a Smart Home Product for Energy Star Certification.

What Makes a Smart Home Product Energy Star Certified?

Energy Star is a program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in coordination with the U.S. Department of Energy. Products bearing the Energy Star label must meet stringent energy efficiency standards set by these two agencies. For smart home devices, this means they are designed to utilize advanced technologies to deliver their intended functionalities while consuming significantly less power compared to standard models.

Now that we understand what makes a smart home device Energy Star certified, let's dive into the top Energy Star smart home devices that are worth your investment this year.

1. Smart Thermostats: The Brain of Your Energy Efficient Home

Smart thermostats are the foundation of an energy efficient smart home. They learn your habits, automatically adjust temperature settings, and offer convenient remote control from anywhere.

Top Pick for Smart Thermostats: Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control

• Energy Star certified.
• Potential to save up to 26% annually on heating and cooling costs.
• Features include remote sensors, Alexa built-in, and smartphone control.
• Price: Around $219.

For more options, check out our guide on The 10 Best Energy Efficient Smart Thermostats for Eco-Conscious Homeowners.

Reference: ecobee.com

2. Top Energy Star Certified Smart Lighting Systems

Smart lighting systems are not just convenient; they can help you significantly reduce your energy costs by cutting down on electricity use.

Best Energy Efficient Smart Lighting: Feit Electric Smart Light Bulbs

• Energy Star certified smart bulbs.
• Uses up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
• Incorporates voice commands (Amazon Alexa, Google Home), scheduling, and remote access.
• Price: Around $14.99.

For a detailed comparison of energy efficient lighting options, check out our article on Energy Efficient Smart Lighting Showdown: LED vs. CFL vs. Incandescent.

Reference: feit.com

3. Energy Efficient Smart Appliances

Smart appliances with Energy Star certification can dramatically reduce your home's energy consumption.

Top Energy Saving Refrigerator: LG One Door Column Refrigerator - LRONC1414G

• Energy Star certified, using about 20% less energy than federal standard.
• Features include energy usage tracking and smart diagnostics.

Runner-Up Smart Refrigerator: Samsung SmartThings 28 cu. ft. 4-Door French Refrigerator

• Energy Star certified.
• Reduce energy use by up to 15% with AI Energy mode.
• Features include energy monitoring and compressor optimization via the SmartThings app.
• Price: $1,699

For a deeper dive into the benefits and options of smart appliances, check out our article on The Rise of Eco-Friendly Smart Appliances: What You Need to Know.

Reference: samsung.com

4. Smart Water Heaters: Hot Water Without the Waste

Smart water heaters can significantly reduce one of the biggest energy expenses in your home.

Top Smart Water Heater: Rheem Performance Platinum Smart Electric Water Heater

• Energy Star certified.
• Can save up to $575 per year on water heating costs.
• Features include leak detection and customizable operating modes.
• Price: Around $1,699 for a 50-gallon model.

5. Energy Saving Smart Window Treatments

Smart blinds and shades can help regulate your home's temperature, reducing the load on your HVAC system. When paired with solar panels, they can further enhance energy efficiency by maximizing the use of natural light and minimizing heat gain.

Best Smart Window Blinds: Lutron Serena Smart Wood Blinds

• Energy Star certified when paired with a Lutron smart bridge.
• Can reduce solar heat gain by up to 45%.
• Features include voice control and scheduling.
• Price: Starting at around $599 per window.

For more information on selecting the right smart window treatments for home insulation, check out our Buyer's Guide.

6. Smart Ceiling Fans: The Perfect Blend of Comfort and Energy Efficiency

Energy Star certified smart ceiling fans can help reduce your reliance on air conditioning.

Top Energy-Efficient Ceiling Fan: Big Ass Fans Haiku L Smart Ceiling Fan

• Energy Star certified smart ceiling fans.
• Features Eco Mode that reduces overall fan energy use, delivering significant energy savings while maintaining effective cooling airflow.
• Smart-home integration and voice command via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
• Price: Starting at around $700.

Reference: store.bigassfans.com

7. Energy Star Certified Smart Air Purifiers

Smart air purifiers can improve your indoor air quality while using energy efficiently.

Best Smart Air Purifier: Coway Airmega ProX

• Energy Star certified.
• Covers up to 4,253 square feet.
• Features include air quality monitoring and auto mode.
• Price: Around $799.00 $999.00

Reference: cowaymega.com

By investing in these Energy Star certified smart home products, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and save money on your utility bills. Remember, the initial cost of these devices is often offset by the long-term energy savings they provide. Start with one or two products and gradually build your energy efficient smart home ecosystem for maximum benefits.