Energy efficiency is something we think about a lot here at Energy Alabama. Accelerating the transition to sustainable energy is our ultimate goal, but there’s plenty of groundwork to do in the meantime. Part of that groundwork is helping people make their homes and businesses more efficient.
There are plenty of ways to increase efficiency, and some of them are easier (and less expensive) than you might think. With that in mind, we’ve come up with this list of four great energy efficiency products that will help make your home more sustainable and comfortable.
Have another suggestion? Be sure to leave it in the comments.
4 Great Energy Efficiency Products
1. Ecobee3 Smart Thermostat
Installing a programmable thermostat is a great way to save energy. And saving energy is a great way to downsize your utility bill. You win. Your wallet wins. Everyone’s happy.
The idea behind a programmable thermostat is that the temperature inside your house doesn’t always need to be the same. During the heat of the day, for instance, you might want to bump it up a notch or two—especially if you’re not at home. And at night, you might prefer a different setting than at noon. With a programmable thermostat, you can take care of that in advance.
The ecobee3 WiFi thermostat takes all of that a step further. With its remote sensor and compatibility with Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri, the ecobee3 is a fearsomely powerful thermostat. Thanks to some of its really cool built-in technology, it the ecobee3 instinctively knows when to change the temperature in your house—without you having to do anything. Several variables are at play, including the weather outside. And when someone enters a room, ecobee3 reacts to keep the room at max comfy levels.
Ecobee3’s marketers claim it saves homeowners 23% annually on their energy bills. So, do you want one yet?
Where to buy: $249 at Amazon
2. Smart Strip SCG-3M Energy Saving Surge Protector
Every homeowner needs a surge protector. Or two or three. If you’re an energy-conscious homeowner, you need a surge protector like the Smart Strip SCG-3M.
Our modern world runs on electricity, but every now and then, a voltage spike can occur. And when a voltage spike happens, any and all of your electronic gadgets are at risk of being fried to a crisp. That’s when a surge protector comes in handy. A surge protector limits the risk to your plugged-in devices either by blocking the spike or diverting it to ground.
The Smart Strip SCG-3M Energy Saving Surge Protector does all of that, but also saves energy in the process. In addition to two always-on outlets, the SCG-3M features four outlets that automatically turn off when not in use. Plus, it has a right-angle plug that hugs the wall. What’s not to like?
Where to buy: $25.99 at Amazon
3. LED Light Bulbs
Great Value ENERGY STAR rated is the best bang for the buck. Make sure they are the ENERGY STAR rated ones. Walmart sells some that aren’t.
LED bulbs are the future. They last longer and use less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs. And if you look in the right places, you can find good deals on them too.
For our money, Walmart’s Great Value brand offers the best bang for the buck. Just make sure they’re the ENERGY STAR-rated models because Walmart sells some that aren’t. This 60-watt equivalent bulb uses only 10 watts and has an estimated lifespan of 25,000 hours. And with 80% savings on energy costs, those 20,000 hours won’t set you back too much.
Where to buy: $3.22 at Walmart
4. Niagara Sava Spa Showerhead
Saving energy isn’t the only game in energy efficiency. Using water intelligently with a low-flow showerhead is important, too. Not to mention the savings from reduced heating of water.
The Niagara Sava Spa Showerhead does that while delivering 1.5 gallons per minute. A patented pressure compensator ensures consistent flow no matter what the water pressure is like in your house. That means you’re saving water—and more money on your utility bill.
Where to buy: $9.90 at Amazon
