Here at Energy Alabama, we’re always on the lookout for new and innovative, energy-efficient gadgets that further progress us towards a future of 100% sustainable energy. But we also love the idea of offering ideas to help you better manage the energy and resources you have now, because, you know, we’re just cool like that. So we’ve put together a list of gadgets that we believe will be of great benefit to you.
4 New Energy Efficient Gadgets For Your Home
#1: Sense Home Energy Monitor
The first gadget on our list is a cool little device called the Sense Home Energy Monitor. This device is great because it monitors any and every electrical appliance in your home. Every light, every T.V., and even the hair dryer in the bathroom is able to be read by Sense.
Every appliance has its own electrical signature, kind of like its own voice. Sense is able to pick up on all of those signatures and provide specific feedback about each appliance directly to your smartphone. It can tell you how long a T.V. has been on, how much power the refrigerator is consuming. It can even tell if an appliance is running on an unusual amount of energy, which could mean that that device may be faulty.
It works by using complex algorithms to recognize the different signature of every electrical appliance, such as a toaster or a washing machine. And not only that, but it monitors how much energy each device uses and provides helpful hints on how to save on energy. And who doesn’t like saving some extra money?
So, how do you install the Sense? Well, its simpler than you might think. Simply connect the device directly to the electric panel of your house, download the sense app to any smartphone, and connect the monitor to your home Wi-Fi to start “listening” to what your house has to say!
One of the drawbacks of the Sense is that it’s really best suited for buildings with only one electrical panel. Another gadget that is much like the sense, but is better fitted for more than one electrical panel, is known as Neurio. However, the interface and installation are a bit more complicated than that of the Sense, and could be a bit confusing.
Click here to learn more about Sense!
#2: Evolve Roadrunner 2 Water-Saving Shower-Head
The next item on our list is called the Roadrunner II Water-Saving Shower-Head. This shower-head is great for people who want to save money and water without sacrificing water pressure and temperature. The Roadrunner II comes with ShowerStart technology that allows cold water to run freely, while it restricts the flow to a slight trickle when hot water starts running through it. Simply pull on the cord when you want to resume the full flow and begin showering.
The Roadrunner II also fits the industry standard 1/2-inch fittings and offers a sleek chrome polish. Pressure compensating technology promises high pressure and coverage even in low pressure homes.
The Roadrunner II claims that it can save the average household approximately $246 in utility bills and around 8212 gallons of water annually. That’s a lot of money and water!
Click here to learn more about the Evolve Roadrunner II shower-head!
#3: Solar Powered Christmas Lights
Next on our list are solar-powered Christmas lights. That’s right! Gone are the days of running overbearing extension cords to Christmas lights, all while trying to find an outside outlet to run them to. These solar-powered lights provide a simple solution to the struggle of powering those beautiful lights. Simply hang up the lights like you would any other, then plant the included solar panel into the ground where lots of sunlight will hit it, and that’s it!
Since they run off of their own renewable energy source, you don’t have to worry about your bill going up around the holiday season.
Check them out by clicking here!
#4: The Kill-A-Watt Monitor
The last gadget on our list is the P3 P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor. This device is pretty straightforward and simple with its execution and user experience. The Kill A Watt monitor can tell you the power consumption of any appliance in your home by the kilowatt-hour, the same as the electrical company. It can also give electrical expenses by the day, week, or even year. It also tests for power quality by measuring different factors such as voltage, line frequency, and the power factor. A large LCD screen shows all of the feedback in a clear and simple fashion. Simply plug the monitor into any outlet, then plug any electrical appliance into the outlet build into the monitor, and you’ll be able to choose what you want to know about the appliance.
The U.S Department of Energy states that 20% of our electrical bills come from appliances that are left plugged in, even if those appliances are turned off. The Kill A Watt monitor can tell you which appliances in your house are steadily consuming power, which gives you the ability to save more money and power.
If you wish to learn more about the Kill A Watt monitor, click here!
