Smart home devices make our lives so much easier. We can turn off the lights without getting out of bed. We can control the thermostat when we're not even home. We can even see who's at our front door anytime, anywhere.

Smart devices have become so mainstream that at least 179 million homes in North America and Europe implemented this technology in 2024.

Having smart devices in your home isn't just convenient - they can save you money. And frankly, if you're not using them, you might just be wasting money.

How Do Smart Devices Work?

Smart home devices rely on the power of the Internet of Things (IoT), which allows everyday objects connect to the internet and communicate with each other. These devices typically have sensors or technology built-in, which can collect data and adjust settings automatically or based on user commands.

Most smart devices can be controlled remotely through your smartphone or voice assistants, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. They also often feature automation, where tasks are done on a set schedule or triggered by certain conditions, like turning on the lights when motion is detected or adjusting the temperature when you're at work.

We used to only see these things in SciFi movies, but now they can be a part of our everyday lives - and they should be. Here are the best smart home devices you need to help save you money all year round.

Smart Power Strips

A simple, yet effective way to reduce energy waste and save money is to use smart power strips. Traditional power strips continue to use power even when devices are turned off - a phenomenon called "phantom load" - and can add up to $200 a year in energy costs.

Smart power strips solve this problem by automatically cutting power to devices when you're not using them.

For example, when you turn off your TV, other energy sources like game consoles or streaming devices might still be sucking power out. But smart power strips cut the power to these devices too.

Some smart power strips can allow you to set schedules or even be controlled remotely, so you can monitor and manage your devices from anywhere.

Smart Thermostats

Unlike traditional thermostats, which require manual adjustments, smart thermostats can learn your preferences and adjust the temperature based on your schedule and habits. For example, these smart devices can lower the AC or heat when you're away at work or raise it before you get home.

While this may seem only like a convenience, it can save you money too. According to data from the Environmental Protection Agency, smart thermostat users save an average of 8% on their utility bills.

Smart thermostats also let you control the temperature on your phone, so you can adjust the temperature even when you're not home.

Smart Light Fixtures

Traditional lights run continuously, even when you're not around. But smart light fixtures give you full control over when and how the lights in your home are used.

Are you one of those people that forgets to switch the light off when you leave a room? Well, smart lights can be programmed to turn off automatically when you leave an area, or they can be set on a schedule to adjust brightness based on the time of day.

Since they use less energy, smart lights can save you money. In particular, LED bulbs use 25-80% less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer.

Smart Devices for a Smarter Home

Incorporating smart home devices into your daily life isn't just about convenience - it's a smart way to reduce energy waste and save money. From cutting unnecessary power usage to optimizing your home's temperature, these devices work hard to help you lower utility bills without sacrificing your comfort.