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Energy-saving smart home gear

The cheapest energy to "green" is energy you do not use. Controls and gadgets help when they make it easier to run less heating, cooling, and lighting — but weatherstripping, insulation, and efficient equipment often do more than a new app. Work from the building first, then add controls.

Start with the envelope, then the equipment

ENERGY STAR's Save at Home pages and DOE's energy-saving hub are the right first reads. A home energy assessment, air sealing, and insulation usually come before a new gadget. If you only buy one control, a qualifying smart thermostat can help heating and cooling follow a schedule when you would otherwise forget. It cannot fix leaky ducts or a failing unit.

Lighting is a straightforward swap: look for ENERGY STAR LED bulbs rather than chasing brightness claims alone. For always-on electronics, a smart power strip or a smart plug with energy monitoring can show you which chargers and set-top boxes draw power when they look "off."

Use certified product lists, not ad copy

ENERGY STAR's product finder and the Most Efficient list exist so you can filter by category. Federal tax credits for some efficiency upgrades are summarized on ENERGY STAR's federal tax credits page and in detail by the IRS Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. Utility rebates are often listed in the ENERGY STAR rebate finder or on your utility's own site — for example, Austin Energy residential rebates.

Drafts are still energy

Door weatherstripping and a window insulation kit are unglamorous and often cost less than a new device. They also make a thermostat more effective. If you later add heat-pump heating or a heat-pump water heater, a tighter house means the new equipment can be sized more reasonably — another reason to read DOE Home Upgrades before you shop.

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