Buying Guide: Holiday gift ideas that save energy
Shopping for gifts for your family and friends this holiday season? We’ve got you covered. And the best part? They’re energy efficient!
As you search for the perfect gifts for everyone on your list this holiday season, why not give the gift of energy savings?
Energy consumption can be high during the coldest months of the year, so now is a great time to help your friends and family reduce their electricity costs with energy-efficient tech. Get inspired with these ideas that can lead to bigger savings.
Smart thermostats
Help your loved ones stay cozy this winter and cool in the summer more easily with a smart thermostat.
Smart thermostats can help reduce your home’s energy costs. According to Natural Resources Canada, with these easy-to-install devices you can save about eight per cent on your yearly home energy costs for heating and cooling.
While manual thermostats can also save energy, smart thermostats take savings to the next level. They automatically adjust your home’s temperature depending on your habits at home. There are a variety of different models, all of which come with distinctive features such as:
- app controls and alerts that allow you to control the thermostat remotely
- remote temperature sensors to help you better regulate your home’s temperature
- smart home integration so you can keep all your smart devices in one app
As with other appliances and electronics, look out for ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostats when you’re shopping. ENERGY STAR has certified dozens of models, and its online tool allows you to compare model features.
Smart power bars
If your gift list includes students, gamers, people working from home – or anyone who plugs in multiple devices plugged at the same time – consider adding smart power bars to your holiday shopping list.
Smart power bars (also referred to as “power strips”) are an easy way to make your home more energy-efficient. They’re a great option that allows you to manage many devices at one time using just one outlet. Unlike traditional power bars that still use energy when devices are plugged in, smart power bars can detect when a device is in standby mode or not in use, prompting it to cut power off to save energy and prevent phantom power.
Smart LED lighting
Have a stylish family member or friend who likes to change the look of their home from time to time? Smart LED lights are the perfect gift for people who like to change the ambiance of their home with different colours and moods – all while saving energy.
LED lights are a popular choice for residential and commercial spaces. While they may be more expensive than standard incandescent light bulbs, LEDs can save energy and money in the long run as they use 75 per cent less energy and last 25 times longer. And their durability and quality means less frequent replacements are needed, leading to lower costs for maintenance and replacement parts.
As you hunt for the perfect gifts for your family and friends, remember that energy efficiency is the gift that keeps on giving all year-round. Happy holiday shopping!
Buying Guide: Smart lighting
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Buying Guide: Smart thermostats
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