The Best Smart Devices to Reduce Your Energy Costs

In Hervey Bay, where the sun feels like part of the furniture, even the rooftops pull their weight. It’s no surprise a solar power company Hervey Bay plays a role in how locals think about energy—not as a bill, but as something you can shape, control and even outsmart.

That same mindset is spreading. Across Australia, more homes are trading guesswork for systems that know when to dial things down. A thermostat that reads the room. Blinds that move with the sun. A hot water system that doesn’t waste heat on an empty house. Nothing flashy. Just small decisions made better, one device at a time.

It’s not about living differently. It’s about letting your home do the boring bits, so you don’t have to. If you’re looking for help in deciding what smart solutions can be tailored to your energy goals, please keep reading below to learn more.

1. Smart Plugs: The Gateway to Smarter Energy Use

You don’t need to be tech-savvy to use smart plugs. These small devices plug into your existing outlets and let you control your appliances from your phone. They’re cheap, simple and powerful.

Here’s how they work:

• Plug them into a standard outlet
• Connect to your Wi-Fi via app
• Turn devices on/off remotely
• Set timers or schedules

Why they matter? Many appliances use power even when off — think TVs, game consoles and microwaves. Smart plugs stop that standby power drain.

They’re also perfect for routines. Want the heater on for 30 minutes before you wake up? Done. Want to turn off all your kitchen devices at bedtime? Easy.

The how smart home devices save money on energy bills guide dives deeper into this. But the bottom line is, for under $50, you can take control of every appliance in your house.

2. Smart Thermostats: Heating and Cooling Without the Waste

In Australia, heating and cooling can make up nearly 40% of your home’s energy use. A smart thermostat helps you control temperature better, without wasting power.

These devices learn your habits. Leave for work at 8? It’ll turn off the heater. Get home at 6? Your place will already be cosy. Most models also let you adjust temps on the go from your phone.

Here’s where they shine:

• Save energy when you’re away
• Avoid heating/cooling empty rooms
• Get energy reports and alerts

You also avoid those sneaky spikes from running your air con longer than needed. Smart thermostats work with most ducted and split systems in Aussie homes.

According to Energy.gov.au, small heating tweaks save hundreds each year. The benefits of using smart thermostats can pay off fast when you use them right.

3. Smart Appliances: Fridges, Washers and Ovens That Work Smarter

Not all appliances are built the same. Some chew through power. Others sip it. Smart appliances take it one step further — they adjust how they run based on your usage, power prices and time of day.

Take smart washing machines. They:

• Run when electricity rates are lowest
• Detect smaller loads and use less water
• Send alerts when cycles finish

Smart fridges can track energy use and adjust cooling based on outside temps. Some even remind you when you leave the door open too long.

These devices often cost more upfront. But over five years, they can save you hundreds in running costs. If you’re upgrading your kitchen or laundry, this is the future.

Find out how to maximize your energy savings with smart appliances with tools made for modern homes.

4. Smart Lighting: Big Impact from Small Bulbs

Smart lighting is one of the easiest upgrades. Swapping old bulbs for smart LEDs saves energy straight away. But the real magic is in control.

You can:

• Set schedules for lights to turn off at night
• Control brightness based on time of day
• Use motion sensors to switch off empty rooms

Ever left lights on all day? With a smart system, that never happens. Most lights also last longer and use up to 80% less power than older bulbs.

Voice control is another perk. Pair with Google or Alexa, and you’ll never need to hit a switch again. It’s convenience with a cost-saving bonus.

5. Smart Power Strips: Smarter Than You’d Think

Most Aussie homes use old power boards. But smart power strips do more than add outlets — they help kill vampire power. That’s the energy appliances use even when not in use.

Smart strips detect when a device is off and cut power to the entire group. For example, when your TV turns off, the strip will also cut off power to your soundbar and gaming console.

They also come with timers, surge protection and app control. If you’ve got a home office or entertainment setup, this tool makes a real difference.

These aren’t just for tech lovers. They’re for anyone wanting to reduce their bills without changing habits.

6. Smart Water Heaters: Heating Only When You Need It

Hot water is the second biggest chunk of home energy use in Australia. A smart water heater helps reduce waste by:

• Learning when you use hot water
• Heating only at peak times
• Shutting off during low usage

This cuts energy use without affecting comfort. No more heating water all night for no reason. These systems also alert you to leaks or inefficiencies.

One family in Brisbane switched to a smart heater and cut their water heating bill by over 40%. That’s the power of using data to drive smarter habits.

If your system is over 10 years old, upgrading could cut your bills faster than any solar panel.

7. Smart Blinds and Curtains: Keep Heat Out, Keep Bills Down

You wouldn’t think curtains could save energy, but smart blinds are a game-changer. They adjust based on sunlight, room temperature or time of day.

Here’s why they matter:

• Keep the heat out in summer
• Trap warmth in winter
• Reduce need for heaters and air con

During summer, blinds can drop indoor temps by up to 5°C. That means less time running cooling systems.

They’re perfect for people who work full-time or travel. With app control, you can manage blinds while away to keep your home efficient and secure.

8. Smart Solar Systems and Inverters

Already have solar panels? Great. Now pair them with a smart inverter and energy monitor.

This combo shows:

• Real-time energy usage
• How much power you’re generating
• Best times to use appliances

Instead of guessing, you act on live data. Want to run your dishwasher while your solar is peaking? Done. Need to avoid using your dryer on a cloudy day? No worries.

Some systems also alert you if your panels stop producing or need maintenance. It’s like having a solar watchdog that helps you save more.

These upgrades pay off fast — especially in sunny spots like QLD. Smart solar isn’t the future. It’s what savvy Aussies are doing right now.

FAQs

1) Do smart home devices really help reduce energy bills?
Yes. Smart devices cut waste by giving you more control. They track usage, turn off when not needed and adjust to your habits. For example, a smart thermostat can stop your heater running when no one’s home. Smart plugs stop devices using power in standby. These changes seem small but add up over time. Households often save 10–30% on their energy costs after switching.

2) Are smart devices hard to install?
Most smart home devices are plug-and-play. That means no complex wiring or hiring a sparky. Smart plugs, bulbs and power strips just connect to your Wi-Fi. You set them up with an app. Larger systems like thermostats or smart water heaters may need a professional. But even then, it’s a one-time setup that delivers long-term savings.

3) Do I need a smart home hub to use these devices?
Not always. Many smart devices now work independently with apps on your phone. A hub helps if you want everything connected and controlled in one place — like lights, plugs and sensors. But for most people, starting with a few devices and expanding later is easier and cheaper. You can always add a hub later if you want voice control or full automation.

4) How much do smart devices cost in Australia?
Prices vary. Here’s a rough idea:

• Smart plugs: $20–$50 each
  
• Smart bulbs: $15–$30 per bulb
  
• Smart thermostats: $200–$400
  
• Smart water heaters: $800–$2000+
  
• Smart blinds: $300–$1000+
  

Start with cheaper items and build over time. Most homes break even on their investment in 1–3 years depending on usage and upgrades.

5) Can smart devices help with solar energy management?
Yes. If you have solar, smart energy monitors and inverters give real-time data. You can see how much energy you’re using vs generating. That helps you run appliances when solar output is highest. It also alerts you to faults or low output. These insights help you save more from your solar investment and reduce grid reliance.

Make Your Home Smarter and Cheaper

Smart devices aren’t just cool tech. They’re powerful tools that put you in charge of your energy use. Start small with a few smart plugs or bulbs. Then grow your system with thermostats, appliances or solar monitoring.

Soon, you’ll notice real savings — not just on your bills but in how simple your life becomes. No more wondering if you left the heater on. No more lights burning all night. Just control, comfort and cash in your pocket.

To see how these solutions fit your home, visit GC Electrical Systems. Whether you’re just starting or ready to go full smart, their local experts can help you do it right.

Take charge of your energy — and stop wasting money.