Smart home technology is making life easier and more energy-efficient, especially for those looking to lower their bills from Texas energy providers. Keep reading for popular home electronics you can control with your smartphone to help you run a more energy-efficient home.

Smart thermostats

A smart thermostat lets you control your home’s temperature from anywhere, so you’re not heating and cooling your home when you don’t need to. With cooling and heating among the largest energy expenses in a home, this device is a game-changer for those looking to lower their energy usage and monthly bills. Many smart thermostats are able to learn your habits and adjust automatically to save more energy. Plus, some energy providers in Texas, like Green Mountain Energy, offer demand response programs that utilize smart thermostats’ capabilities.

Smart lights

You can also use your smartphone to turn your smart lights on or off, whether you’re in the next room or another state. Some even let you dim the lights or change their color. These devices help save energy because you can turn off lights that were left on by mistake or set schedules for your lights, which can help reduce electricity usage.

Smart plugs

A smart plug lets you control the electronic device plugged into it using your smartphone. This is great for lamps, fans, coffee makers and even holiday lights. You can turn a device on and off remotely if you’re not home so it doesn’t waste energy unnecessarily. Many smart plugs also let you set on/off schedules; some even track how much electricity plugged-in home electronics use.

Smart appliances

Many appliances, like washing machines, air purifiers, refrigerators, and more, now come with built-in smart technology features so you can monitor and control them from your phone. For example, you can start a load of laundry while at work so that it’s ready to go into the dryer when you get home or you can get a notification if the fridge door is left open. Some smart appliances also offer the ability to subtly shift energy usage from more expensive peak times to less expensive off-peak hours.

Smart blinds

Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for about 25% to 30% of home heating and cooling energy use. Smart blinds help you minimize this problem by allowing you to open or close your window coverings via your phone. Closing blinds in summer to keep your home cooler or letting in more sun during the winter to warm things up naturally can help you reduce electricity usage without sacrificing comfort. Some systems can even be set to adjust automatically based on the time of day.

Other smart home electronics

There are many other home electronics on the market that don’t necessarily help you save energy but do add convenience and/or sustainability to your life. These include:

Smart sprinklers

A smart sprinkler system helps you conserve water while caring for your yard. Smart irrigation systems not only prevent overwatering but can also deliver precise and tailored watering to different areas or plants, adapt the watering schedule to weather data and send you an alert if a leak or other maintenance issue is detected. Using water more efficiently can lower your water bill and help conserve a valuable resource.

Smart door locks

A smart door lock lets you lock or unlock your doors using your phone. This can save you from driving back home if you forget to lock up or simply allow you to carry one less key around. Some devices even let you program unique access codes for people who enter your home (like babysitters, house cleaners or guests) so you can track who has entered and when.

Smart security cameras

Lastly, indoor and outdoor smart security cameras let you monitor your home using your phone, no matter where you are. This means you can check in on your house, kids or pets at any time. Many smart cameras come with motion detection send you alerts if there’s any activity. And some of the best energy providers in Texas, like Reliant Energy and Direct Energy, even offer custom smart security systems through their partners.

While security cameras don’t directly help you save electricity, the peace of mind they provide can prevent you from wasting your own energy worrying!

Smart home devices aren’t just about convenience; they can also help you save energy and, potentially, money by giving you on-the-go control of your home electronics.

Compare energy plans from top Texas energy providers

While we’re on the topic of “smart,” start shopping for electricity plans from Texas energy providers the smart way: by using Everything Energy’s innovative search and compare tools. Check it out today!

December 3, 2024, marks Giving Tuesday. What is Giving Tuesday? It’s a global call to everyone to perform acts of generosity, both great and small. 

In the spirit of Giving Tuesday 2024, here are some recent ways energy companies in Houston give back to their communities year-round.

Reliant Energy

Houston-based Reliant Energy has a rich tradition of contributing to communities and organizations in Texas and nationwide. A few of their giving initiatives include:

Reliant Gives

The Reliant Gives program supports Texas communities by asking employees to nominate local organizations they care about. A public vote on three finalist organizations takes place, with a chance to win donations of up to $100,000. Since 2016, Reliant Gives has donated $460,000 to 12 nonprofits across the state.

Charitable Giving

Through volunteer and employee-led partnership initiatives, Reliant Energy has been able to support organizations like the American Heart Association, Meals on Wheels, Armand Bayou Nature Center and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston — and many more.

Commitment to the Environment

Reliant Energy works with several organizations to involve its employees in activities like rehabilitating nature trails, planting trees and supporting eco-education for students. They’ve also implemented sustainable solutions like solar cart conversions at the Houston Zoo.  

Sponsorships & Grants

Through the NRG Retail Charitable Foundation, Reliant Energy invests in communities in various ways. These include helping families in need pay their utility bills, funding local disaster relief, supporting health clinics and providing scholarships.

Direct Energy

Another energy company in Houston that serves residents across the state, Direct Energy, features a Neighbor-to-Neighbor Bill Assistance Program. This lets customers donate any amount to help fellow Texans in need keep the lights on. The electricity provider works with more than 40 agencies across the state, who ensure this aid goes to carefully screened, qualified individuals.

Green Mountain Energy

Through Green Mountain Energy Sun Club, the Houston energy company’s charitable giving initiative, both the company and customers can donate to provide sustainability grants to nonprofits. Sun Club projects focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, clean transportation, sustainable agriculture and environmental education. 

From its inception in 2002 through 2023, Green Mountain Energy Sun Club has given $14.2 million to nonprofits, helping to complete over 160 projects.

Compare these and other electricity companies in Houston

When you shop for energy plans with Everything Energy, you’ll see the latest offerings from the retail electricity providers above, plus other trusted Texas energy companies like Cirro Energy and Discount Power. Choose the plan that best fits your needs, and sign up in minutes!