Terms of Service with Clare Duffy Saving Energy and Money with Smart Technology
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Sep 30, 2025 In this enlightening conversation, Rachel Cericola, a Wirecutter writer with 25 years of experience in smart home technology, reveals how gadgets can significantly reduce energy bills. She discusses smart thermostats and plugs, explaining their potential savings and how they adapt to user habits. Rachel emphasizes the importance of energy-efficient lighting versus HVAC systems, shares common setup mistakes, and warns about privacy issues with device data. Start small with smart plugs to tackle specific problems and potentially unlock utility rebates!
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Prioritize Thermostats And Plugs
- Use smart thermostats and smart plugs to lower energy use and control devices remotely.
- Add sprinkler controllers and leak sensors to save water and prevent costly damage.
Measure And Schedule With Smart Plugs
- Plug devices into smart plugs to measure and schedule their energy use from your phone.
- Turn off or schedule lamps, fans, and appliances to avoid wasting power when not needed.
Vampire Power Is Less Critical Now
- Vampire power matters less today because devices are more energy efficient.
- But smart plugs remain an easy way to eliminate suspected standby energy use.
