Best energy saving products for your home

If you’ve been staring at your energy bill wondering where all that electricity went, you’re not alone. Fortunately, technology is on your side.

From smart thermostats to solar panels, today’s homes can be kitted out with a range of energy saving products that help you cut costs and shrink your carbon footprint - all without sacrificing comfort.

So, what are the best products that can help you use less energy, save more money, and future-proof your Aussie home?

Can I save energy with household products?

Yes, you absolutely can, and it doesn’t mean overhauling your entire home. In fact, many energy-saving products are surprisingly simple and affordable. Think smart plugs, LED lightbulbs, or draught stoppers. These small changes can lead to big savings over time.

Here are just a few examples:

• LED lighting: Replacing old incandescent bulbs with LEDs can reduce lighting energy use by up to 85%. They also last 5–10 times longer.
• Draught excluders: Sealing gaps around windows and doors prevents hot or cold air from escaping, so your air conditioner or heater doesn’t have to work overtime.
• Insulating blinds and curtains: Proper insulation around windows can reduce heating and cooling costs by 20–30%.
• Energy-efficient showerheads: These reduce water usage, and the energy needed to heat that water - saving on both gas and electricity.

While these products may seem minor individually, together they can create a much more efficient and affordable household.

Do smart home products save energy?

Smart home devices are no longer just cool gadgets - they’re serious energy savers.

Here’s how they work: smart home products use automation, sensors, and connectivity to control your lights, heating, cooling, and appliances more efficiently. You can manage them from your smartphone, set schedules, or even let them adjust automatically based on your routine.

Top smart products that help reduce energy usage:

• Smart thermostats (e.g. Google Nest, ecobee): Learn your habits and optimise heating/cooling. Some models even turn off the system when you leave the house.
• Smart plugs and power boards: These can automatically turn off appliances on standby, which can otherwise account for up to 10% of a household’s electricity use.
• Smart lighting systems (e.g. Philips Hue): Lights can be turned off remotely or set on a schedule, preventing unnecessary usage.
• Smart appliances: Washing machines, dishwashers, and fridges with Wi-Fi connectivity can run at optimal times (like during off-peak electricity hours).

The real beauty of smart home products is in energy awareness - they give you visibility over your usage, helping you make better decisions in real time.

Do smart home products save money?

They sure do - but let’s put some numbers behind it.

While smart home gadgets do have an upfront cost, many users find that their investment pays for itself in energy savings within a couple of years. For example:

• Smart thermostat: Can save between 10–25% on heating and cooling bills annually.
• Smart power strips: Save around $100–$150 per year by cutting off vampire power (standby energy usage).
• Smart lighting: Can reduce lighting costs by up to 60–70% when combined with motion sensors and scheduling.

By using these devices to monitor and reduce peak-time electricity usage, you may benefit from time-of-use energy plans, which offer cheaper rates during off-peak hours.

So, while these products require a little investment, they pay dividends in both lower bills and convenience.

Will solar panels help to save money on energy bills?

In short: yes, solar panels are still one of the most powerful tools for slashing your electricity bills in Australia.

Here’s how they help:

• Generate your own electricity: This reduces the amount of power you draw from the grid, especially during daylight hours.
• Feed-in tariffs: When your system produces more electricity than you use, the excess can be sold back to the grid, giving you credits or payments on your bill.
• Long-term savings: A typical 6.6kW solar system in Australia can save households $800–$1,400 per year, depending on location and usage habits.
• Battery storage options: Adding a solar battery lets you store energy for use in the evening, maximising self-consumption and reducing reliance on expensive peak-time electricity.

Solar power is particularly cost-effective in sunny states like Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia, where sunlight hours are abundant.

Best of all, the cost of installing solar has dropped dramatically in recent years, and many government rebates and low-interest finance options are still available in 2025.

How is technology saving energy and money?

Technology is changing the way we live - and that includes how we use energy. Here are a few innovative ways it’s helping Aussie households reduce consumption and costs:

Smart metering

These digital devices track your real-time energy usage and report it directly to your provider. That means:

• More accurate billing
• No more estimated charges
• Insights into how and when you’re using energy

Some smart meters even integrate with apps so you can adjust your habits instantly.

Home energy management systems (HEMS)

These advanced platforms (often part of solar setups) give you control over when and how your home uses electricity. You can:

• Schedule appliances for off-peak hours
• Prioritise essential loads (like fridges or medical devices)
• Automate energy use based on price signals from the grid

AI and automation

AI is becoming increasingly common in in-home devices - from smart speakers to fridges. These systems learn your habits and adjust to reduce waste.

For example, an AI-powered air conditioning unit might:

• Turn on just before you get home
• Turn off automatically when no one's in the room
• Adjust to external temperatures

App-based tracking

Many modern appliances come with apps that track performance and suggest savings. For instance, a smart washing machine might recommend cooler wash cycles or alert you when energy usage spikes.

Switch your energy plan with Compare Energy

Even with the best energy-saving products in your home, you won’t see full savings unless you’re on the right energy plan. Some plans offer cheaper rates during off-peak hours, while others provide solar feed-in credits, discounts for smart meter use, or green energy options.

That’s where Compare Energy comes in.

We make it simple to:

• Compare energy providers in your area
• Review plans based on your energy usage habits
• Switch to a better deal - fast, free, and easy

Ready to save? Visit Compare Energy today or call us on 1300 790 106 and find a plan that works as smart as your home.