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The best smart-home purchase for most U.S. households is an ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostat. Heating and cooling account for nearly half of the average household’s annual energy bill, according to ENERGY STAR. After that, choose technology based on your home’s largest measurable waste: an energy-monitoring smart plug or power strip, a whole-home energy monitor, or smart lighting controls.
Smart devices do not automatically make a home sustainable. Savings depend on compatible equipment, useful automation, correct installation, and whether the device actually reduces consumption. Climate, occupancy, insulation, utility rates, and existing habits all affect the result.
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Quick comparison
| Device | Best for | Installation | Primary target | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENERGY STAR smart thermostat | Most homes with central HVAC | DIY or HVAC professional | Heating and cooling | Compatibility and wiring limits |
| Energy-monitoring smart plug or power strip | Specific standby or forgotten loads | Plug-in DIY | Plug loads | Its own standby use and load limits |
| Whole-home energy monitor | Finding hidden, hardwired loads | Usually electrician-installed | HVAC, water heating, EVs, pools, and circuits | Monitoring does not itself create savings |
| Smart lighting controls | Lights routinely left on | Bulb replacement or wiring work | Lighting schedules and occupancy | Standby power and compatibility issues |
This order broadly matches the device categories in ENERGY STAR’s Smart Home Energy Management System guidance: a connected thermostat, connected lighting, and plug-load monitoring or control.
1. ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostat: best overall
A smart thermostat usually offers the strongest first step because it can automate the home’s largest routine energy use. ENERGY STAR cites typical savings of about $50 per year, with homes that have high heating and cooling bills potentially saving up to $100 annually. These are broad estimates, not guarantees for every household.
#1 Best Overall
- ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat for home that helps you save energy and stay comfortable.Connectivity : Wi-Fi - 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz, 802.11a/n 5 GHz Wi-Fi., Wireless interconnect : Bluetooth Low Energy Please refer to the product description section below for all applicable legal disclaimers.Product note: You can also check your system’s compatibility before purchasing a Nest thermostat with our online Nest Compatibility Checker on the Google Nest support page
- The Nest Thermostat is designed to work without a C wire in most homes, but for some systems, including heating only, cooling only, zone controlled, and heat pump systems, you’ll need a C wire or other compatible power accessory
- Nest Thermostat turns itself down when you leave, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty home. Lock feature: No
- Programmable thermostat that lets you create an energy efficient schedule in the Google Home app on your Android or iPhone
- Remote control lets family members change the thermostat temperature from anywhere on a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]
The benefit comes from practical functions such as schedules, occupancy-based adjustments, energy history, and reminders—not from Wi-Fi connectivity alone. A thermostat cannot correct poor insulation, leaky ducts, an oversized system, inadequate maintenance, or a failing HVAC unit.
Representative choices
- Google Nest Thermostat: a lower-cost mainstream option with scheduling, occupancy-based adjustment, energy history, and Google Home integration. Google listed a regular U.S. price of $129.99 during the August 2026 research period; prices are date-sensitive.
- Google Nest Learning Thermostat, 4th gen: a premium alternative with an included room sensor and more advanced automation. Google listed $279.99 during the same period.
- ecobee: worth considering where room sensors, heat-pump support, or a feature-rich interface matter. Verify the exact model’s current ENERGY STAR status, price, wiring requirements, and subscription terms before buying.
Verify the exact model in the ENERGY STAR certified smart-thermostat database. Do not treat a manufacturer’s “up to” savings figure as a typical household result.
Compatibility checklist
Before installation, check the system type, heating and cooling stages, heat-pump and auxiliary-heat configuration, zoning, and any humidifier, dehumidifier, or ventilation equipment. Also check for a C wire or a compatible power adapter. Google says its basic Nest Thermostat works with most 24-volt systems, but some heating-only, cooling-only, zone-controlled, and heat-pump installations may need a C wire or Nest Power Connector; consult the technical specifications.
Incorrect heat-pump or auxiliary-heat settings can increase energy use, cause comfort problems, or lead to short-cycling. Aggressive setbacks may also be unsuitable for some heat pumps, hydronic systems, pets, older adults, or homes with humidity-control concerns.
2. Energy-monitoring smart plug or power strip: best low-cost control
A smart plug is useful when it measures consumption and then turns a genuinely wasteful load off on a schedule or when the household is away. ENERGY STAR’s SHEMS criteria recognize smart plugs, smart power strips, and home energy monitors as the plug-load monitoring/control category.
Rank #2
- An Alexa thermostat - Amazon Smart Thermostat is an easy way to switch from a traditional thermostats for homes and help reduce energy usage.
- Create comfort zones throughout your home by connecting to select Alexa devices to automatically adjust heating and cooling based on temperature readings or presence detection.
- Save money and energy - After purchase, Amazon will send you an email with details about home thermostat rebates that may be available from energy providers in your area.
- Save energy - According to EPA estimates, ENERGY STAR certified thermostats save an average of $90 on yearly energy bills.
- Programmable thermostat and automatic control - Create your own home, away and sleep schedules, or have Alexa automatically control the temperature with Alexa+ advanced features.
Good candidates include entertainment centers, desktop computers, gaming equipment, printers, networking equipment, dehumidifiers, chargers, holiday lights, and window fans. Start with loads that run continuously or are frequently forgotten—not a tiny phone charger whose potential savings may be negligible.
Net savings matter
The plug consumes electricity too. Its use is worthwhile only when the energy it prevents exceeds its own consumption:
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallNet energy savings = energy avoided by automation − device energy useA plug that merely enables remote control but never switches anything off may provide convenience without meaningful energy savings.
Safety and compatibility
Check the plug’s continuous and startup ratings before connecting motors, compressors, heating elements, or other demanding loads. Do not casually use one for refrigerators, freezers, sump pumps, medical equipment, gas appliances, high-wattage heaters, or anything that must remain powered for safety or spoilage prevention.
Matter can improve cross-platform compatibility, but it does not guarantee that energy monitoring, schedules, hubs, or automations work identically in every ecosystem. Confirm that the exact U.S. model exposes energy data in your chosen platform, retains schedules during an internet outage, and does not require a subscription. Meross lists U.S./Canada Matter products, including energy-monitoring switch products, at its official Matter collection; verify the exact model before purchase.
Rank #3
- Save up to 23% every year on heating and cooling costs, adjusts to your set schedule to save energy when you’re gone and optimize comfort when you’re home. Compared to a hold of 72
- Compatible with 85% of systems, check your system’s compatibility with our online ecobee Compatibility Checker on the ecobee support page
- Change your temperature by easily tapping the color touchscreen or using the ecobee app. Plus, free software upgrades ensure you get the best out of your Smart Thermostat Essential, for years to come
- Automatically adjusts to your set schedule to save energy when you’re gone and optimize comfort when you’re home. Keep track of your energy consumption when you're on the go on the ecobee app
- Easy DIY install. No C Wire, no problem. Get the ecobee Power Extender Kit (PEK) for homes without a C-Wire and keep your walls looking nice with our trim kit – both sold separately
3. Whole-home energy monitor: best for finding hidden waste
A whole-home monitor is most valuable when you need to discover where electricity is going. It can expose large hardwired loads that individual plugs cannot measure, including HVAC, electric water heating, pool pumps, EV charging, electric ranges, well pumps, resistance heating, and overnight base load.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteChoose one that clearly states whether it provides whole-home or circuit-level readings, supports solar, batteries, generators, and net metering where relevant, and distinguishes real-time power from cumulative energy. Also check data export, retention, cloud dependence, subscription fees, tariff configuration, and whether it can control anything or only display information.
Is it worth the electrician cost?
Often, yes—if your home has expensive or unusual loads such as an EV, pool, electric resistance heat, or electric water heater, or if you intend to act on the findings. It is less compelling when the household will only look at the dashboard occasionally.
Panel-mounted monitors commonly use current transformers around service or branch-circuit conductors. Work inside an electrical panel can expose you to dangerous voltage. Follow local code and the manufacturer’s instructions, and use a licensed electrician when required. Incorrect transformer placement, reversed sensors, solar export, shared circuits, or complex tariffs can produce misleading results. Monitoring identifies opportunities; it does not save energy by itself.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.4. Smart lighting controls: best for everyday waste
Lighting is usually a smaller energy category than HVAC, but smart controls can help when lights are routinely left on. The most sustainable approach is usually efficient LED lighting plus occupancy, vacancy, daylight, or schedule-based control.
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Rank #4
- COMMON WIRE REQUIREMENTS: Designed to work without a C-wire in most homes, but for some systems, including heating only, cooling only, and heat pump systems, you’ll need a C-wire or other compatible power accessory
- EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Do it yourself fast with a built-in level and simple step-by-step instructions. Works with the HVAC equipment found in most homes
- SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY: ENERGY STAR-certified and packed with features that help you save money, including flexible scheduling, geofencing, remote access and usage reports
- PRIVACY PROTECTION: Sensi won’t sell your personal information to third parties or leverage your thermostat activity data for targeting or advertising purposes
- CONTROL FROM ANYWHERE: The top-rated mobile app for Android and iOS devices makes it easy to control your comfort from a smartphone or tablet
Smart switches are often better than replacing every bulb in frequently used ceiling fixtures because they preserve ordinary wall-switch operation. Smart bulbs make more sense where color, scenes, or individual-lamp control is important. For savings, prioritize switches and sensors in rooms where lights are commonly forgotten, and schedules for exterior or decorative lighting.
Check before buying
- LED and dimmer compatibility
- Neutral-wire and minimum-load requirements
- Three-way or multi-way wiring support
- Occupancy or vacancy sensor behavior
- Local control during internet outages
- Energy reporting, if required
- Standby consumption and warranty support
- Compatibility with Matter, HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, or SmartThings
ENERGY STAR’s SHEMS criteria list a maximum standby-power threshold of 0.5 watts for smart light switches in the specified package requirements. Color-changing bulbs and decorative routines can consume more resources and cost more without improving efficiency, so distinguish an efficiency purchase from a convenience feature.
How to choose the right device for your home
- Start with the largest likely load. Choose a thermostat for central HVAC, a monitor for hardwired loads, or a plug for a persistent plug load.
- Measure before automating when possible. A monitor or energy-reporting plug can prevent you from solving the wrong problem.
- Confirm installation and compatibility. Renters should favor plug-in devices, bulbs, and landlord-approved controls. Thermostats and panel monitors may require owner permission or a professional.
- Prefer automation that acts. Occupancy controls, temperature schedules, and automatic shutoff are more useful than an app that only displays information.
- Check rebates before purchase. Search by ZIP code and utility using the ENERGY STAR rebate finder. Eligibility may depend on dates, enrollment, equipment, and demand-response participation.
- Review privacy and support. Check accounts, cloud processing, subscriptions, local operation, data retention, warranty, and the vendor’s history of supporting older products.
Calculate payback using your actual rate
Use your utility bill rather than a national average:
Annual operating-cost savings = energy saved in kWh × electricity price per kWhSimple payback period = purchase and installation cost ÷ annual savingsFor time-of-use customers, use the rate during the period when consumption is actually avoided. Include the device’s own electricity use, installation, subscription fees, and rebates. For example, if automation avoids 180 kWh per year at $0.20/kWh, gross savings are $36. If the device costs $90 after rebate and has no material ongoing fee, the simple payback is 2.5 years—before accounting for its own consumption.
Devices not worth buying for energy savings alone
Smart speakers, cameras, decorative color lighting, and devices that only provide remote control may be useful for other reasons, but they are not automatically energy-saving purchases. Be skeptical of products marketed as “energy savers” without a credible measurement method, specific automation, independent certification, or transparent consumption data.
Quick Recap
Recommended buying order
- Improve thermostat control or measure the home’s largest load.
- Automate a specific high-waste plug load.
- Add LED and occupancy-based lighting controls where lights are routinely left on.
- Expand only after reviewing measured results and confirming that the first device created net savings.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
