What are the best devices to cut energy use?
Looking to lower your energy bills and boost the efficiency of your home? Whether you're in a Victorian tenement in Edinburgh or a new build in Fife, there are plenty of devices to help you save energy and money - without compromising on comfort. Here’s a handy round-up of the best energy-saving gadgets worth considering.
1. Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats let you control your heating from your smartphone, learn your routines, and adjust automatically to save energy. Many models also feature geofencing, which can turn heating off when you leave and back on as you return.
This means you're not wasting heat when no one's home - a big win in Scotland where heating accounts for the majority of home energy use.
2. LED Lighting
LED bulbs are significantly more efficient than traditional lighting, using up to 80% less electricity and lasting up to 25 times longer. Replacing all your home’s bulbs with LEDs can make a surprisingly big dent in your electricity usage.
Beyond energy savings, LEDs come on instantly, don’t flicker, and are available in a wide range of colours and brightness levels to suit any room or mood.
3. Smart Plugs and Standby Cutters
Devices left on standby - think TVs, sound systems, coffee machines - continue to draw power even when not in use. Smart plugs help eliminate this "phantom load" by cutting power entirely, either on a schedule or when they detect inactivity.
These are great for controlling hard-to-reach sockets and are especially helpful for second homes, rental properties, or anyone trying to monitor and reduce background energy consumption. Some models even track energy use per device, giving you insights to help make informed choices.
4. Energy Monitors
An energy monitor shows you, in real time, how much electricity your home is using. This simple feedback loop makes it easier to identify energy hogs - like that ancient freezer in the garage - and see the impact of turning off unused devices.
Studies show that simply having this information to hand can reduce energy use by 5 - 15%. Having visibility on your energy use can lead to more conscious, cost-effective behaviour.
5. Smart Radiator Thermostats
These clever devices replace manual radiator valves and allow you to control the temperature of individual rooms through your phone or thermostat system. This means you can avoid heating unused rooms and tailor comfort levels across the home.
Ideal for larger properties or homes with irregular layouts (like many period flats in Edinburgh or converted cottages), smart radiator thermostats can reduce heating costs by 10% or more, while giving you more control over comfort and warmth exactly where you want it.
6. Low-Flow Shower Heads
Low-flow or aerated shower heads reduce the amount of hot water used without compromising on pressure by mixing air with water. They typically use 6 - 8 litres per minute compared to 12 - 15 for standard heads, helping to cut energy bills.
For Scottish households on metered water (especially in newer developments), this means lower utility bills. Plus, with less hot water used, you’ll be easing the load on your boiler and helping the environment too.
7. Draught-Proofing Tools
Simple products like draught excluders, chimney balloons, and letterbox brushes help seal up common sources of heat loss. These inexpensive tools are especially effective in older Scottish homes, many of which have single-glazed windows or less-than-perfect insulation.
The benefit? Improved comfort and reduced heating bills, especially during the winter. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that draught-proofing around windows and doors can save around £50 a year, and you’ll notice a difference in how warm your home feels.
Start your home energy efficiency journey today...
These devices may seem small on their own, but combined, they can significantly reduce your energy consumption, save you hundreds of pounds over the year, and make your home more comfortable and future-proof.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to cut costs, a landlord aiming to improve EPC ratings, or simply someone who wants to live more sustainably, there’s never been a better time to take advantage of these practical energy-saving tools - especially with energy prices still on the high side.
Start with a couple of simple upgrades and watch the savings stack up.