I'm curious about the actual financial benefits of smart home efficiency. For those who've installed energy saving smart devices like smart thermostats or automated lighting systems, how much have you actually saved on utility bills? Are the smart thermostat benefits as significant as advertised?
My smart thermostat benefits have been about 15-20% savings on heating/cooling. The automated lighting systems probably save another 5-10% on electricity. Combined, the energy saving smart devices pay for themselves in about 18 months. The smart home efficiency gains are real, especially if you have old, inefficient systems to replace.
The savings depend on your usage patterns. If you're already conscientious about turning things off, the gains might be smaller. But if you tend to leave lights on or forget to adjust the thermostat, the smart home efficiency improvements can be substantial. Smart plugs that cut phantom power for electronics can save more than people realize too.