Work smarter, not harder to save energy and beat the summer heat
by Dan Kaneko | June 26, 2023
It’s that time of year again when the temperatures start to rise, and the humidity can make you feel uncomfortable even while you’re just sitting still. During these warmer summer months, I’m often guilty of leaving the tower fan in my room running 24/7 even when I’m not there. Sometimes I’ll forget it’s still running, and I’ll leave home without first turning it off.
To combat this avoidable energy drain (and potential fire hazard), I went to Hawaii Energy’s Marketplace and decided to give the Feit Smart Plug a try. For only $9.99 (plus shipping and taxes), the Feit Smart Plug can turn any of your appliances into a smart appliance. It gives you control over any single outlet, allowing you to switch its power flow on and off remotely from an app on your smartphone. You can also configure it to be activated by voice command via Alexa or Google Assistant.
My favorite feature is a “Smart Scenes” automation feature that allows you to create scenarios to turn your smart outlet on or off when a specific condition is met. You can create a “scene” in which your smart outlet reacts to changes in weather conditions, location, time, or device status. I programmed my smart outlet to shut off when I leave home and turn on when I arrive back home.
Although I’ve only used my smart plug with my bedroom fan, I think it would be helpful with reducing unnecessary energy usage for a variety of appliances. I’m considering purchasing a few more to use with my coffee maker in the kitchen and to stash away for later use with my Christmas lights when the holiday season rolls around.
While smart plugs certainly work great with any floor fans in your home, they won’t be able to help you with your air conditioning system. This is where a smart thermostat can come in handy. Smart thermostats can regulate your air conditioner’s settings through voice command, smartphone app, or smart assistant, which makes reducing your air conditioner’s energy consumption effortless. Smart thermostats are currently one of the trendiest smart devices for saving energy while regulating home temperature, and with the warmest months of the year approaching, now is as good a time as any to give one a try.
I hope these tips help you stay cool this summer and reduce unnecessary energy waste! To purchase a Feit Smart Plug and other energy-efficient products, or for rebate offers and energy-saving tips, visit hawaiienergy.com.
Dan Kaneko is a digital communications and social media specialist at Hawaiian Electric Company.
