Big or small, there’s something for all

If you’re ready to start checking some names off your gift list, consider giving the gift of energy efficiency this year!

Oncor customers can receive discounts up to $65 on 12 models of smart thermostats and up to $50 on washers and dryers. Customers buying a heat pump water heater can save $500 at participating retailers.

To see a list of participating retail stores in your area, click here. To see a list of products and to sign up for the coupons, click here or go to smartsavingstx.com.

Here are some gifts to keep an eye out for this holiday season:

Smart Home Devices

Smart home devices seem to increase in popularity each year. The best part is that many of them can be fairly inexpensive. Here are some gifts that will be sure to please:

● Smart plugs: While it might not seem like a wall plug could make that much of a difference, smart plugs can give you more control over electronics all across your home. Generally, anything that’s connected to a smart plug can be turned off or on via a smart home app. This includes things like: lamps, TVs and holiday decorations.

● Smart bulbs: The next time a light bulb goes out, ditch the old bulbs and replace them with smart light bulbs. These bulbs, like everything else in the smart home category, can be personalized and controlled via an app. You can set a schedule so lights turn off & on at a certain time. You might even be able to change the brightness and color, depending on the bulb you choose.

● Wireless speakers: Not only are wireless speakers great because of their portability, they are also more energy-efficient than traditional, larger speaker systems. In fact, Energy Star reports that some wireless speakers can use around 45 percent less energy than their plugged-in counterparts. These speakers make a fun gift since many come in various shapes and colors!

● Streaming devices: It’s safe to say that most households have some type of streaming service at this point. However, if you’ve got someone on your gift list who hasn’t “cut the cord” yet, then you might consider giving them a streaming device this holiday season. Not only are there many to choose from, but SmarterHouse.org says they’ll use at least 30 percent less energy than those bulky cable boxes. Some might use as much as 70 percent less!

● Smart thermostats: Smart thermostats have gained popularity in recent years thanks to their personalization & connectivity features. You can program and use many smart thermostats right from your smartphone, allowing you to set a schedule or routine: less energy use when you’re not at home, etc. Many devices will also provide you with weekly and monthly energy reports so you can keep track of trends & do even more to reduce your energy use.

● Robotic vacuums & cleaners: Even though it’s been several years since their debut, robotic vacuums are still a popular gift. Many people like them for their assistance in day-to-day cleaning. However, they’re also much more energy efficient than upright vacuums. According to CleanersTalk.com, robotic vacuums can use up to less than $1 worth of electricity per month, where uprights can use more than $10 worth per month!

Appliances

Appliances for the home - both large and small - are typically included in sales this time of year. Even if you just want to treat yourself to something this holiday season, here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for appliances:

● Small Appliances: Just like some of the smaller devices we’ve mentioned here, you can easily find small smart appliances. This includes coffee makers and slow cookers, both of which can be controlled via mobile app for convenience & safety.

● Large appliances: Making a bigger investment like a new refrigerator or dishwasher? Check to make sure the appliance is Energy Star Certified, meaning that the manufacturer has gone the extra mile to make sure the device is more energy efficient. Also, when buying new appliances, make sure to compare the yellow EnergyGuide tags to compare the average yearly operating costs. If two appliances cost the same, but one has a higher operating cost, it will cost you more energy and more money for the life of the product. Checking the label and choosing the appliance with the lower operating cost can save energy and money for years to come.

Get the Most Out of Your Gifts: If you end up with multiple smart devices in your home after the holidays, make sure you look into the best way to connect them. Using them together will allow you to get the most out of your gifts and will allow you to save the most energy in the long run.

Happy Holidays!