Smart home energy devices beyond your thermostat

How  smart energy devices can help Texans address peak demand and energy costs 

Texas homeowners are no strangers to extreme weather and fluctuating energy prices. Smart energy devices offer a proactive way to manage usage during peak demand times, helping you stay comfortable while keeping costs in check. 

The deregulated market advantage for smart home users 

Living in the Texas deregulated energy market means you have the power to choose your electricity plan. Smart home devices give you the tools to take full advantage of that choice—by aligning your usage with time-of-use plans, reducing waste and maximizing savings.

Smart water heating solutions that save more than energy 

Your water heater works hard behind the scenes—but with the right smart tech, it can work smarter, not harder. These devices can help you cut energy waste, prevent costly damage and stay in control of your home’s comfort. 

• Intelligent water heater controllers: Automatically adjust your water heater’s performance based on your usage patterns, helping you save energy without sacrificing hot showers. 
• Smart leak detection systems: Get real-time alerts before a small leak becomes a big problem. These devices help you avoid water damage and unexpected repair bills. 
• Heat pump water heater optimization: Boost the efficiency of your heat pump water heater with smart controls that fine-tune settings for your household’s needs. 

Cut hidden energy costs with smart power management 

Not all energy waste is obvious. These smart devices help you uncover and eliminate the silent drain on your electricity bill—without changing your lifestyle. 

• Smart power strips with individual device monitoring: Track and control the energy use of each device plugged into your power strip. You’ll know exactly what’s costing you and when to power down. 
• Phantom load eliminators: Electronics in standby mode still use energy. These devices shut off the flow when it’s not needed, helping you reduce waste without lifting a finger. 
• Smart outlets with energy tracking: Get real-time data on plugged-in devices and make smarter choices about when and how you use them.

Smarter climate control starts beyond the thermostat

Beyond smart thermostats, devices like smart window treatments and advanced ceiling fans regulate temperature and airflow, enhancing home energy efficiency.

• Smart window treatments and automated blinds: Let the sunshine in—or keep it out. These treatments adjust based on time of day and weather, helping you maintain a comfortable temperature while reducing the load on your HVAC system.
• Advanced smart ceiling fans: These fans do more than spin. They respond to room temperature and occupancy, adjusting speed and direction to keep air flowing efficiently.
• Smart attic ventilation systems: By regulating heat and humidity in your attic, these systems help your whole home stay cooler and more energy efficient—especially during peak summer months.

Light smarter, live better 

Lighting and electrical systems do more than power your home—they shape your mood, your sleep and your savings. These smart solutions help you take control of your environment while reducing energy use.

• Circadian rhythm lighting controllers: Support your body’s natural rhythms with lighting that adjusts throughout the day. Wake up gently, stay focused and wind down with ease.
• Smart electrical panel monitors:  These monitors give you real-time insights into your home’s energy use, helping you spot trends and make smarter decisions.
• Automated outdoor solar-integrated lighting: Light your outdoor spaces with solar-powered systems that adjust based on sunlight availability—saving energy while keeping your home secure.

Smarter energy use, outside and all around

Smart energy devices aren’t just for your living room. These outdoor and specialty solutions help you save energy in places you might not expect—like your yard, pool and garage.

• Smart irrigation with weather integration:  These systems adjust based on real-time weather and soil conditions, helping you avoid overwatering and reduce utility costs.
• Pool equipment smart controllers: Keep your pool clean and comfortable without wasting energy. These controllers optimize pump and heater performance based on usage and time of day.
• Smart garage door energy optimization: Prevent energy loss with smart garage door systems that monitor insulation and seal integrity—keeping conditioned air where it belongs.

Take control with whole-home energy management

When your smart devices work together, you get more than convenience—you get a clear view of your energy use and the power to make smarter choices every day.

• Circuit-level energy monitoring systems: See exactly where your energy goes. These systems track usage by circuit, helping you pinpoint high-consumption areas and uncover hidden inefficiencies.
• Smart surge protection and battery backup: Protect your home and your peace of mind. These devices guard against power surges and keep essential systems running during outages.
• Load shifting during peak hours: Save more by using less when demand is high. Smart load management systems automatically shift energy use to off-peak times, helping you lower your bill without lifting a finger.

Make your smart devices even smarter—together

Smart energy devices are powerful on their own, but when they work together, they create a seamless system that adapts to your life and the Texas climate.

• Create a cohesive smart energy ecosystem: Connect your devices into a single, responsive network. When your lighting, HVAC, and appliances communicate, your home becomes more efficient—and more comfortable.
• Optimize for seasonal shifts in Texas weather: From summer heatwaves to winter freezes, your smart devices can adjust automatically to seasonal shifts, helping you stay comfortable while using less energy.
• Maximize savings with time-of-use plans: Smart scheduling helps you shift high-energy tasks—like laundry or charging your EV—to off-peak hours. That means lower rates and bigger savings.

Know the value before you plug in

Smart energy devices are an investment — but the right ones can pay for themselves in comfort, control and cost savings. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting the most out of every device.

• Cost-benefit analysis for Texas homeowners: Not all devices deliver the same return on investment. Evaluate up-front costs, potential savings and rebates to find the solutions that make the most sense for your home and lifestyle.
• Installation and setup best practices: Proper setup is key to performance. Follow manufacturer guidelines, use certified installers when needed and take advantage of app-based tutorials to get started quickly.
• Measuring and tracking energy savings: Use built-in analytics or your energy provider’s tools to monitor usage and savings over time. Seeing the impact in real numbers helps you stay motivated — and informed.

Stay ahead with a future-ready smart home

Technology keeps evolving, and so should your home. By choosing smart energy devices that adapt and grow with you, you’re not just saving today — you’re building a more resilient tomorrow.

• Emerging technologies on the horizon: From AI-powered energy assistants to next-gen solar integrations, new innovations are making homes smarter, safer and more sustainable. Staying informed helps you make upgrades that matter.
• Preparing for grid modernization: As Texas moves toward a more dynamic energy grid, smart devices that support demand response and real-time adjustments will help you stay in sync and in control.

By exploring smart energy devices beyond the thermostat, you’re not just upgrading your home; you’re investing in comfort, control and long-term savings. From water heaters to window treatments, each device plays a role in making your home more efficient and resilient.