Working from home has become the norm for millions across the UK—but it’s also reshaped how we use energy. From heating a single room all day to powering laptops, monitors, and lighting for longer hours, the shift has made energy-saving more personal. If you’re looking to reduce energy bills at home without compromising comfort, smart gadgets offer a practical, plug-and-play solution.
This guide explores the best smart gadgets for working from home, helping you choose tools that actually save energy, improve comfort, and fit your lifestyle—whether you’re in a rented flat or a family home.
🔍 Where Energy Gets Used During the Workday
When your home becomes your office, energy usage spikes in ways you might not expect. Here’s where it typically increases:
- Heating: Keeping one room warm all day
- Lighting: Desk lamps, overheads, and ambient lighting for video calls
- Devices: Laptops, monitors, printers, routers—often running longer than you think
- Kitchen appliances: Kettle, toaster, microwave during breaks
- Standby power: Chargers, speakers, and screens left plugged in but idle
Even small inefficiencies—like leaving a heater on during lunch or forgetting to turn off a desk lamp—can add up. That’s where energy saving tech UK comes in.
✅ Smart Gadgets That Actually Help (Without Compromising Comfort)
Let’s explore the most effective smart home office gadgets, focusing on energy savings, comfort, and ease of use.
🔌 Smart Plug with Scheduling & Monitoring
Best for: Automating device use and cutting standby power
Smart plugs are one of the most versatile smart gadgets for working from home. They let you control appliances remotely and track energy use in real time. Perfect for plug-in heaters, lamps, or chargers that don’t need to run all day.
📦 TP-Link Tapo P110 Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring
- Real-time usage tracking
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Compact and renter-friendly
Use it to schedule your heater to switch off during lunch or power down your monitor after hours—no more wasted watts. It’s a top pick for anyone serious about reducing energy bills at home.
💡 Smart LED Desk Lamp
Best for: Comfortable lighting with reduced energy use
Smart LED lamps offer dimming, scheduling, and auto shut-off—ideal for long workdays. They’re easier on your eyes and your electricity bill.
📦 LED Desk Lamp – Eye Protection, Touch Control, Auto Shut-Off
- Dimmable with colour modes
- Timer and ambient sensor
- Designed for comfort and efficiency
Set it to fade out when your workday ends, or adjust brightness to match the time of day. A great example of comfort-focused smart devices that also save energy.
🌡️ Smart Radiator Valve
Best for: Heating just your workspace, not the whole house
Smart radiator valves let you heat a single room on a schedule—ideal if you’re working in a home office or bedroom. They’re especially useful in larger homes or shared spaces.
📦 App-Controlled Smart Radiator Thermostat – Voice & Schedule Control
- Weekly scheduling
- Voice and app control
- Great for zone heating
No more overheating the whole house just to stay warm at your desk. This is one of the most effective smart home office gadgets for winter comfort.
🧠 Smart Power Strip
Best for: Managing multiple devices at once
If your desk setup includes a monitor, laptop, printer, and router, a smart power strip lets you control them together or individually. You can schedule shutdowns, monitor usage, and avoid phantom load.
📦 Tapo P304M Smart Plug Power Strip – Energy Monitoring
- Multiple outlets with individual control
- Surge protection
- Energy monitoring for grouped devices
It’s a tidy, efficient way to shut down your whole setup with one tap—or automate it entirely. A must-have for anyone using multiple devices while working remotely.
💤 Smart Curtain Opener
Best for: Passive insulation and light control
Curtains help trap warmth in winter and block heat in summer. A smart curtain opener automates this based on time or sunlight, improving comfort and reducing heating/cooling needs.
📦 Smart Automatic Curtain Opener – App & Voice Controlled
- No tools required—perfect for renters
- App and voice control
- Helps regulate room temperature naturally
Set it to open with the sunrise and close before dusk to maximise natural warmth and light. It’s a subtle but powerful way to improve comfort while saving energy.
🧩 Match the Gadget to Your Working Style
Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick guide to help you choose based on your setup and habits:
| Working Style | Common Energy Drains | Best Smart Gadget |
|---|---|---|
| Desk-based, 9–5 | Heater, monitor, lamp | Smart plug, smart LED lamp |
| Laptop nomad (kitchen, sofa, etc.) | Charging devices, lighting | Smart power strip, smart curtain opener |
| Video call heavy | Overhead lighting, background heating | Smart radiator valve, smart LED lamp |
| Forgetful or distracted | Devices left on, lights overnight | Smart plug with scheduling, power strip |
| Renter or shared space | Limited control over heating | Smart plug, curtain opener, LED lamp |
This helps you match smart gadgets for working from home to your actual lifestyle—making your choices more effective and personal.
🛠️ Tips for Choosing the Right Gadget
- ✅ Look for CE/UKCA certification for safety and compliance
- ✅ Confirm UK compatibility (voltage, plug type, smart platform)
- ✅ Prioritise features you’ll actually use (e.g. scheduling, app control)
- ✅ Choose plug-and-play options if you’re renting or want quick wins
- ✅ Avoid overcomplicated setups—simplicity saves more in the long run
Whether you’re buying your first smart plug or upgrading your lighting, these tips help you choose energy saving tech UK that works for your home.
🧠 Already Using Smart Tech? Let’s Take It Further…
If you’re exploring smart gadgets for working from home, don’t stop here. 🛑💡 Dive deeper with How to Spot Fake Smart Gadgets That Promise Energy Savings (But Waste Your Money) a must-read if you want to avoid clever marketing traps. Then explore Do Smart Gadgets Really Save You Money? What Works — and What’s Just Hype to see which devices actually deliver results in real UK homes. 🧪📉 Smart choices start with smart research.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Smarter Living Starts with Smarter Tools
Smart gadgets aren’t about cutting corners—they’re about cutting waste. When chosen wisely and used intentionally, they help you:
- Reduce standby power
- Automate heating and lighting
- Build better habits
- Stay comfortable while spending less
Start with one or two tools that fit your routine. A smart plug or LED lamp can make a noticeable difference with minimal effort. Then layer in comfort-focused upgrades like radiator valves or curtain openers.
The goal isn’t just to reduce energy bills at home—it’s to create a smarter, more responsive space that supports your workday and your wellbeing.
Explore more energy-efficient devices and budget-friendly upgrades in our Everyday Tech Savings Hub UK from smart gadgets to larger home tech that cuts costs without compromise.