The Best Energy-Saving Tech at IFA 2022

BERLIN—Sustainability is the hottest buzzword of Europe’s premier technology trade show.

At IFA this year, the halls of the sprawling Berlin Messegelände exhibition grounds are bursting with tech to help you monitor your use of energy and conserve power. 

During press briefings leading up to the trade show, which opened to the general public on Friday, vendors said energy efficiency is the most important factor for buyers looking to replace big-ticket home appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. Companies like Bosch, LG, Miele, and Samsung are ready to meet that demand with ultra-efficient models that promise to lower your monthly utility bills. 

Many IFA vendors highlighted their efforts around sustainability. Miele executives, for instance, said the company has been using green electricity at all of its locations worldwide since 2021 to become 100% carbon neutral(Opens in a new window). Miele intends to convert its entire global commercial vehicle fleet to electric and is already using the new, zero-emission Opel Vivaro-e Hydrogen(Opens in a new window). 

Panasonic CEO Masahiro Shinada said the company aims to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 300 million tons (about 1% of the current global total(Opens in a new window)) by 2050. Panasonic also debuted a new, more sustainable booth design, which it said cuts down on CO2 emissions by 70% compared with those from IFA 2019, the last time this show took place in person. 

Meanwhile, Samsung executives shared a goal to become the world’s most energy-efficient brand. By 2023, 100% of all Samsung appliances will support the SmartThings platform and thus be able to deliver artificial intelligence-powered energy savings. 

If you’re inspired to make your smart home more eco-friendly (or you just want to cut back on your power bills), read on for the best energy-saving technologies we saw at IFA this year:

Samsung SmartThings AI Energy Mode

(Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)

With energy prices on the rise, Samsung’s SmartThings platform leverages AI to help you cut down on your power use and save money. It’s one example of the company’s efforts to combat climate change. 

“The more technology we add [to our homes], the more energy we use, and that’s not sustainable,” Samsung UK home appliances marketing director Tanya Weller said onstage at IFA. “We are determined to change things.” 

With SmartThings, you can monitor and control the energy usage of your Samsung appliances from your phone. If your bill is too high, simply enable AI Energy Mode, which can reduce energy use through small changes, like slightly raising your refrigerator temperature or washing your clothes with cooler water. 

(Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)

After enabling AI Energy Mode, you can set a monthly target (maximum savings, net-zero home, or custom). Then, every morning, the AI will check whether you’re on track to meet your goal. If necessary, it will set your devices to run on Energy Saving mode for 24 hours. 

Samsung says this feature can reduce the energy consumption of its refrigerators and washing machines by 30% and 70%, respectively. 

“Ultimately we want to help people run a net zero home,” Weller said. 

Miele App Consumption Dashboard

(Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)

Miele announced a new app-based Consumption Dashboard that can help owners of its dishwashers and washing machines monitor their energy and water use. The Consumption Dashboard will also offer tips on how to use these products more efficiently. 

Miele plans to launch this feature by the end of 2022. It will initially work with the company’s dishwashers, but Miele will expand support to include its washing machines and other products next year. 

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Meanwhile, Miele’s new K 4000 generation freestanding refrigeration products feature insulation panels with silica that promise to ensure an A energy efficiency rating for “many years,” according to the company(Opens in a new window). These models also feature a new system called PerfectFresh Active, which keeps fruits and vegetables at near-freezing temperatures as well as sprays them with a fine mist, like at the grocery store. The company says this should keep produce “crunchy fresh for up to five times longer,” helping to reduce food waste. 

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro

(Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)

Planning a family camping trip, but concerned about natural disaster-related power outages? Or maybe you’re prepping for the end of days? You might be interested in the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro.

This $3,999 solar-powered generator comes with four 200W solar panels that promise to fully charge it in a little less than two hours, even if it’s cloudy; that’s three times faster than its non-Pro counterpart. The generator supports up to eight devices at a time, including phones, tablets, and laptop, as well as larger home devices like TVs, CPAP machines, and refrigerators. Best of all, it produces just 46dB of sound. And for added peace of mind, it supports wall charging so you can juice it up when the sun isn’t shining. The Solar Generator 1000 Pro is available for pre-order now(Opens in a new window) and should ship in late September. 

Bosch Radiator Thermostat II 

Bosch Radiator Thermostat II
(Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)

Bosch announced a new lineup of smart heating products, including a redesigned radiator thermostat. The Radiator Thermostat II supports app and voice control, plus it lets you create a heating schedule, so you can save money by warming the house only as necessary. Citing research from the Fraunhofer Institute, Bosch says that smart heating devices can reduce energy consumption by as much as 36%. 

Bosch Room Thermostat II and companion app
(Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)

The Radiator Thermostat II is also compatible with a new Room Thermostat II, which you can pull off the wall as necessary to use as a freestanding unit anywhere in the house. The company is also launching a 230V version of the Room Thermostat II that works with wired, underfloor heating systems. Unfortunately, these new devices aren’t available in the US. 

Panasonic Aquarea

(Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)

During Panasonic’s press conference, executives highlighted the company’s longstanding Aquarea(Opens in a new window) air-to-water heat pumps as a sustainable, energy-saving option for European homes. Available in Europe since 2010, these heat pumps use energy from the ambient air outside to warm your home, and even work when outdoor temperatures are extremely cold. Panasonic says this low-energy system offers savings up to $1,099 a year compared with conventional electric heating setups. The Aquarea Smart Cloud service enables remote monitoring and control, so you can keep an eye on your energy consumption and turn the system on or off from your phone. 

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