Setting up energy-saving routines in Google Home Assistant can help reduce your electricity usage and make your home more efficient.

By automating tasks like adjusting lights, thermostats, and appliances, you can lower energy consumption effortlessly.

Here’s how to create these routines step by step.

Step 1: Open the Google Home App

1. Download and launch the Google Home app on your smartphone.
2. Ensure all your smart devices (lights, thermostats, plugs, etc.) are linked to Google Home.

Step 2: Access Routines

1. Tap the Routines icon or go to Settings > Routines in the Google Home app.
2. Select + New Routine or edit an existing one like “Leaving Home” or “Good Night.”

Also Read: How to set a custom wake-up routine in Google Home Assistant

Step 3: Create an Energy-Saving Routine

1. Set a Trigger

• Tap + Add Starter and choose how the routine begins:
  • Time-Based Trigger: Schedule actions (e.g., turn off lights at 10 PM).
  • Voice Command: Use a phrase like “Hey Google, save energy.”
  • Device Activity: Trigger actions when a specific device (e.g., motion sensor) detects activity.

2. Add Energy-Saving Actions

• Tap + Add Action and choose tasks that reduce energy consumption:
  • Turn Off Lights: “Turn off all lights in the house.”
  • Adjust Thermostat: “Set thermostat to 18 degrees.”
  • Power Down Appliances: Use smart plugs to turn off devices like TVs or chargers.
  • Close Smart Blinds: Reduce heat loss by closing blinds at night.

3. Select Devices

• Under Adjust Home Devices, pick the lights, thermostats, or smart plugs you want to include in the routine.

Step 4: Save and Test the Routine

1. Save the routine by tapping Save.
2. Trigger it manually or wait for the scheduled time to test if the actions work as expected.

Example Routines

Leaving Home Routine

• Trigger: “Hey Google, I’m leaving.”
• Actions:
  • Turn off all lights.
  • Set thermostat to eco mode.
  • Power off non-essential devices using smart plugs.

Also Read: Can Google Home Assistant turn on lights at sunset

Good Night Routine

• Trigger: “Hey Google, good night.”
• Actions:
  • Dim or turn off lights.
  • Lower thermostat temperature.
  • Turn off entertainment systems.

Quick FAQs

1. Do I Need Smart Devices for Energy-Saving Routines?

Yes, smart lights, plugs, and thermostats are required to automate energy-saving actions.

2. Can Routines Adjust Thermostat Settings?

Yes, you can set your smart thermostat to eco mode or lower the temperature through a routine.

3. Will This Work If I’m Not at Home?

Yes, you can activate routines remotely through the Google Home app.

4. Can I Turn Off Multiple Devices at Once?

Yes, routines can control multiple devices, such as lights, plugs, and thermostats, simultaneously.

5. How Do I Monitor Energy Usage?

Some smart devices, like plugs and thermostats, provide energy usage data in their respective apps.

Also Read: How to automate coffee brewing with Google Home Assistant

Conclusion

Setting up energy-saving routines in Google Home Assistant is an easy way to reduce electricity usage and manage your smart devices efficiently. By customising actions and schedules, you can create routines that align with your lifestyle while helping the environment and saving on utility bills.