A sustainable home is one that offers eco-friendly features and building materials. Homeowners can build a sustainable home, but they also can upgrade and change their own home to be more sustainable and greener.
A sustainable home can offer increased energy efficiency and include eco-friendly features, too. Here are five ways homeowners can use technology to create a more sustainable home:
- Install a smart home hub
- Choose a smart thermostat
- Install smart LED bulbs
- Use smart power strips and plugs
- Install a touch-free faucet
Create a Smart Home with a Central Hub
A smart home is one that connects all devices and appliances to either a central smart hub in the home or to a homeowner’s mobile device via apps. A smart home hub could be a simple solution that helps homeowners transform their house into a smart home.
These hubs are offered by different tech brands (like Google) and include a virtual assistant, which allows connected appliances/devices to be controlled by the user’s voice. Homeowners can elicit commands to the assistant to control their home. Prices for hubs vary, but homeowners can find older models at affordable prices online.
Choose a Smart Thermostat
When heating and cooling the home uses up the majority of the home’s monthly energy, taking control of the HVAC is a must. Homeowners can install a smart thermostat that allows them to set the temperature of their heat or air conditioner using an app on their phone.
Nudging down the temperature a few degrees can help lower costs and limit energy drains. In addition, when homeowners are not at home, they might adjust the temperature to make it slightly warmer (in summer) or cooler (in the winter).
Smart thermostats also could be eligible for rebates to help homeowners save more money on the purchase.
Install Smart LED Light Bulbs
LED light bulbs emit less heat and last longer than other light bulb options. LED is the most energy-efficient choice, and these bulbs also are offered in a ‘smart’ upgrade. Smart LED bulbs can be controlled from a phone or device. These bulbs might include a hub that allows them to connect to an app. Using a mobile device, homeowners can take control over the light in their home. PCMag offers a list of recommendations of the best smart LED bulbs on the market.
Use Smart Power Strips and Plugs
Smart power strips and plugs are a crucial component of a smart home. These smart devices can connect to central smart hubs like a Google Nest to allow devices and appliances to be controlled by voice. In addition, smart strips and plugs also could connect to an app that lets homeowners take control of the energy use in the home.
Homeowners who use a central smart home hub should make sure that the plugs and power strips they choose are compatible with their device.
Install a Touch-Free Faucet
Touch-free faucets turn on when they detect motion and turn off when the motion stops. This can help minimize water waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, leaving the water running when brushing teeth will lead to eight gallons of water going down the drain every day. Now multiply that by four people in a family!
Individuals who forget to turn off the faucet while brushing are wasting water and money. Touch-free faucets remove this issue by turning off the tap automatically.
How Tech Could Be Wasting Money
While technology can help homeowners save money, it can drain energy, too. While using a power-saving option on a computer uses less energy, turning off the computer could be the best option. Give the computer a break and shut it down.
In addition, some homeowners leave their phones or other devices plugged into the charger. Unplug devices once they are fully charged.
Homeowners also might break up with the habit of charging their phone overnight. According to Case-Mate, plugging the phone in all night every night could negatively impact the battery over time.
Homeowners also can ‘look for lights’ to find other gadgets that are draining energy. For example, a computer screen might be left on; when the screen is ‘asleep,’ a small light might remain illuminated indicating that it’s still using some energy.
To find other hidden energy drains, homeowners can conduct a home energy audit using HomeSelfe. Download the HomeSelfe app to find ways to save money and take steps to create a more energy-efficient home. HomeSelfe also can help homeowners find applicable rebates in their area.
