Are you doing all that you can to reduce your carbon footprint? Each of us has a responsibility to protect the things about this earth that make it so special to inhabit. Luckily, new technology exists to help us as we try to do this. And the great thing about most of this technology is that, while it is helping to save the earth, it can also save us money. And as an added bonus, most of this technology was designed to make life more convenient for us! But when it comes to eco-friendly solutions, here are seven ways that smart home technology can make your home greener.
Energy Monitor/Smart Thermostat
A lot of energy is wasted every day, simply because we let our houses burn up energy when we are not even at home. A lot of energy is wasted by heating, cooling, or leaving lights on in an empty house. An energy monitor will tell you how much unnecessary energy you are using on a regular basis and can help you to cut back. There are also smart thermostats available now that can adjust your house’s temperature automatically, based on your previous preferences.
Home Automation App
If you are prone to leaving your utilities running when you leave the house, you might want to look into downloading an app for your phone that will allow you to control your home technologies remotely. These can be great for security purposes as well, as you can lock your door or set your alarm from anywhere.
Solar Power
Renewable energy allows us to save energy while also generating it. Solar power is one affordable source of renewable energy that is available for most houses. It is relatively simple to install, and it does not take long before you are saving money as well as power. Wind power is another good option.
Motion Detectors
Motion sensors are one of the easier green solutions to get for your home. All you have to do is replace your light switched with the sensors and your lights will turn on and off automatically, meaning that you will never again forget to switch off a light.
Energy Star
The Environmental Protection Agency has an approved list of Energy Star products, each of which is an energy efficient option for the things that you need in your home. Products on the list include kitchen appliances, washers, dryers, and even televisions.
Smart Power Strip
Vampire energy is a phrase that is used to describe the amount of energy that is wasted when an appliance is plugged in, but is not in use and is therefore doing nothing but “sucking” energy. Smart power strips now exist to stop this problem. They will detect when an energy vampire is plugged in, and switch off the power. Once again, this will save you money and energy.
Smart Fridge
Ever heard of a refrigerator that connects to the internet? If your answer is no, that is probably because it doesn’t technically exist yet. But slated to be released sometime in the next year, there is now a fridge on which you can record your shopping list and view it from anywhere using your phone. This saves paper from writing down grocery lists the old-fashioned way, as well as gas from unnecessary trips to the store. OK, so maybe this last technology is just more “fun” than “green!”
This article was written by Rick Delgado, who is a passionate freelance writer in the tech and eco-friendly space.
Image via Patrick McNally