Focusing on energy efficiency is one of the best ways to cut costs around the house. It also shows your support for the environment. Since today’s households use 37 percent more energy than they did in 1980, the need for energy efficiency is more important than ever.
Thankfully, we have a whole host of technological tools and practices that can make energy efficiency around the house easier. Here are a few ways that you can increase energy efficiency around the house with technology.
1. Program Your House
“Technology will be your best friend when it comes to reducing energy bills and shrinking the impact of your rental property on the environment,” says an article from Green Residential, experts in property management in Houston, TX. “Start with a programmable thermostat. You can save three percent on your heating bill for every degree Fahrenheit you lower the thermostat level…Lighting can also be programmed.”
Programmable technology is easily accessible and much more affordable than it once was. These tools are amazing, and they can even learn your preferences so that your lights and thermostat aren’t left on when you’re not using them.
“The best aspect of these programmable tech tools is that you can usually control them from a smartphone or other mobile device,” Green Residential continues. “That way, [you] can control the energy consumption from anywhere.”
2. Use Smart Outlets and Power Adapters
This tech invention isn’t particularly exciting, but it’s very useful and will save energy in the home.
“Did you know that when you leave your iPhone plugged in overnight, it charges in just a few hours but continues to use energy? How many times have you left your home and wondered whether you accidentally left a light or curling iron on? Smart outlets, while not particularly exciting, allow you to switch power on and off from afar and better understand which of your plugged-in devices are the biggest energy hogs,” explains Emily Long of Homes.com. “Some even behave like smart thermostats by learning your habits and recommending ways to reduce waste.”
Power adaptors act similarly by reducing waste and charging your devices more efficiently. That way, you don’t have to worry about unplugging your devices just to save electricity.
3. Smart Window Glass
Window treatments are a timeless way to save a little money on electricity. If you can block the sun from coming in, your air conditioner won’t work as hard to keep your house cool.
A modern, more effective version of window treatments for preserving your indoor temperatures is electrochromatic smart glass. This is a technology that changes colors according to an electric current controlled by a smartphone app.
“The variable tint applied to the glass controls the light and heat that passes through, allowing you to substantially save on air conditioning costs while keeping the glass transparent, and minimizing glare,” says Rob Nightingale of MakeUseOf.com. “View, the company behind some of this technology claims, ‘savings on lighting, electricity, heating, ventilation and air conditioning can amount to 23% at peak times.’”
This technology is a pricey replacement for glass, but if the environment is your top concern, it’s a worthwhile investment. If not, just wait a few years, and the price will likely decrease.
4. Smart Appliances
Smart technology is integrating into a variety of our everyday tools, including our household appliances.
“Did you ever think that your washing machine would have an Internet connection? Well, with the coming wave of SMART home appliances, that’s exactly what you’re going to be seeing,” says Matty Byloos of Homes.com. “Soon, all of your major appliances will have Wi-Fi connectivity included.”
The Wi-Fi connection will make it so that your washing machine runs at optimal time for electricity. Your refrigerator will also be able to keep track of the food you have.
Along with the interconnection, most appliances on the market receive an Energy Star certification from the U.S. Department of Energy. They’re designed to work within the bounds of low-energy efficiency. You can save substantially by switching to these intelligent appliances.
Energy efficiency is a popular fad that’s not going away anytime soon. Today’s technology revolves around reducing the use of electricity so that you can save money and protect the environment. Take advantage of these tools to improve your home and the world around you.
