The smart and sustainable home is the future of homes, both for utility companies and consumers. Utilizing smart grid technology, smart meters, sensors that send out data, automation systems, motion detectors and more modern home designs are able to capture energy consumption and save money on their utilities. These appliances have revolutionized how homeowners design their homes, and the industry is catering to every need by offering an ever-expanding range of smart home technologies. Smart meters, for example, have simplified the entire process of reading and billing household utility bills. Smart meters can be integrated into any home design and are actually a building material used to determine the amount of electricity consumed by the house.
Another smart home accessory that makes life easier for both individuals and businesses is automation technology. Today’s advanced electronics, gadgets and appliances enable people to do many tasks simply by turning on a switch. These devices, which are often referred to as “smart” or “smart gadgets”, enable certain functions such as temperature control, lighting and water features to work when the family isn’t home and can often be controlled remotely. In fact, automation is one of the leading home technologies trends today, and many experts believe it will become one of the most important trends in years to come.
By creating smart, sustainable and low-water designs for residences, people can enjoy the advantages of air conditioning while conserving energy. These developments have resulted in homes that are more comfortable and more attractive while reducing energy consumption. One way that smart and sustainable home design reduces water consumption is through high-efficiency windows, with double-glazed windows saving a lot of water and making houses more comfortable. Energy efficient windows can also reduce heat loss from windows, resulting in fewer costly coolers and air conditioning costs. Other smart home technologies help homeowners reduce greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. Several studies have shown that homes with smart tech interior designs are more livable and healthy spaces than traditional homes.
Another smart and sustainable technology option is passive solar heating. This provides both passive and active heat for homes, depending on the season. For example, during the winter months, this type of heating system employs blowers to circulate the warmed water, which then circulates throughout the home. The system is designed to be both environmentally friendly and cost effective. It is also very easy to add additional passive solar heating systems to current ones, making them even more effective.
On the other hand, smart and sustainable solutions also help homeowners lower their electricity bills. Through active and passive techniques, it is possible to reduce the amount of electricity used. This can make homes even more environmentally friendly and less expensive. Additionally, some types of passive home solutions reduce the need for conventional power plants by creating and storing energy in renewable sources such as geothermal, wind, tide and sun power.
Another type of smart tech solution improves air quality and energy efficiency. Smart technology can reduce or eliminate the amount of time a house is closed up during the daylight hours, thus ensuring adequate ventilation and waste removal. With the same end results, fewer carbon emissions are created through natural processes such as combustion, as well as fewer pesticides and harmful chemicals are used. Additionally, passive solar technologies make use of natural ventilation, significantly improving the indoor air quality of a home.
Finally, smart and sustainable home technology often allows for passive methods of gardening. These allow for the reuse of food, with ingredients such as fruits and vegetables being used over again. Some home solutions include hydroponic gardening, where plants are grown directly in water. Others utilize aquaponics, where fish are placed within the water. Any solution that increases the efficiency at which nature recycles allows for a smart and sustainable home that works to its fullest.
While there is no silver bullet when it comes to implementing smart and sustainable technology, smart home technology does support one key element in improving the environment. Technology implementation involves many different things from materials used to building design to the maintenance of the system itself. However, by making use of sustainable and smart technology, a homeowner can help to reduce their ecological impact while improving their home’s performance. With this in mind, a smart and sustainable technology implementation can create an environment that works toward better overall wellbeing.
