Smart home technology has become increasingly popular in recent years. In 2020, the number of smart homes in the U.S. and Europe reached over 102 million. The U.S. is seeing the fastest growth in the smart home market, and it should come as no surprise, considering the benefits.
Aside from all of the convenience, smart home technology can actually make your home more sustainable. If you’re trying to live a greener life, it might be time to recycle your old appliances and make some smart upgrades.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some notable sustainability features in smart home technology, and how you can start making changes in your house.
Top Sustainable Smart Home Features
The more automation your home has, the easier it is to reduce your overall energy consumption. Not only will smart devices improve efficiency, but they can set you on a path toward personal energy independence.
Some of the most popular smart home technologies in homes today include:
- Smart thermostats;
- Power strips;
- Lighting systems;
- Solar panels;
- Water conservation systems;
- Appliances.
All of these tech products can benefit your home in different ways while reducing your overall energy consumption. For example, a smart thermostat won’t excessively heat or cool your house. A smart power strip will send electricity exactly where it’s needed. Solar panels will make your home less dependent on electricity from the grid.
Because smart home technology is becoming so popular, you’ll have your pick of features to choose from depending on the product you’re researching. For example, some smart refrigerators will allow you to see what’s inside without opening the door. Smart thermostats can be controlled from your phone so you know you’re never wasting energy when you’re not at home.
How to Add More Smart Technology to Your Home
The average cost of turning a traditional house into a smart home is about $15,000. But, that includes a complete overhaul of almost every area of the home, including smart garden devices. If you don’t have the funds for a complete smart home renovation, it’s okay to start small. Replacing your appliances is one of the easiest and most effective changes you can make. Or, choose one bigger project to invest in, like switching the lighting system in your home and installing LED lights. In an average 3-bedroom home, that could cost about $1,000.
If you do want to completely renovate your home into something more sustainable, consider taking out a home equity loan. If you have bad credit and are worried you won’t qualify for a loan, try to pay off existing debt and reduce your credit card balances before applying. If taking out a loan feels overwhelming, consider the fact that smart home technology can end up saving you a lot of money over time. It’s an investment, but you’ll start to see lower utility costs almost immediately.
As this type of technology continues to become more advanced, it will also become more popular. Not only can upgrading your home make your life easier, but it will give your house more overall value, Plus, you can take comfort in knowing you’re doing something good for the planet (and saving some money in the process). Even if you can only make one change in your home, make sure to be “smart” about your selection.
