Exploring Smart Home Technology: How to Make Your Home More Sustainable

Technology has entered our homes a long time ago. We are so used to it that it happens that we overlook it. But, it is there. It belongs. We are reliant on it. Today we are slowly but safely ushering in the era of smart homes. More and more homes will wear this title. We have smartphones, smart watches, and smart cars, and soon smart homes will be all around us. In some places they already are. We used to see this tech only in Hollywood Sci-Fi movies, but today it is becoming more and more present.

Have you given any thought to smart home technology? Maybe we shouldn’t rush things. Our current houses serve a purpose as they are. But, it is not wise to allow time to overrun our current homes. It will happen either way. Today, we have companies building modern houses from bottom to top. Times have changed, and they keep on changing. All future houses are built with sustainability in mind. You could think about it for your current one. If you have a similar idea as we do, that’s fine. But, if you’re not sure what to do, and how to do it, you need to read this article.

In the few paragraphs below we are going to talk about how to make your home more sustainable. If you plan on building one, you don’t even need to think about it. All you need to do is to hire a modern company such as www.siphouse.co.uk and they’ll do it for you, as they build homes for everyone’s taste and pocket, and all of it by the latest and modern standards. But, if you want to make changes to your current home, and you’re unsure how to do it, please, continue reading.

Solar Panels

Source: forbes.com

This could be the first step. You can always add solar panels to your home. We all know that solar energy stands above all else. It is cleaner, cheaper, and of course more sustainable than everything else we have on the table. What makes solar energy so special? Well, solar panels do not create the greenhouse effect. So, you’ll be helping all of those climate activists such as Greta Thunberg. With solar panels, you’ll be giving yourself and your home more independence. We won’t even mention the amount of savings you’ll be making. But, the biggest reward is not the money saved, it’s the environment preserved. So, your first step towards a sustainable home should be installing solar panels.

Integrating Solar Panels into a Smart Home System

Solar panels, such as the ones you’ll find at  the Blue Raven Solar, once a niche product for the environmentally conscious, have now become a mainstream solution for sustainable living. But when combined with the latest smart home technology, they represent a revolution in energy management and efficiency.

At the heart of this synergy is the ability of smart technology to monitor and optimize solar energy production and consumption. Imagine a system that not only harnesses the sun’s power but also intelligently distributes it throughout your home. For instance, during peak sunlight hours, your smart home system could divert excess energy to power-intensive tasks, such as heating water or charging electric vehicles. Conversely, during periods of low sunlight, the system could reduce energy consumption by dimming lights or adjusting the thermostat.

Furthermore, integrating solar panels into smart home platforms offers the potential to automate energy management entirely. Such systems can adjust heating, cooling, and lighting based on real-time solar energy availability. The result? Significant energy efficiency, cost savings, and a giant leap towards sustainability.

Windows

Source: neufenster.com

That’s right. Having a sustainable home is not too complicated. In fact, it’s rather a simple process. You just need to have ideas. If your windows are subpar, you’ll be losing a lot of energy. That’s a fact. You need to reinstall your windows if this is the case. New technologies are doing wonders in this department. Double glazing? Yes sir! You also have different unique coatings, and frames made out of non-conductive materials. With high-end quality materials and professional builders, you can do wonders with your windows. So, if you desire to make the next step in creating your home in a sustainable suit and you already own solar panels, give a thought of replacing the windows.

Low VOC Paints

Source: sheldonandsons.com

A home can be sustainable even through interior changes. So, when you begin redecorating your home from within you should start thinking of low-VOC paints. They come in all shapes, quantities, and colors. You can make the desirable choice with ease. Do you know what volatile organic compounds are? We are talking about chemicals that can be found in a variety of products and damage both ourselves and our surroundings. You don’t think about yourself or nature if you use high-VOC colors. So, to make a difference you need to stick to low-VOC paints.

LED Lights

Source: spy.com

It is as easy as it gets. You’re not even aware of all the ways that you can make your home sustainable. One of the easiest ways, and you can do it today if you like, is by using LED light bulbs. Just count the number of bulbs you have in the house. It is not less than ten. Now imagine replacing them all with LED lights. Savings will be immense. You’ll have more and better light. You’ll help your environment. When you compare regular light bulbs and LED ones, the latter offers 90% more efficiency. That’s a staggering number. As we said, it is a change you can make today. Right away. Don’t even give it a second thought. A drastic change that can take effect right away. Just do it!

Water Filters

Source: thespruce.com

Water means life. It also means sustainability. If you want to think both about yourself and your environment you’ll want to install water filters. But, not just any kind. You’ll want those that detect and remove microplastics. One of the best places where you’ll want this filter is behind your washing machine. The water this machine uses needs to be filtered. If you set one there you’ll ensure that your house is not sending microplastics back to nature. Also, you want to have filters on your tap water. Think about nature, but don’t forget yourself. You must drink clear, filtered water.

Insulation

Source: northyorks.gov.uk

You can always upgrade your insulation. It is beneficial from many directions. If you’re looking for a quick way to improve your home’s sustainable insulation is the best, and it might be the easiest way to do it. The main benefit is not towards nature, but it is towards you. When you insulate floors, walls, and windows you prevent heat from leaving your home that easily. You will not only feel warmer all year long, but you’ll also save on your heating bill. Sustainability comes in many suits and this is only one of them.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

Yes, changing your entire home appliances department might be an expensive idea. But, you don’t have to do it all at once. But, as soon as you need a replacement you need to think about sustainability. Traditional appliances are no longer the best option. You need to think and buy outside of the box. Trust us, this is an investment worth making. In the long run, you’ll be saving money too, not only nature.