When we think of the cities of the future, we usually imagine something out of Blade Runner, a place where lights flash and buildings tower above drones and robots. Ribbons of hovering vehicles hang in the air, not a tree in sight anywhere. “Green” and “digital” don’t usually go hand-in-hand.
Nothing could be further from the truth. By all predictions, smart devices—products designed to adjust to behavior and conditions—will allow homeowners to be even greener than ever. Smart home devices have the power to save energy and water, monitoring consumption and creating energy-efficient settings.
It’s like having your mom remind you to turn off the lights—if your mom sent notifications to your phone. Here’s how it all works.
Install a Smart Thermostat for Automatic Heating and Cooling Savings
The Department of Energy has long touted programmable thermostats as a powerful energy saving measure in homes. Setting the thermostat back while you work or sleep could potentially save households up to 15 percent on their heating bills.
The big problem?
Studies show most people don’t know how to use them.
Enter smart thermostats.
These WiFi-enabled devices “learn” daily habits and preferences over time, allowing them to automatically adjust temperatures to the most efficient settings. Using one can reduce energy bills by at least 10%, according to industry white papers, making this one must-have buy for your smarter, greener home.
Automate Sprinkler Settings to Account for the Weather
Does your sprinkler system know when it’s raining?
If it’s smart, it will! WiFi-connected smart sprinkler controllers input data from local weather reports creating the most efficient watering schedule possible. Others even design custom watering programming based on the plants you have in your yard, your climate and your soil type for a highly precise, less wasteful plan.
Considering that lawn irrigation accounts for 30 to 50% of a home’s water use, this is one device that really holds water.
Add a Smart Leak Sensor to Your Faucets
Leaks can cause all kinds of havoc, encouraging mold growth, attracting insects and ruining your walls and flooring. And they’re terrible for your home’s water footprint, as well.
According to the EPA, household leaks waste enough water per year to fill over one and a half million Olympic swimming pools. Smart leak sensors sit near faucets and other water sources to alert you in case of drips or pooling water.
If the device detects a leak or a flood, you get an instant alert on your smartphone. That way, you can save water without climbing under your sink. And you’ll know the instant any flooding happens.
Win-win!
Program Your Lighting to Know When Someone’s in the Room
Be honest: How many times have you accidentally left the lights on at home?
Nothing could be simpler than flipping that switch, but it’s so hard to remember sometimes! That’s why the newest smart lighting controls allow you to program settings, automatically turning off when you leave for the day.
Many also feature occupancy sensors to tell when you’ve left the room. And you can manage the whole thing from your phone or smart home hub. Hey, every little bit counts!
Replace Your Windows with Smart Glass for Cutting Edge Comfort
How cool would it be to have windows that automatically drew the shades? That’s the theory behind smart glass, the newest thing to hit window sales floors.
Smart glass uses multiple data points, such as the temperature, lighting and room occupancy, to adjust shading settings in various rooms throughout your home.
That means you can take advantage of natural light and solar heat—without getting too uncomfortable in the process. And of course, with an app on your phone, you can program your own custom settings to make sure you get the exact right amount of sun.
Now there’s a future you can get excited about!