Concern for environmental issues has grown significantly over the last several years. According to Gallup,1 52% of Americans surveyed believed the quality of the environment is becoming worse, compared to 43% reported in 2019. With this in mind, the trend of smart homes is climbing along with a new notion of living in an “eco-era.” According to Digitized House,2 nearly three-fourths of buyers in the United States have a smart device in their home.
As more people become concerned about the environment and their individual impact on global warming and climate change, eco-friendly products and offerings have surged in popularity.
Enter: Green smart homes.
Green smart homes feature smart technology that helps limit energy expenditure and cut down on the use of fossil fuels. Not only does green technology for homes allow for more convenience for the user, but it also promotes eco-consciousness.
If you’re planning to purchase a new home or do home renovations, look into smart home options for added convenience in your everyday life and positive environmental impacts like reducing your carbon footprint, minimizing energy use and water conservation.
Table Of Contents:
What Is A Smart Home?
A smart home is a residence with green-focused technologies and home systems that help to secure and run the home while staying eco-conscious. Smart home systems can be conveniently controlled by a smartphone or central control panel in your home. Millennials are especially on board with the trend. According to Coldwell Banker,3 47% of millennials use smart home products in the United States.
Smart technology systems can replace electronic systems in your home like HVAC, water heating and irrigation systems. Even just a couple of additions will not only make your home greener, but help you save both money and energy in your home. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency4 reports that smart thermostat users saved 10% – 30% on their monthly energy bill.
Get your free credit report and score.
Create a Rocket Account to see where your credit stands.Create A Rocket Account
How To Make Your Home Smart
Due to its growing popularity, green home technology is becoming widely available in the market to help you manage your home in an eco-friendly manner. Examine the existing systems you have in your home to see which ones you can upgrade to transform your abode into an energy-smart home.
1. Try An Alternative Energy Source
Using renewable sources of energy in your home versus traditional gas is a convenient way to save on energy bills while minimizing your carbon footprint.
- Install solar panels on the roof of your home to generate energy for your home.
- Add ground source geothermal heat pumps, which act as an alternative energy source as the pump takes in naturally concentrated heat from the earth to help keep your home warm and heat water.
- Purchase a small wind turbine to generate electricity. These can either be installed directly onto your home or as a freestanding pole on your property.
Average cost of solar panels: $12,000
Additional home value: 4.1%5
2. Use LED Light Bulbs
Along with your other smart technology, you can change out your light bulbs with smart LED light bulbs. Smart LED lights use less energy while allowing you to control both outdoor and indoor lighting remotely through a central control panel in your home or through a smartphone app.
With smart LED lights, you’re able to program when your lights automatically turn on and off any time of the day. Smart program apps can also send you a notification if a light was accidentally left on and turn it off for you if needed.
Average cost: $42 per bulb
Additional home value: 1 – 3%6
3. Install A Smart Irrigation System
Using a smart irrigation system can help you save financially and limit water waste. With these systems, you’re able to control how much water you want to use for your specific yard size. If you live somewhere with a lot of precipitation, upgrade to a smart irrigation system that monitors the weather forecast in your area and adjusts its settings accordingly.
Average cost: $13,500
Additional home value: $3,0007
4. Control Your Thermostat
Install a smart thermostat to control your house temperature. Smart thermostats can be controlled remotely through a smartphone app so you can regulate your home’s temperature wherever you are. You’re able to schedule when your air conditioner or heater turns on and off through the smartphone app as well.
There are also smart thermostats that can track the house temperature and will automatically turn on to meet the user’s desired set temperature. Using a smart thermostat is another way to minimize your carbon footprint and be more energy-efficient.
Average cost: $150
Additional home value: 3 – 5%8
5. Use Smart Appliances
Smart technology doesn’t stop at just lighting and heating. Fill your kitchen with additional smart appliances, such as a coffee maker, refrigerator and oven. Most of these smart appliances are controlled through an app and connected to your Wi-Fi. If you accidentally leave an appliance on, you can turn it off wherever you are, which helps minimize your energy consumption.
If you’re a fan of barbecuing your meals, there are even outdoor grills you can purchase that use WiFIRE technology to control the heat while cooking.
Average cost of WiFIRE grill: $1,000
Additional home value: varies
6. Window Treatments
Replacing your windows is another way to manage the temperature of your home. There are smart window treatment systems that can be programmed to shut and open the window blinds depending on the time of day. According to The Blinds Man,9 without energy-efficient window treatments, up to 50% of your home’s cooling and warming can be lost through the windows. With smart window treatments, you lose less heat and cooling energy, which minimizes your electrical consumption.
You can also triple glaze your windows to help prevent outside weather conditions from affecting the temperature of your home. Triple glazing adds another layer of protection and minimizes the amount of heat that comes in and out of your windows.
Average cost: $150 per window
Additional home value: 7 – 15% lower electric bill10
What Are The Benefits Of A Smart Home?
Several benefits are obvious when it comes to configuring your home into a smart one. You lessen your dependency on fossil fuels while using less energy, which helps you save on your utility bills. However, the benefits of green smart homes go beyond saving on your bills.
Offers Flexibility And Convenience
Smart home technology offers flexibility for the user, as you’re able to control your home systems wherever you are with the touch of a button. You know exactly how your systems are running and how much energy you’re using. Instead of dealing with older systems that run individually, with smart home technology, you can conveniently streamline all the appliances in your home.
Promotes Peace Of Mind
Whether it’s safety or comfort, your home can impact your well-being. Most smart home systems are connected to an app on your phone and can alert you if someone is at your front door via a smart doorbell. You’re then able to check who’s at your door, like a package deliverer or a neighbor. If a break-in occurs, most smart doorbells record footage that can document the scene. Smart home technology offers you extra security and can make you feel safer in your home.
Creates Safety And Security
Smart home devices like video surveillance doorbells can auto-lock the door, keeping you and your family safe. And if you forget to lock up your home when you leave for vacation, you can lock your exterior doors through your smartphone.
Be A Party Guest, Not A Host
Smart home hubs allow you to enjoy all the fun of hosting a party in your home, and take away the need to check on music – and even meat thanks to WiFIRE grills – every couple of minutes. Most home hubs are activated by voice command, which makes changing music a breeze.
Enjoy Adaptability
Smart home systems can be personalized to your individual needs. If you’re going on a vacation, control your irrigation and security systems from wherever you are. You can also set how much you want to water your yard before your vacation so you can enjoy your holiday without worrying about your lawn.
If you’re looking to streamline your life and become eco-conscious at home, green home technology is a beneficial route to go. Not only do you conserve energy, but you can find comfort in the security and convenience of using smart home appliances and systems. If you just purchased a new home, whether it’s your starter or forever home, start homeownership right by installing a new smart home system or two. Your investments in smart home technology can increase your home value by upward of 5%.