Energy efficiency and technology go hand-in-hand. For homes, the Internet of Things brings these two fields together in eco-friendly ways creating green smart homes that save homeowners money and help the environment. With the high demand for green smart homes, IoT technology can be the defining selling point. Below we list the top ways that IoT technology and automation can help create green smart homes.
Thermostats
Homeowners change temperature with the seasons, and in New England that means we’re constantly adjusting our thermostats. But a few degree changes can really add up and bring additional costs to what you already spend on an HVAC system.
This is why green smart homes are in high demand to not only help energy efficiency, but to also assist in lowering costs for homeowners. With IoT technology, homeowners have the ability to control thermostats remotely from their mobile device, allowing them to turn the thermostat up or down while out of the house. Many smart thermostats use IoT to geofence – automatically turning up or off the thermostat once the resident leaves.
This change in temperature can help homeowners save a significant amount of money throughout the year and decrease energy consumption and emissions. According to the Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7-10 °F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.
Water Conservation
Did you know the average household wastes up to 180 gallons of water per week? With leak detecting devices, this number can decrease before your eyes. Leak detecting devices monitor areas prone to leaks like water heaters and piping, allowing homeowners to act quickly when a leak arises. But this isn’t the only water conserving green smart home technology.
Another device is a smart hub that gathers information in one location and shows water consumption and household budgeting for the day, week, and month. This hub can also monitor leaks in real-time and provide alerts about bills at any moment, so no payment goes unmissed and no excess water is wasted.
Reducing Vampire Energy
“Vampire energy” occurs when devices and appliances are on standby mode. Appliances and gadgets like computers, coffee makers, and televisions suck up power when they’re idling even though they’re not being used. This excess energy drain leads to over-consumption and resource usage, as well as increased household energy costs.
The solution to this energy drain? IoT-based gadgets that come in the form of plugs and power strips. These smart devices shut off power to any idling device, helping make a green smart home. Plus, with mobile internet access, a homeowner can turn off the power from any location.
Home Appliance Automation
With home IoT automation, wireless sensors and networks are key to reducing energy consumption. For example, homes have lighting and with automatic sensors that can turn on and off when someone enters or exits the room. In addition, IoT smart lighting typically uses LED bulbs instead of incandescent-sourced lights. LED lights use 75% less energy, and paired with the energy saving benefits of sensors, your home’s energy costs will plummet with smart lighting.
Predictive maintenance
Tech waste can add up without proper recycling and create environmental issues. However, with the help of green IoT technology, your house can become more energy efficient and less wasteful. Predictive maintenance is a combination of automation and IoT technology that can send a message to homeowners when an underperforming device needs an update. This simple step saves energy, money, and e-waste since homeowners can simply fix their device instead of throwing it out. It’s a cost-effective way to keep everything running smoothly throughout the house.
Whether it’s water detection systems that conserve resources or predictive maintenance sensors that keep everything running, smart homes are greener than ever. Smart home technology is a rapidly growing market and vendors are seeing the face value of integrating their products into the smart home ecosystem.
For manufacturers, this means future jobs will involve different skills and, in some cases, higher educational requirements. That’s why staying up-to-date with the latest training and certifications is important to help you further your career. EPTAC offers a variety of online and in-person solder training courses and IPC certifications to assist you with your education needs.
About EPTAC
For over 30 years, EPTAC has been a leading provider of solder training and IPC certification. We provide professionals with the tools and training they need to advance their careers and improve their businesses. With 19 locations across North America, our solutions and instructional staff provide easy access to knowledge that will enhance your business model and help you meet and exceed industry demands. For more information call 800.643.7822 or contact us.