Updated 7.12.19: The recent revolution in products for the home carries a variety of interrelated benefits. Smart light bulbs, smart thermostats and other smart solutions are not only economical; they’re ecological. This is because reduced energy bills will inevitably follow from a reduced carbon footprint. Green smart living isn’t just affordable; it’s practical!
To stick with the example of smart light bulbs, consider the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as a selling point. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LEDs use much less energy than traditional incandescent lighting. As a result, they last up to 25 times longer. The same source estimates that widespread LED adoption will result in electricity savings of more than $30 billion by 2027! Now that’s green smart living!
It may be true—at least for now—that LED bulbs and some “smart” products cost more than their traditional counterparts. But once the consumer gets the initial purchase out of the way, it’s smooth sailing! A homeowner’s peace of mind will flow not just from the increased control over his or her lighting, but also from the knowledge that dollars are being shaved off the electric bill every month.
And remember that what applies to homes applies more broadly to commercial buildings. As more and more businesses switch to LED lighting and other “greener” practices in their physical locations, they will be in a position to lower their overhead costs, too.
One of the hallmarks of smart appliances is their ability to sync up with smartphones via an app. This, in turn, means integration into the Internet of Things. Homeowners can turn them on or off from remote locations, quite literally at the touch of a button!
Smart light bulbs serve as an example of just how advanced (yet affordable) these products can be. Often retailing for less than $30, some bulbs let users control brightness, mood, and schedule from anywhere thanks to the apps. And now, with the help of voice services like Amazon Alexa, homeowners can also turn bulbs off or on (or dim them) simply by speaking a command.
Then there are appliances for other aspects of home life, like smart thermostats. In addition to more reasonable price tags, energy conservation is, once again, an easy selling point here. Some thermostat’s compatibility with smart hubs ensures integration with not only mobile devices but also other household devices in the same network, including security cameras.
And these are just the beginning. Smart refrigerators, microwaves, washers, and dryers are already here—and they’re sure to be adopted by more and more homes in the foreseeable future.
The ENERGY STAR website is a great place to learn about how connected appliances save energy—and money—in the home. This EPA program has been promoting energy efficiency for more than 25 years, and you will find many of the products discussed here bearing its label.
And as always, don’t forget to peruse Petra’s product lineup on our website or contact one of our representatives if you want to learn more!