Although some people may still prefer fridges that can’t send notifications (fair), these days there are loads of clever tech innovations that reduce energy and water usage in the home. Here are some investments that can make your pad both more eco-friendly and economical.
Smart thermostats
Smart thermostats recognise when you adjust the temperature or when you’re in the house, and heats or cools in the most efficient way to suit your schedule. This can reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint. You can also control the device with your phone, which means you can turn the A/C on a few minutes before you get home rather than running it all day.
Evaporative coolers
With heat waves set to get more frequent and more intense, we’ve got to find ways to keep cool without contributing to the climate crisis. Evaporative coolers are more efficient than air conditioners. They can use up to 90% less energy than an A/C unit, have lower emissions, and you can keep you windows open while using them. They work by evaporating water and blowing out cool air using a fan. One downside is that they’re not suitable for humid environments.
Solar panels
An obvious one, but moving to solar power means free, renewable energy – better for your wallet and the planet. There is an upfront cost of buying and installing the solar panels, but if you can afford it, you’ll quickly make it back over time – especially if you live in an area where you can sell your excess energy back to the grid.
Smart showers
Low-flow shower heads aren’t new, but now you can buy showers that sense when you’re standing under the flow and reduce the water pressure when you step away. Precise temperature controls mean no more faffing about with the taps or jumping between scalding hot and icy cold – a familiar dance that also wastes water. Smart showers can alert you to when you’ve used a certain amount of water, too, which is ideal if you live in a drought-prone area.
Smart bulbs
Not only do smart LED bulbs use less energy and last longer than traditional light bulbs, but you can also control them with your phone, so you can turn the lights on before you get home late at night or getting up first thing in the morning. You don’t need to be super tech savvy to install them – generally, you just replace your bulbs in the usual way and download an app. And you can easily use these when you’re renting, too.
Tech-free hacks
Not everything requires fancy new tech. In fact, buying unnecessary gadgets simply drives the need for rare earth elements and results in more energy use to create these items. So purchase wisely!
Here are some simple, tech-free ideas to reduce your home’s environmental impact and energy costs:
- Switch off plug sockets when they’re not in use. Even if the microwave isn’t running or you don’t have anything plugged into your charger, they’re still sapping electricity – this is often called ‘phantom power’.
- Turn the water off when you’re not using it – in the shower when you’re soaping up or when you’re brushing your teeth.
- Put a bucket in the shower to collect water and then use it to flush your toilet or water the plants.
- Air-dry your clothes when possible instead of using a dryer.
- When you can, use cold water to wash your laundry.
