Living in the East Bay means we’re in one of the most eco-conscious places in the country. This leads us to question what more we can do to help our beautiful planet.
Incorporating eco-friendly features into your home doesn’t need to be expensive or time-consuming. Simply introducing Internet-enabled smart devices can have a big impact on reducing your carbon footprint. Here are a few technologies that can help you achieve that goal:
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Home security systems: By adding systems such with a smart lock, video doorbell or a camera, you can use Wi-Fi to control access to your home via a smartphone app, create virtual keys for family members, friends, or guests, monitor who comes and goes, and receive alerts – helping you protect your home to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. Check out August, Nest and Ring
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Smoke detector: Providing added safety by sending alerts to your smartphone when it detects smoke or carbon monoxide. Check out Nest
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Window blinds: Can be programmed to open and close based on the time of day, reducing your energy usage as well as letting natural light in during the day to reduce the need for artificial lighting. Check out Serena Shades and Wirecutter’s recommendations
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Light bulbs: Wi-Fi enabled light bulbs have impressive features such as smartphone app controls and voice assistance, allowing you to set schedules, adjust brightness and color, use motion-sensor features, and even sync them to music or movies for a more immersive experience. You can also install LED light bulbs, which take 80% less energy and last longer than traditional light bulbs. Check out Philip Hue
If you need recommended vendors to help you install devices and increase your home’s energy efficiency, reach out for a list of trusted resources.
