10 Best Smart Home Devices for Eco Friendly Living
Did you know that smart home devices can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%? In 2024, sustainable living isn’t just a trend – it’s a necessity! Sustainable living is established through the choices we make that aim to reduce our collective and individual environmental impact. It is a way to reduce our carbon footprint and use the earth’s resources efficiently to offset environmental damages that are probably the result of our everyday lifestyle choices. It may seem minuscule, but small changes today have a positive impact on the planet tomorrow.
There are several ways to live sustainably, like buying local and in-season produce instead of exported ones. Home devices also play a major role in achieving sustainable living. Implementing energy-efficient smart home devices in our lifestyle is vital to contribute to sustainable living.
However, picking the right device for your home can be difficult. Therefore, we have curated a list of the most innovative and eco-friendly smart home gadgets that will help you reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing comfort. From AI-powered thermostats to water-saving shower systems, these devices are revolutionizing the way we live. So, let's dive into the future of green technology!
1st: Smart Thermostats: The Heart of an Eco-Friendly Home.
Let's dive into our top picks of sustainable smart thermostats that integrate advanced AI technology to upgrade your lifestyle into green living with smart technology!
Latest models with advanced AI for optimal energy savings.
With current green smart home solutions on the market, AI-powered energy-saving devices are on the rise. Especially, with the AI-powered energy efficiency features of smart thermostats, where maximizing your energy saving is made even easier.
Providing several key features, and one of their main features is to provide energy-saving recommendations. These thermostats can propose adjustments to optimize your consumption by analyzing your usage pattern and making comparisons to energy-efficient benchmarks.
Moreover, another specific AI-powered energy-saving-driven feature is their ability to detect whether a room is occupied or not through sensors and machine learning algorithms. This then allows the thermostats to adjust the room temperature according to the number of occupancy ensuring energy is not wasted.
Thus, it is necessary to amp up your everyday lifestyle with eco-friendly home automation by integrating smart AI-powered driven thermostats. We have curated the top 3 latest models in the market right now for you to consider.
Our Top Picks:
Google Nest Learning Thermostat
Reference: store.google.com
Pros Cons Slick design – easy to see at a glance Price – it tends to be on the higher side, costing $205 Automatic adjustment of temperature Physical buttons The Nest Thermostat is the best option on the market. Its main plus point comes from its clicking sound every time you turn the temperature up and down. Furthermore, it also adapts to your schedule and quickly learns when you and other house occupants in your home are active or non-active. It also integrates with various smart home ecosystems such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
If you want your thermostat to learn and adapt to your schedule with energy-saving technology then Nest Thermostat is your best option with its easy-to-use interface and features.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Permium
Reference: ecobee.com
Pros Cons Easy to-use design – 50% larger touchscreen display Price – also tends to be on higher price – $249.99 Integrates radar technology Includes SmartSensor Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium offers advanced AI-driven green technology that senses room occupancy adjusting room-specific temperature adjustments. It also learns and adapts to your pattern and is able to adjust based on whether your home is occupied or not. Moreover, one of the star features of a smart thermostat is its security measures. It has built-in smoke alarm detection to alert you of issues when you are not home, and freeze detection to prevent burst pipes.
If your HVAC system makes it difficult to moderate your entire home’s temperature, then Ecobee’s Smart Thermostat Premium is your best splurge.
Mysa Smart Thermostat for Electric Baseboard and in-Wall Heating
Reference: Getmysa.com
Pros Cons Slick design Designed for heating only — as compared to other multipurpose thermostats. User-friendly controls Supports all three smart-home platforms — Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit If you are looking for in-built floor heating, then Mysa Smart Thermostat is the best option to consider. Not only does it have app integration, but also provides a smaller design that is easy to adjust and use. It also uses smart learning features to manage your energy consumption efficiently. It also works regardless of your smart home device choices, since it is compatible with all three.
Thus, if you are looking for an exclusive in-floor heating thermostat for your home and have either a baseboard or in-wall heating system, then Mysa Smart Thermostat is one for you.
Next, we dive into what makes these guys so special. This will guide you further in narrowing down your picks and give you the information you need for your eco-friendly smart home!
Renewable Energy: Their Best Friends
Smart thermostats seamlessly blend with your solar panels and other green energy sources. They are like a match made in heaven, ensuring clean energy whenever possible. This predictive analysis allows the smart thermostats to adjust settings to make the most of renewable energy.
- Google Nest Thermostat: it incorporates solar panel systems and home energy management systems to further optimize the usage of renewable energy.
- Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium: it works well with your battery storage systems to optimize the use of renewable energy. It also manages energy consumption efficiently by working with your smart home systems.
- Mysa Smart Thermostat: it helps in balancing your energy usage with renewable energy availability by integrating with your solar panels.
Control from Your Couch (or Beach)
Have you ever been in a hurry that you forgot to turn down the heat before vacation? No swear! With user-friendly applications and voice control commands, you can easily manage your home temperature from anywhere!.
Real-time Energy Usage Detection
These smart thermostats don’t just control the temperature but they also are energy experts. They effectively provide detailed reports on your daily energy usage, while also giving you tips on how to save more. They more or less act like your coach cheering you on to become an eco-champion!.
Are you ready to finally change your home into an eco-friendly environment bursting with green technology? By incorporating a smart thermostats you are not only upgrading your HVAC system – you are making the future better for tomorrow.
2nd: Energy-Efficient Smart Lighting Systems: Illuminating Your Path to Sustainability
Now, let’s discover energy-efficient LED smart lighting to further enhance your sustainable living.
LED Bulbs with Extended Lifespan and Lower Energy Usage
In 2024, sustainable living isn’t just about buying paper bags — it's about thinking of tomorrow and green living with smart technology. This starts with energy-efficient lighting, where you can light your home using the same amount of light for less money. On average, by using LED lighting, your lighting contributes 15% of the home’s electricity use, and you save about $225 in energy costs per year. Switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the best options to consider, since it is also the fastest way to cut your energy bills.
So, we have curated our top picks of energy-efficient LED bulbs for you to consider purchasing.
Our Top Picks:
Philips Hue LED Bulbs
Reference: Philips-hue.com
Pros Cons Can be controlled through an app or voice assistant. It's on the expensive side. Uses significantly less energy. Setup is complex for beginners. Long Lifespan — up to 25,000 hours. Philips Hue LED Bulbs are designed to use significantly less energy as compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. They use 80% less power than a regular bulb, and offer increased functionality and energy-efficient smart features such as wireless dimming and brightening, light control for daily tasks, and voice control.
Additionally, incorporating hue gradient lights gives a gradual blend of colors since they are controlled with groups of LEDs rather than individually. So, if you are looking for an energy-efficient LED bulb with a sleek design and advanced green technology, then the Philips Hue LED bulb is the one for you!.
LIFX A19 LED Bulbs
Reference: LIFX.com
LIFX Bulbs are widely known for their bright colors as they offer an ample range of different shades. Moreover, it is highly energy-efficient as it uses less energy. Furthermore, it also integrates app use as they have their own app, the LIFX app, which is even better since it is beginner-friendly and easy to use. Also, it has a range of impressive different features with one being “paint” your LED light strip which displays multiple colors however you want.
So, if you are looking to add some fun and character to your room, while also being an eco-conscious queen or king then LIFEX A19 LED bulbs are right up your ally!
Now, let us take a look at what makes energy-efficient LED smart lighting special.
Motion Sensors and Automated Dimming Capabilities
Smart LED bulbs like to foreplay as light police in your home. These smart lights have the ability to detect when you enter a room and when you have left — no more wasting energy in empty spaces! Pair it with the auto-dimming feature, they will adjust their brightness based on the natural lighting available. It's like your own energy-saving sun in every corner.
Colorful Mood Boosters
Anyone who says sustainable living is boring? These energy-efficient smart LEDs can change colors faster according to your mood. Feeling energized? Change your room in cool blues. Want to relax? Warm amber tones are besties. They can even sync with your music if you wish to party!.
Daylight Detective: Yes They Are!
Being energy-savers as they are, smart lighting works with your windows to maximize natural light use. They gradually adjust, as the sun sets or rises, ensuring you are always in the perfect amount of light.
Embracing smart LEDs lets you save energy twice as much as regular lighting. While doing so, you are also illuminating the path to a more sustainable future. So, are you buckled up to save some energy and bills in a new light? Make a switch to smart lighting now and expand your sustainable living!
3rd: Water Conservation Smart Devices: Measuring Every Drop
Worried about water wastage? No more! Water-saving smart appliances are here to save your day!.
AI-Powered Smart Shower Systems
In 2024, shorter showers are no longer the hype — it's the smarter showers coming to play. The latest models of smart shower systems use AI to learn your shower habits and patterns to optimize water use. It can help reduce water consumption by up to 50% without jeopardizing your shower time. Smart shower systems offer a plethora of advanced features such as voice activation and settings for temperature, shower duration and many more. While reducing water use, it also saves you utility bills, and on top of that, they can detect water leaks and are able to shut off water if there are any major leaks happening, so they are definitely worth your buck!.
Best Choice: Phyn Plus Smart Water Assistant + Shutoff
Reference: phyn.com
Phyn Plus smart shower system alerts you when there is a leak in your system by measuring changes in water pressure. In cases of major leak, it can automatically shut off the water hence saving you damage costs. This smart shower system monitors your entire home for leaks and also provides insights on your water use.
So, if you want to unburden yourself from the worry of water waste and leaks then throwing a few bucks into a smart shower system is totally worth it.
Leak Detection and Auto Shut-off Valves
As mentioned, having a smart shower system is like having a shower watchdog, who constantly takes care of your shower systems. These systems integrated with advanced AI, can spot a leak faster, saving you thousands in costs. These devices have prevented an estimated 1 million gallons of water waste in homes across the globe!.
Smart irrigation systems for gardens
Aside from shower systems, water-saving smart systems also been introduced to garden sprinkles. Its an upgrade for your garden since your plants would be getting a high-tech hydration helper! These smart sprinklers like the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller, reduce water use by up to 65%, making your backyard into a water-efficient haven.
Smart Faucets and Toilets
In this day and age, even your bathroom is joining green living! Water-efficient smart bathroom devices are all the trends these days. Smart faucets with touchless technology reduce the spread of germs and also reduce water waste by 15%. Worried about a broken toilet flush? No fret! Now smart toilet flush offers dual-flush options, leak detection and water recycling systems.
So, if you want to be the sustainable queen and throw yourself into a green living haven, then integrating smart home water-saving systems is the way to go!.
4th: Smart Power Strips and Energy Monitors: Master the Art of Energy Efficiency!
Want to be an eco-friendly hero? Then installing energy-efficient smart power strips and monitors really amps up your sustainable lifestyle. So, let's take a look at our top picks.
Best Picks:
Smart Power Strip: TP-Link Kasa Smart WiFi Power Strip
Reference: kasasmart.com
Pros Cons Offers 6 smart outlets, controlled via the Kasa app and voice assistant. Price — on costly side as compared to others. Mnitors energy consumption of connected devices and has scheduling abilities. Easy integration. This smart power strip offers six outlets available and each controlled via the Kasa app, and supports voice assistants like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and monitors your energy. It also has the ability to monitor the energy consumption of devices, and create schedules/timers to turn on/off outlets at specific times to improve efficiency to help reduce energy waste.
Energy Monitors: Sense Home Energy Monitor
Pros Cons Directly installed in your electrical panel. Requires professional installation – hence not suitable for beginners. Offers real-time monitoring. Tracks energy, supports smart assistants and monitors solar power generation.
Energy monitors are like your energy vampire slayers, they track and monitor your energy waste as well as help you identify energy wastage to reduce overall consumption. Sense Home Energy monitor gives you a complete real-time insight into your home and grid. It helps you keep track of your energy consumption to help you reduce hence, saving you from costly utility bills, and making you closer to a greener path.
Phantom Energy Consumption Slayers
Did you know by keeping the TV on you are putting yourself into an overbearing utility bill? Did you know that 10% of your home’s energy use comes from devices in standby mode? That is why you need a smart power strip, they automatically shut off power in idle devices, ensuring your TV isn't binge-watching your bills by itself.
Individual Outlet Control and Scheduling
These smart monitors and power strips let you control your outlets from anywhere – literally, you can turn off your outlets — your coffee maker, from your bed, couch, or even office or pool, or schedule your holiday lights. It's like having a portable remote for every device!.
Integration with Green Energy
Advanced models, like Sense Home Energy Monitor, can sync with your solar panels, using renewable energy when available. It ensures the optimal usage of renewable energy and makes sure it goes where it's needed.
Ready to have control of your entire power flow? Installing these smart power solutions into your home saves you a ton of energy, which takes you a step further into a sustainable living future.
5th: Eco-Friendly Smart Appliances: Your Eco-Tech Helpers
Did you know eco-friendly smart appliances are a gateway to your sustainable living? To amp up your lifestyle, we will now discover some trendy eco-friendly smart appliances to your living in a green tech hub!.
AI-optimized dishwashers for water and energy savings
Home appliances are revolutionizing domestic life. They are providing consistent connectivity and advanced automation for better convenience and efficiency. There is an increase of interest in manufacturers and consumers to focus on appliances that can minimize energy and water waste.
Let's discover our top picks on smart appliances to take you a step further on your sustainable journey!
Best Choice: Samsung DW80R9950US StormWash
Reference: samsung.com
Pros | Cons |
Has StormWash features. | Cycle times – can take long hours. |
Is quite an operation. | Installation and service are required by a professional. |
Has auto-release door. | |
Includes Wi-Fi connectivity. |
The Samsung StormWash is a high-end built-in dishwasher known for its advanced cleaning features and sleek design. The most redeeming quality, StormWash, uses powerful rotating spray jets to clean non-reachable areas and heavily polluted pots and pans. Plus, you don't have to pre-rinse your dishes. Furthermore, it also has a variety of cycles, including a heavy cycle, a normal cycle, an express 60-minute wash, and a delicate cycle for glassware.
All things considered, the Samsung DW80R9950US StormWash is a premium choice for those seeking a high-performance, quiet and stylish dishwasher. Its enhanced features make it a favorite and strong contender in the market, especially for households considering efficiency and convenience in their kitchen appliances.
Washer-Dryer with a Level of Efficiency
Did you ever imagine you would live in a time where your washing machine would know precisely how much water and detergent your clothes would need? That time is here my friend!.
Smart washers reduce water usage up to 50% compared to traditional ones. Some washers even use an app to control its main functions so you as a user are able to use it whenever and wherever. There come dryers! They can adjust drying times based on humidity levels, making sure your clothes are perfectly dry without energy wastage. Just take a look at Samsung, known for its SmartThings ecosystem, Samsung offers a range of smart washers and dryers with features like AI-powered laundry recommendations and steam cleaning.
Smart Ovens: Who thinks like a Chef
No more stressing over your new oven when smart ovens are here to take over! These ovens are equipped with advanced technology to make your cooking more convenient, efficient and versatile. If you love to expand your sustainable living well into your lifestyle, or the idea of tech-enhanced cooking, a smart oven would be a great addition to your kitchen.
6th: Smart Window Treatments: New Frontier in Home Insulation
Tired of windows not working as you want them to be? Smart windows are here to give you the treatment you deserve.
Automated Blinds and Curtains for Optimal Temp Control
Blinds and curtains are crucial for your privacy and they prevent harsh heat from entering your home. Smart blinds and curtains are an upgrade and run on autopilot without you lifting a finger.
Best Choice: Lutron Serena Smart Shades
Pros | Cons |
Automated control via app, voice control and supports smart home devices. | Price for custom shade. |
Available in a range of styles and colors. | |
Offers scheduling. | |
Reduces energy consumption by blocking out heat |
Lutron Serena Smart shades are the best option since they offer the best experience using smart window blinds. It automates almost everything, blocks out outside noises, and is compatible with their user-friendly app, which has tons of features. It also helps in insulating your home from hot and cold air leaks. In addition, you can schedule, using the app, to close or open at a particular time. It gives you total privacy, its shades help to boost your home security by making it seem like someone’s home.
Smart blinds and curtains offer several more advanced features than a regular blind and curtain, so let's dive into these features and see what makes them stand out!.
Integration with Home Systems
Unlike regular basic curtains and blinds, smart window systems support smart devices such as your thermostat and lighting systems. It creates a eco-conscious energy-efficiency hub in your home. When the blinds auto close to block out heat, your AC automatically notches down.
Solar-Powered Options for Off-Grid Operation
Advanced smart windows and curtains now integrate built-in solar panels, making them self-sufficient in producing energy and saving that energy. Its a win-win!.
Insulating Smart Materials
Latest in smart window tech, insulating smart films can change opacity at the touch or automatically based on outside heat. This reduces heat gain by 70% in summer and heat loss by 30% in winter. It's like giving your window a jacket!.
Dressing your home in high-tech energy efficient curtains and blinds to live comfortably is definitely worth spending a few bucks – since living in a green-hub tech house is all the trend!
7th: Air Quality Monitors and Purifiers: Breathing Fresh in Your Eco-Home
As the population gets denser by the day, clean air is vital for health and your well-being. So, eco-conscious smart home air purification and sustainable smart home ventilation are your best bet against indoor pollutants.
Best Choice: Dyson Pure Cool TP04
Reference: dyson.com
Pros | Cons |
Doubles as a fan and uses HEPA filter. | Weaker fan once far from reach |
Has activated carbon filter. | |
Lasts up to a year reducing waste. |
Dyson Pure Cool air purifier is your best option if you are looking for a sustainable air quality purifier. It uses HEPA filters to filter out 99.97% of minute particles as small as 0.3 microns. It also removes odors and gasses since it has an activated carbon filter. As compared to others, its filter lasts up to a year, minimizing wastage of frequently replaced filters.
Real-Time Air Quality Monitoring and Reporting
Some smart air monitors can detect pollution and dust to more vicious pollutants like VOCs and carbon monoxide. Models like AirGuardian Pro, can even predict air quality based on local environment data.
Integration with HVAC Systems for Whole-Home Air Management
These smart home purifiers and monitors can clean your entire home's air by integrating with your smart thermostats and HVAC systems. They trigger your HVAC system to circulate more air when pollutants are on high levels or adjust humidity levels for health and comfort.
So if you are worried about the bad quality of air in your home, then by bringing these eco-tech air systems you are not just eliminating pollutants – but also taking control of your indoor environment.
8th: Smart Composting and Waste Management Systems: Discovering Value in Trash
Have you ever wondered how to turn trash into something valuable? Well, in 2024 smart composting and waste management is your answer. Smart compositing solutions for homes are getting advanced high eco-tech investments. It's revolutionizing how we handle household waste. So, let's dive deep into the world of trash!.
Automated Composting Bins with Odor Control
Best Choice: Vitamix FoodCycler
Reference: vitamix.com
Pros | Cons |
Quiet and energy-efficient. | Bulky in size. |
Composts food in 4-8 hours. | |
Odorless system. |
Composting your food waste is a bigger step towards sustainable living. Although, in the beginning, it can be jarring and challenging, food compositing is one of the best ways to contribute to reducing your carbon footprint. So, in this sense, the Vitamix FoodCycler is considered to be top-notch in this field. Its an indoor counter compact composite food machine which takes the food you put it in, and turns it into something similar to soil. Moreover, it can reduce food waste by 90% within hours no matter the volume. In addition, it is odorless due to its carbon filtration technology, giving a pleasant – or no smell at all so you do not have to worry about it stinking up your place.
Now, what makes it more special than a regular compost bin?
Waste Sorting Assistants for Improved Recycling
Unlike your regular bins, smart bins with eco-friendly waste reduction technology, use cameras and advanced AI to identify items and guide you on proper sorting methods. Some smart bins even track your recycling habits and then reward you eco-points if you have done well.
Waste Analytics and Tips on Reduction
Smart bin and composite systems aren't just handling your waste – they are also tracking and monitoring your waste to help you produce less of it. They track your waste output and provide personalized tips on how to reduce food wastage. This aids you in a more sustainable cooking, thus reducing your carbon footprint.
Integration with Local Waste Management Schedule
In some cities, smart bins are offered that communicate with your local waste management services. These bins alert you of changes in garbage pick-up schedules or local recycling guidelines. It is like your own direct line to your city’s waste department!.
Food wastage has been increasing in the past year due to a higher population across the world. So, it starts with you and from your home by integrating these smart composting bins to build a cleaner and eco-friendly future.
9th: Home Energy Storage and Management: Power Through a Sustainable Future
Want to take control of your energy use? With smart management systems, you can now turn your home into a mini power plant!
Today, home energy storage and management are all there is to maximize your home's energy efficiency and independence. With smart integration, these systems are capable of generating, storing, and using energy efficiently.
Smart Batteries for Storing Excess Solar Energy
Now, let's take a look at our top pick of smart batteries which can store excess solar energy.
Best Choice: Tesla Powerwall 2
Reference: tesla.com
Pros | Cons |
Pairs with solar panels to store excess energy. | Costly |
Provides backup power. | |
Odorless system. |
Tesla’s Powerwall 2 is an upgraded version of its predecessors. It has twice the capabilities and density and comes with an integrated inverter. It acts as a home battery, and those solutions can provide an emergency during power outages and store electricity for hours. It sometimes can even power an entire house for an off-the-grid living if several of those batteries combine. So, if you are looking for home storage and management for a better sustainable future then Tesla Powewall 2 is best for you.
AI-Powered Energy Distribution
Some smart batteries act as your power butler for your home’s energy needs. These solutions prioritise your power distribution, all while ensuring your critical devices always have required fluids while giving less energy to less essential tasks.
Integration with Solar Panels for Grid Systems
These smart batteries take solar energy to the next level. With advanced green technology, they can predict heat weather, store excess energy and get back power to the grid. Your roof is saving you money plus it's making you money!.
So, are you ready to become the power player? By integrating home energy storage and management, you are taking a big leap towards energy independence – and not just reducing your carbon footprint.
10th: Sustainable Smart Home Hubs: The Core of Your Eco-Home
Without a brain will you ever be able to think or function as a whole? You cannot. And that's how these smart devices are. All smart green technology or any technology for that matter needs a brain to orchestrate them. Sustainable smart home hubs are the ones doing the core work and orchestrating your green gadgets to work into a symphony. So, let's take a look at our top pick.
Central Control System for all Eco-Friendly Devices
Best Choice: Samsung SmartThings Hub
Reference: samsumg.com
Pros | Cons |
Compatible with a wide range of smart devices. | Complex setup — hard for beginners to navigate through. |
Offers automation feature to help reduce energy consumption. | Price — compared to others this falls into a higher price range. |
Allows for sustainability by integrating with devices like smart thermostats, lighting, and plugs. |
Samsung SmartThings Hub is the most versatile smart device since it is compatible with almost all your smart devices making it a central point of control for your eco-home. It is compatible with Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi. It can connect with locks, sensors and smart lights. Its app also allows you to automate that can trigger specific actions based on time or sensor activity. For instance, you can adjust your thermostat and start the coffee maker when you wake up. It also includes voice control with assistants like Amazon, Alexa and Google Assistant.
Energy Usage Reports and Optimization Suggestions
It can also monitor your usage pattern and can help track energy consumption in your home. It seamlessly integrates with smart plugs and meters to give you real-time data on your energy usage.
Open-Source Platforms for Custom Sustainability Solutions
In addition, many of the smart hubs like the Samsung one offer open-source platforms, meaning you can create custom patterns and routines as per your desired sustainability goals.
So, if you are ready to welcome all these smart systems and gadgets we went through then integrating a smart core brain like Samsung SmartThings Hub is not a waste of your dime.
Conclusion
In retrospect, the journey to a sustainable life is not an easy road, to be truthful. It can be costly at times, and even challenging but these smart devices and systems are your partners towards a greener future. These eco-friendly technologies are created to reduce your carbon footprint and help you in savings by reducing your energy wastage. It’s a win for your comfort and a win for the earth since each small step counts towards a more sustainable planet.
So, are you ready to take that step?.