5 Smart Home Trends Which Should Be Part of Your Build

Are you one of those people who love to be at the top of the latest trends in technology? Do you want your home to be that little bit smarter and work with you? Within the world of technology trends, we see home tech as one of the latest areas. Low maintenance products, appliances and the list go on; smart home trends can give you a more comfortable life, let you save money on your energy bills and cut down on the need for home maintenance.

1. A Look At Learning Thermostats

For a lot of people, the best example of smart home technology is a smart thermostat. The market today has a number of types of learning thermostats, however, they all give the same advantages. Instead of manually making a program or setting your thermostat, a smart thermostat learns what your schedule is, as well as your preferences, and automatically adjusts the temperature in your home.

Within a short period, a smart thermostat easily covers its own cost and also makes you more informed of your energy costs by providing a daily report which shows your energy consumption. Independent studies show that smart thermostats have allowed customers to save up to 12% on their heating costs and up to 15% on their cooling costs. If you choose specific models, you will also be able to access your thermostat through your WiFi or with your smartphone if you are not home.

2. A Look At Smart Sound Systems

Would you love to have the absolute best in home theaters or be able to listen to an audiobook while you are getting the lunch ready? Smart sound systems are available at various prices and complexity. There are basic systems which use your WiFi right through to Bluetooth speakers which use voice-activated features to allow you to control gadgets all over your home. The majority of high-tech sounds system on the market today will let you control your speakers using a smartphone app.

3. A Look At Remote Security Networking

While smart home tech does help you to cut down on your energy costs and enjoy your home more, it is also designed to increase your safety. You can monitor your home when you are not there, as well as keep an eye on pets, ensure the kids made it home from school safe and sound, and even watch a live feed if the smoke alarm goes off, all courtesy of smart home security systems.

4. A Look At Sustainable Materials

Over the last decade, we have seen a demand for homes which are low maintenance and environmentally friendly, this has led to a rise in sustainable building materials. Bamboo is one of the most important of such materials and is a green and renewable item. In comparison to wood, bamboo benefits from quick regeneration, in fact within 24 hours it can grow up to 100cm.

While bamboo is classified as a grass, it is heartier than oak and can be used instead of wood in many parts of the home. Usually, we see it used for green flooring and kitchen or bath products. However, it can also be used within the structural frame of a building.

Paper insulation is also becoming a popular sustainable material. Using recycled newspapers and cardboard, this form of insulation gives a better alternative to boric acid and other such chemicals. Granted you may not see this insulation type every day, however, it can cut down on energy costs and provide you with a draft-free home.

5. A Look at Energy Efficient Technology

Homes are becoming more energy efficient thanks to one of the most vital trends in home automation technology. Compared to 1980, today's homes use around 37% more energy. However, it is possible to reduce your carbon footprint, as well as save yourself money, by using this new home technology.

In the near future, we will see ample new examples of exciting energy efficient technology, these include a new form of insulation which will stop the escape of heat in winter and clothes dryers which will decrease energy consumption by 60% by using a heat pump cycle. A few examples of products which are energy efficient and available now are:

Installation of triple pane windows can quickly pay for themselves by cutting your yearly heating and cooling bills in a way that double panes cannot match. Installation of solar panels can generate home electricity. Cool roofs can reflect heat back towards the atmosphere and hence, cut cooling costs. The use of energy-saving outlets means you can switch off lights and home appliances automatically or choose wattage for each device. The use of LED lights means you can still enjoy the same amount of home lighting while reducing energy costs since they use only 9.7 watts and produce 940 lumens.

In Canada, home builders are conforming to changing city building codes which stipulate specific building requirements. The improvements in energy efficiency standards with regards to HVAC systems and lighting are some of the latest additions to building code. To adapt to this trend, some builders include smart home technology as part of new homes.

Homeowners can cut down on their long-term energy expenses and enjoy their homes to the full with the help of green building technology. Don't forget, all you need to do is ask your builder about energy-saving and environmentally-friendly technology which is, or can be part of, your new home.