Significant Savings Will Be Seen After the Introduction of Smart Technology

An expert has recently claimed that the use of remote devices to control lighting, heating and appliances could have a massive effect on both energy bills and carbon reductions, however care must be taken with their introduction.

IMB inventor and visiting professor to Newcastle University, Andy-Stanford Clark, stated that the introduction of this technology must not seem ‘big brother-esque’ but that it has the potential to save a ‘dramatic amount of energy’. Such controls would give householders the ability to adjust heat and light in other rooms, as well as programming houses to react to different levels of occupancy.

He added that being able to switch off appliances, such as microwaves and TVs, could significantly reduce the amount of energy we use, avoiding the use of standby.

These comments came after builders have installed versions of home automation systems in Saarbrucken in Germany, a scheme which was funded by the European Union. The i2home project allows householders to control their appliances with touchscreen gadgets and mobile phones.

On top of this, a huge part of the battle to making properties more energy efficient includes insulation and energy efficient materials such as double glazing in windows. Coupled with measures such as cavity wall insulation and loft insulation, these measures can help to reduce heat lost through walls and windows. Homes will be warmer, more comfortable, more energy efficient and cheaper to run in terms of energy bills.