Due to huge environmental changes, it’s our responsibility to use environmentally friendly things and your new home can’t be ignored. In this post, we are talking about how you can convert your future apartments for rent in Durham into environmentally friendly ones and enjoy it.

#1 wash your clothes in cold water

As per the report by EnergyStar, more than 90% of the electricity goes into heating the water. So, if you change the setting of your washing machine to use cold water, a lot of electricity can be saved. This way you’re not only saving electricity but also reducing carbon dioxide emission. This also increases the life of your clothes as hot water deteriorates your fabric and makes it colorless shining.

#2 Change regular light bulbs to LED bulbs

This is another energy-saving tip and in turn money-saving opportunity as well. So, changing your regular bulbs which usually consume close to a hundred watts, LED bulbs to consume 80% – 90% less energy. Also, LED bulbs last longer compared to normal bulbs, it’s eco-friendly, and saves a lot of bucks as well.

#3 Avoid using dryer whenever possible

If you have to dry your clothes and if it’s shiny outside, then there is no point why you will be using the dryer. Hang your clothes outside and let them dry naturally. This not only again save electricity but also increase the life of clothes. If you don’t have a garden or an open space to dry clothes, you can have one line-dry that you can keep on the balcony.

#4 Buy a recycle bin and compost bin

If you will have a recycle bin then you will be very mindful about recycling glass bottles, jars, and other waste utensils. Having a compost bin can help you get free fertilizer which you can use for planting as well. This way, you won’t only have free fertilizer but also help you reduce household waste. The great thing is, now you can get an environmentally friendly home as well. If you’re looking to buy a home that is eco-friendly then you may check Halton Real Estate which is a marketplace to get such kinds of homes easily.

#5 Install solar panels

For any home looking to turn eco-friendly, installing solar power is an obvious step. Initially, it may look expensive for you but in the long run, this is quite profitable and a money saver for you. You can plenty of examples near to you where the home generate so much electricity that can make you completely independent and you no longer will be dependent on supply electricity.

#6 Use water-based paints

When you’re decorating your home, try opting for water-based paints that contain natural pigments. Currently, the paint that is being used is oil-based that is not eco-friendly. Another benefit is, with water-based paints, you get plenty of color options that can add another level to your home.

Bottom line

These were some of the basic ideas on turning your home into an environmentally home. All these are very basic steps that not only make your home eco-friendly but also save you a few good bucks.

A few years ago, a smart home concept was alien to most people. Nowadays, it has greatly evolved with more devices and systems available that deliver an all-encompassing benefit to the homeowners. The capabilities of these devices are far more impressive than just showing you the weather forecast. 

If you have not transformed your home into a smart home yet, now is the best time to do so. These are the 7 best smart home devices and systems available in 2022 that utilizes modern technology to transform your homes. 

7 Best Smart Home Devices for 2022

What are the best smart home devices for your home? (Image Source: Forbes)

When you want to install smart home devices to your home (or condo), these are the best devices and systems to consider: 

Best Speaker: Amazon Echo 2nd Generation

At less than $100, the Amazon Echo 2nd Generation is the best smart speaker available today. This speaker can be connected to Alexa so you can play your favorite music, send messages, answer questions, or make phone calls. 

You can even use the speaker to set alarms for you! The best part is that the speaker is easy to connect with many other smart home devices you have at home. When listening to music, it fills your home with a 360-degree audio experience. 

It is equipped with noise-canceling technology to ensure that the music or audio is heard wherever you are in the house. You won’t even have to move an inch to get things done, such as creating a shopping list, order takeout, or turn on the TV. 

Best Smart Light: Philips Hue 

At less than $50 per bulb, the Phillips Hue is a smart investment – literally and figuratively. It can help you save on your energy bills at home, particularly with your consumption of home lighting. 

This smart bulb can adjust the intensity of the light in the room based on voice command alone. You can even choose to change the color of the lights when you need to, such as to set up the mood inside your home. 

Among the smart lighting in the market, this is one of the most reliable and flexible in terms of what you can do with it. There is also an option for an all-white bulb if you prefer that. 

Best Smart Display: Google Nest Hub 

When Amazon introduced the Echo Show in the smart display scene, Google refined that idea with the introduction of the Nest Hub. It elevated the idea of a smart display as a technology for your home.

This device is not just in terms of design but also in the capacity of the voice assistant. When you use the Nest Hub, you will have access to the same set of features available to Google Assistant.

When you give outspoken commands, Google Nest Hub will display it on-screen to ensure that the right command is executed. It can also help you perform basic everyday tasks at home such as cooking with the help of a recipe from a popular website or doing a craft project. 

The smart display device can also be integrated with the Google-supported smart home video doorbell camera or normal cameras. Google has decided not to add a video feature on the Hub to address privacy concerns. 

Best Light Switch: TP-Link HS200

The use of smart bulb and lighting systems are all very effortless to use – until someone switches the flip off. The only way for you to utilize the capabilities of the smart bulbs and lights is for you to flip the switch back on. 

You can eliminate the problem once and for all when you use the smart light switch for your home. With this device, you can control the switch on and off using your smartphone or your smart home main control. 

You no longer have to worry about physically switching the light on or off. The light will automatically be switched on or off via your command. 

The TP-Link HS200 light switch works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. But it can also be integrated with other smart home systems like Wink or Apple HomeKit.

The best smart home devices of 2019. (Image Source: Women Love Tech)

Best Thermostat: EcoBee4

Do you want to transform your home into something more comfortable by regulating your indoor temperature? That’s now possible with the Ecobee4. This smart thermostat controls the air temperature inside your home using voice commands. 

This smart thermostat analyzes the ambient room conditions and adjusts the temperature accordingly. It is integrated with a remote temperature sensor in the box so you can adjust the temperature based on the readings in another room (apart from the central location of the thermostat). 

But what sets it apart from other smart thermostats in the market is its ability to work as its own Amazon speaker. Hence, it can perform all the basic functions that Alexa or Google Assistant can do, such as playing music, shop, or control other smart devices. This is a great solution for anyone who does not have a smart speaker yet. 

Best Smart Security: Arlo Pro 3

The Arlo cameras have received great reviews since they were introduced into the market. But the best of the bunch is the Arlo Pro 3, which is a smart home camera that is suited for indoor or outdoor use. 

This is not a cheap smart security device but one that can get the job done. The cheapest starting package is at $500 and every Arlo Pro 3 camera you add to the system will cost $199. It is battery—powered and is built with a weatherproof design. 

Also, it comes with a magnetic base that offers flexibility in terms of how or where you position the camera. You can even move them from one location to another with relative ease. 

Best Video Doorbell: Nest Hello

Want to know who’s at your door in real-time? Then you need to integrate the Nest Hello video doorbell to the security system for your smart home. This device can capture video that is worth 3 hours long. 

The thing that makes this video doorbell unique is its ability to use facial recognition technology that is owner-controlled. With Nest Hello, you can build your facial recognition database to ensure that people whom you know.

Also, the trust will be recognized as such when detected by the doorbell. It is different from other commercial surveillance systems that utilize information from existing databases. 

Want to Transform Your Condo into a Smart Condo? 

Even if you live in a condo, you can still utilize these smart home devices to enhance your way of life and add convenience to your day-to-day living. The above-listed smart home essentials are highly suited for condo residents.  

Those who live in the big city, the use of smart home devices can add efficiency to your life, as well as your safety. Think about these smart home essentials when you shop around for new units at Precondo to possibly invest in.