Smart Technologies

Smart technology offers an innovative solution that allows homeowners to enhance their living spaces while maintaining the integrity of these timeless structures. By integrating advanced systems and devices, historic homes can increase their monitoring and data collection to perform proactive maintenance and preservation and benefit from increased energy efficiency and convenience. In some cases, contractors may also use smart tools to more effectively maintain HVAC systems and perform energy audits. 

Common uses for smart technology include: 

  • Intelligent thermostats and lighting controls 

  • Improved security 

  • Humidity sensors

  • Flood vents

  • Integration with HVAC systems for better zoning

  • Wifi enabled batteries for smoke detectors and alarms 

Examples of smart technologies used in libraries

Getting Started

With a stable Wi-Fi connection, smart technology can easily integrate into homes or commercial properties without altering their natural charm. Smart building systems can be designed to fit buildings of any scale and may be as elaborate as desired. DIY kits can be purchased and customized for the property owner's needs, and they can often be connected via Bluetooth or with a small amount of hardwiring. 

To get started, you will need to assess the Wi-Fi connection of your building to ensure that it is strong. While faster Wi-Fi speeds are better, a successful smart network can operate at 25-50 Mbps per smart device. In most cases, it is best to start low or start with what you have and increase your home bandwidth only as needed. 

Next, assess what your goals are for your smart controls. Are you looking to lower your energy bill? Improve heating and cooling? Turn off lights and devices when not in use? Improve locks and security without making permanent modifications? In any case, research out products and determine what will be the best fit for your needs. 

Benefits and Drawbacks

There are many benefits to integrating smart technology into historic homes, in particular. When strategically applied, smart monitors and Wi-Fi-enabled batteries can prevent costly damage by monitoring the temperature and humidity of a house, alerting if fire alarm or smoke detector batteries need to be replaced, and even sensing intrusions. Smart retrofits to old ventilation systems and thermostats can also give property owners greater control over zoning and temperature by heating and cooling necessary rooms, helping to identify inefficiencies and making adjustments based on the time of day. 

Benefits of Smart Technology:

  • Greater control and more efficient monitoring 

  • May save on energy costs

  • Can be integrated wirelessly

On the other hand, because smart products are relatively new, much is still unknown, and current technology has some drawbacks. The first and most significant drawback is the high cost of smart appliances. Many smart home products can cost $100 or more per device, and smart vent kits can cost anywhere from $350 to over $1,500, depending on how many vents are needed, adding up significantly. It may also be easy to sell unnecessary products or products with additional features when purchased as a whole system. 

In addition, like any technology connected to the Internet, smart devices can be hacked. You should always use safe Wi-Fi network passwords and keep vital appliances (e.g., refrigerators and security systems) off the same network as your home computer and phone. If security is of high concern, look for devices that have built-in recording devices, as these often remain on. 

Lastly, while many smart products can be instilled with little to no damage to the existing building and do not impact historic property status, some homeowners prefer to avoid any visible modern technology. This comes down to personal taste and to what degree you would like your home to be authentic. Fortunately, many products are customizable and take up little space in the home. 

Drawbacks of Smart Technology 

  • High cost 

  • Privacy risk 

  • Inauthentic to the historic nature of the home

Energy Star Appliances

Energy Star appliances are products that meet the efficiency criteria set by the Environmental Protection Agency or US Department of Energy these products. Many home appliances can be given the Energy Star certification, including thermostats, air conditioners, freezers, refrigerators, washers and dryers, light bulbs, and other fixtures. When implemented throughout a property, these appliances consume less energy and can save an estimated 20 to 50% on monthly energy bills. Switching out existing appliances with Energy Star appliances at the end of their usable lifespan can be another great way to improve the overall Energy Efficiency of your property without making any permanent changes to the physical structure of the building. In addition to using less overall energy, Energy Star appliances can have smart technology built-in with a wide range of capabilities.

Possible smart capabilities of Energy Star appliances include:

  • Sending alerts that a product is malfunctioning

  • Scheduling energy usage for when electricity rates are at their lowest

  • Using sensors to make automatic adjustments in order to use only as much energy as needed

  • Connecting remotely to a smart phone or computer

In some cases, your purchase of an Energy Star Appliance may qualify you for a rebate or other financial incentives depending on the appliance and where you live. You can learn more about Energy Star smart appliances on their website.

 

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