Active vs Smart House

You may be asking yourself, “What’s the difference between an active house and a smart house?” Well my friend…*takes a shot of tequila*…let me tell you.

It seems like the big talk today is what new and exciting technology can you install into your house. Devices such as Nest Learning Thermostat, Lifx Color 1000, and Lutron Serena Remote Controlled Shades are just a few examples of the tech buzz people want in their homes.

But whatever happened to simple design and layout for a house? Instead of spending hundreds to thousands of dollars (or euros…whatever you like my friend) on tech devices that, well, will need to be replaced in a few years because of the “new and improved” latest model, you can design your home with three essential factors — comfort, energy, and environment.

“Bartender…dos tequilas, por favor.”

So…where was I…oh yes! Active vs smart…I’ll tell you what the buzz is around the tech devices. The Nest Learning Thermostat learns your temperature preference and will automatically adjust the room to your liking. This saves you money on your utilities bill and creates a comfortable living space. The Lifx Color 1000 is a brighter, more efficient lightbulb. As the name suggests, the lightbulb can go up to 1,000 lumens. With more light from less energy, it’s a clear step forward from generation one. Lastly, the Lutron Serena Remote Controlled Shades are exactly as the title says, they are shades that can be installed and operated by a touch of a button. They add a convenience and simplicity to everyday life.

“Bartender…dos más tequilas and I’ll pay my bill, por favor.”

So now you may be thinking all that fancy tech sounds amazing to have, right? *takes both shots of tequila* What if I were to tell you you can get the same features without buying all of those devices? Active houses are buildings that create a healthier and more comfortable life without negative impact on the climate and the goal is to move towards a cleaner, healthier and safer world. Higher quality insulation helps retain heating within the home, a well regulated ventilation system provides clean air in the house, and renewable energy systems such as solar water heaters and/or geothermal heat pumps will help every homeowner reach their energy target. Below is an example of what an active house would look like.

“So let’s see how much I owe from all the shots I had…umm…my friend…can you pay and I’ll owe you next time?”