Just in time for the approaching heatwave, we ask the question: How can people and plants cool down as energy-efficiently as possible? The IoT Competence Group of eco – Association of the Internet Industry provides smart tips for cooling down.
The sweltering summer heat is currently causing problems for many people across Europe: rooms are heating up, it is difficult to fall asleep and the desire for cooling is becoming increasingly urgent. Fans are running at full speed and air conditioners are humming. But it is precisely these aids that are increasingly caught between growing environmental awareness and concerns about rising energy costs.
But there’s a better way: smart IoT technology not only allows living spaces to be cooled in a targeted and efficient manner, but it also saves energy and keeps the ecological footprint to a minimum. By cleverly combining intelligent devices, it is possible to reconcile comfort, sustainability and cost control.
Cooling ahead of time is not rocket science
Modern smart thermostats, for example, can do far more than just control heating in winter. In conjunction with air conditioning systems or fans, they take over targeted temperature regulation in summer. This means, for example, that the home is pre-conditioned to a comfortable temperature before you return or only cooled when it’s truly necessary.
Automated roller shutters or blinds are even more efficient. They close automatically when the sun is strong and open at night for natural cooling. Combined with weather data, timers or temperature sensors, this creates a finely tuned system for passive climate control – without the need for constant manual adjustment.
Energy efficiency through automation
Why should the fan be running when no one is at home? Smart devices can be connected to presence detection or motion sensors and thus controlled in a targeted manner. Some air conditioning units can even detect whether doors and windows are open and then switch off automatically.
“Especially in summer, intelligent IoT systems can make a noticeable contribution to energy savings,” says Bastian Faßnacht, Product Manager for IoT Solutions at eco member NetCologne. “Automation enables many small optimisations to be implemented, which not only mean greater comfort, but also a significant reduction in electricity bills and environmental impact.”
Bastian Faßnacht, IoT Product Manager at eco member NetCologne
In addition, smart sockets or sensors enable a detailed analysis of the power consumption of individual devices. Users can thus identify which power guzzlers are causing unnecessary costs in summer – and can take targeted action, for example through automation or scheduled usage.
Cool and smart: IoT optimises water consumption
But it’s not just electricity that can be saved effectively with IoT solutions. Water can be saved too, both when watering plants and when showering – even outdoors. Smart sensors can measure soil moisture, for example, and control garden irrigation based on actual needs. Automatic control and an app allow the water flow, consumption and temperature to be optimally adjusted. This way, cool water can provide refreshing relief in a targeted and resource-saving manner.
Tips from eco IoT experts:
- IoT sensors react to sunlight and enable roller shutters to be controlled automatically – blocking out the sun and saving cooling costs
- Install temperature sensors – for targeted control of fans or air conditioning systems
- Leverage presence detection – only run devices when someone is in the room
- Monitor consumption – identify power-hungry devices with smart plugs
- Automatically control water temperature and usage – for efficient and need-based cooling
