Technology is constantly evolving to our needs as a society and individuals. One of these exciting developments has been the creation of smart homes.
What is a Smart Home?
A smart home is where homeowners can control thermostats, lighting, appliances and other devices remotely. This can be done over the internet through a smartphone or tablet. These can be set up through wired or wireless systems, allowing you full control wherever you are.
Benefits of Smart Homes
Easy Home Management
One of the biggest and most appealing aspects of a smart home is the easy home management it provides. The integrated systems give you full control over every smart aspect of your home. It also allows you to view insights and data, which can help you analyze daily habits and energy use.
Energy Savings
Smart homes provide opportunity for extensive energy efficiency and cost savings, depending on how you use the technology. Precise control over heating and cooling systems allows the system to learn your schedule and set preferences for the highest energy efficiency outcome. In addition, you can manage lighting to turn on and off at specified times to prevent energy waste. These homes are often stocked with top-of-the-line appliances and electronics, with improved energy efficiency leading to further cost savings.
Increase Appliance Functionality
Using smart appliances and electronics allows you to get even more out of these household tools. For instance, a smart oven can help you cook your chicken to perfection. A built-in audio system can provide the perfect atmosphere for any party. Plus, connecting your appliances and other systems will improve automation and give you even more to love about your home.
Flexibility
With the ever-changing smart home technology, this affords you greater flexibility when it comes to your home and your changing needs. Smart homes are typically highly flexible, allowing you to easily swap out old models for updated versions.
Improved Home Security
Incorporating security and surveillance features, such as cameras, into your smart home network will help you maximize your home security. There are options for home automation systems containing motion detectors, automated locks and surveillance cameras so that you always know what is going on. You can even set it to receive security alerts in real-time!
Growing Industry
Another advantage to smart homes is that this is a growing industry. Technology is constantly being worked on and improved. This means bigger and smarter tech will be available in the coming years, allowing for even greater cost savings, automation and control.
Considerations for Smart Homes
I bet you are probably pretty excited now that you know what smart homes can do! However, before you jump in there are a couple of considerations to keep in mind.
- What are your future plans?
- How much automation do you want/need?
- What systems are most important to you (lighting, audio, climate, security, etc)?
- What is your budget?
It is important to understand how much technology you are comfortable with, and what systems are most important to you. This way you can create a plan and a budget to upgrade your current home.
Smart technology has come a long way! Smart homes are already incredibly intuitive and automated, with more technology and advancements to come. While some of us will always remain the “labour of love” type, many of us have less time and energy than we used to. Smart homes not only help save you money but time and energy too so you can focus on more important things.