How do you know if your home is a smart home?
Fully automated houses are the pinnacle of Smart Home Technology, with George Jetson-like advancements that were formerly thought to be decades away.
Today’s Smart Home Technology includes everything from Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats to wireless door locks and outlets that can be turned on and off remotely, as well as notify you when your elderly Granny begins her morning cup of coffee. Additionally, the capacity to operate outlets, appliances, heating and cooling, and more via the wireless Internet, a smart device, and a few apps has become a cost-effective reality.
Is Your Home a “Smart” Home?
A smart home is a handy house configuration in which appliances and equipment may be managed automatically from any location with an internet connection via a smartphone or other networked device. A smart home’s devices are connected through the internet, allowing the user to remotely control features such as security access, temperature, lighting, and a home theater.
How do you know if your home is a smart home?
The components in a smart home are networked and may be accessed via a single central point—a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or gaming console. Through a single home automation system, door locks, televisions, thermostats, home monitors, cameras, lighting, and even appliances such as the refrigerator may be controlled. The system is installed on a mobile device or other networked device, and the user may choose when specific modifications should take effect.
Self-learning capabilities enable smart home equipment to learn the homeowner’s schedules and make necessary modifications. Smart houses equipped with lighting control allows homeowners to conserve energy and save money on energy costs. Certain home automation systems will notify the homeowner if motion is detected in the home while they are away, while others will notify the authorities—police or fire department—in the event of an emergency.
Once linked, services such as a smart doorbell, a smart security system, and smart appliances all fall under the umbrella of the internet of things (IoT), a network of physical objects capable of collecting and sharing electronic data.
Wireless or hardwired systems—or a combination of the two—can be used in smart homes. Wireless systems are more straightforward to deploy. Installing a wireless home automation system that includes smart lighting, climate control, and security can cost several thousand dollars, making it a highly cost-effective option.
On the other hand, hardwired systems are deemed more dependable and are often more difficult to hack. A hardwired system may significantly boost a home’s market value. However, there is a disadvantage—it is rather pricey. Installing a fancy hardwired smart system may cost tens of thousands of dollars for homes.
In 2016, the worldwide home automation industry was worth around $24 billion, increasing to $45.8 billion in 2017. By 2025, the number of active households in the US smart home market is estimated to reach 77.0 million. At the moment, the major component of smart home technology is video entertainment and smart speakers, followed by home security and monitoring services. In the United States, smart speaker technology has fully infiltrated the market, with more than a third of homes already using a device such as the Amazon Echo (Alexa) or Google Nest.
How can you make your home a bit smarter?
Smart Locks
Smart locks, which install over your current deadbolt, automatically disengage when a phone with a digital key is nearby. They enable remote operation, provide an infinite number of keys for family and friends, and alert you to activities in your house.
Wireless Lighting Controls
Wirelessly control the lighting in your house, including the intensity, color, and scheduling.
Smart Open/Close Sensors
When used in conjunction with other home automation devices, smart open/close sensors for windows, doors, and cupboards can SMS and notify you of a breach, as well as switch on lights and change the thermostat.
Smart Outlets
Connect smart outlets directly to existing wall outlets for remote on/off operation, schedule creation, and monitoring of plugged-in equipment’ power use.
With technology advancing at a breakneck pace and becoming more accessible, the future of Smart Home Technology is certain to be limited only by our ideas. Visit our website or contact us to see how we can assist you in capitalizing on home automation prospects now! The future is just around the corner…