A smart home has lights, appliances, thermostats and locks that communicate over a network with the Internet. This technology, first popularized by futuristic homes like George Jetson’s or Microsoft chairman Bill Gates’, gives homeowners control from a mobile device and can offer convenience, energy efficiency and safety. It can be a bit of an investment, but it can also save you money in the long run.
Some of the most popular smart home gadgets are light switches that allow users to turn them on or off using a smartphone app, smart thermostats that learn a homeowner’s habits and adjust temperatures based on the time of day or a custom schedule, and smart irrigation systems that set water flow based on the season and your home’s unique landscape to help reduce water waste. Home automation devices can also include security features such as sensors that alert the user to motion in the home, and cameras that provide a live feed from anywhere.
These systems are typically controlled through a central hub that combines all the devices in the home, but they can also be programmed and monitored through a dedicated device on a Wi-Fi network or through the Internet from a mobile phone. A smart home system can have as few or as many devices as a homeowner wants, but the key to getting the most benefit is understanding your needs and doing your research before buying.
Besides being easy to use and customizable, the main advantage of a smart home is the added comfort it provides. For example, a smart thermostat can be preprogrammed to automatically turn on the air conditioning at a specific time, and you can adjust the temperature settings from any location where there’s an Internet connection. Likewise, a smart speaker can start playing your favorite tunes when you walk into a room, and smart lights can fade in or out depending on your presence.
Another benefit is the increased energy efficiency that comes from having a smart home, since many of these products can be programmed to work at peak times when electricity prices are lowest in your area. Some of them can even report how much energy they’re using and provide you with information on how to conserve.
Many smart home products can also send notifications to a user’s phone or tablet, from severe weather alerts to a break-in alert to the fact that the dishwasher is running. Some can even call the police or fire department on behalf of a homeowner when they detect motion or an alarm in the home.
It’s important to remember that building a smart home takes time. It’s best to identify your needs, start small and work up to the full system you desire over time. This way, you can avoid purchasing a product that doesn’t meet your needs and may end up gathering dust. It’s also a good idea to choose smart home gadgets that work with your current Wi-Fi system, rather than requiring a separate hub. smart home automation