Turning Your House Into A Smart Home: 5 Ways To Upgrade
In recent years, smart home technology has taken the market by storm. In fact, a 2022 study found that nearly 58 million homes in the United States are using some form of smart home technology. This is no surprise as more Americans and others around the world prefer to work from home and generally want to spend more time at home.
Smart home devices and systems enable individuals and families to control everyday household tasks, but what exactly are they? And how do they work?
"Smart home" is a relatively new technology term used to describe a home (or business) system that allows users to control various technology or device settings over the Internet. In fact, smart home systems automate processes that would otherwise have to be done manually. A smart home device is any device that is connected to the internet and can be controlled remotely.
Smart home devices work in a variety of ways. For users who are truly committed to a fully integrated smart home, a hub like Amazon Echo or Google Home is recommended. But for those who just want one or two smart home devices in their home, many smart home devices offer users the option of downloading an app to their smartphone or tablet and controlling the device's settings from there . Whichever mechanism you choose, make sure the device you want to integrate has smart home capabilities, as some older devices or old window air conditioners, for example, may not have the internet connection required for smart home use is missing.
Whether you are a techie or an antiques dealer, there is something for everyone when it comes to smart home systems. While the possibilities of smart technology are endless and there are many smart devices available to you, here are five top ways to use smart home technology to enhance your home.
1. Lights and fans
One of the most popular ways people use their smart home is to integrate lighting into their home or business. The ability to control the lighting remotely not only saves time, but also money and energy. Have you ever left the house wondering if you left the light on? Or maybe you don't like coming home to a dark house but want to conserve energy. With a smart home, all you have to do is control your device and adjust the lighting to your liking. Some apps even offer the ability to record lights on a schedule.
2. Heating and air conditioning
Have you ever curled up in your bed after a long day at work only to find that your home was just a little too hot or too cold for your liking? This type of anxiety can be annoying, and getting up and going to the thermostat is never fun. When you plug in the heater and/or air conditioner, all you have to do is turn it on and adjust your device's temperature and settings.
The combination of heating and air conditioning can also be a great energy saver. Many people prefer to turn off the air conditioner when they leave to save energy and money, but no one wants to come home to a warm house and have to wait for the air conditioner to cool down. By controlling the air conditioner remotely, you can turn on the air conditioner in advance and avoid uncomfortable temperatures altogether. This is definitely true when it comes to heat.
3. Security
Using a smart home system to improve security at home or business is extremely popular among consumers. Cameras, alarms, sensors, door and window locks, etc. It can be controlled remotely via smart home integration. With Smart Security, you can rest assured that you'll be notified if anything suspicious or unusual happens. It is especially useful for individuals and families who are out of town and want to monitor their home or business remotely.
But the possibilities don't stop at observations. Users can manage all of the above. For example, if you're waiting for a cat sitter to come to your house while you're out of town, but don't want to provide extra keys, you can use the smart lock to lock and unlock it remotely. Your home the way you want it.
4. Refrigerators and other household appliances
Integrating devices into a smart home system can be a bit complicated. Often, devices like refrigerators do not have an internet connection, which is essential for smart home use. And as we all know, replacing the device can get pretty expensive. However, if you already have compatible devices or don't care about the costs of replacing them, you should integrate the devices into your smart home system. For example, smart fridges allow users to see what's in the fridge remotely, which can save a lot of money over time as you're not wasting money on unnecessary purchases.
5. Security
One of the smartest ways to use smart home technology is to integrate smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. There are several smart detectors available and replacing your old detectors is a relatively easy process with excellent returns. Even if you're away from home or work, you won't be notified of a problem, but you can immediately notify your local fire department if something happens. This kind of comfort is priceless and easily achievable with smart homes.
