Technology has allowed us to achieve things that were only a dream in the past. Smartphones have changed the way the world works. They have changed the way that every individual lives their life. Connected cars provide unparalleled convenience. They can tell you when your tires need air or your oil needs to be changed. They integrate media in a new and convenient way. Smart homes are the next step in this evolution. A smart house can truly improve quality of life. A smart house can let you control your home from anywhere. This can improve security, add convenience, and save money and energy. Creating a smart house is a fun and involved task. Here are five intelligent ways to make your home a smart home.
First Things First
Before we dive into automation tips we should discuss the best way to integrate the various services into your home. The early days of ‘smart houses’ required a centralized hub within the home. Homeowners control their entire home from this single control center. Current home automation practices are moving away from this. The hub, instead of being in the home, is now on your smartphone. Google has a dedicated hub app that enables you to manage your home network. Apple uses their Apple TV app to manage your smart home.
Now that we know how to manage a smart home, let’s discover all of the amazing things that you can do with an automated home.
Climate Control
The nest smart thermostat has set the standard in home climate control automation. Bestreviews.com calls it “…the best smart thermostat available right now”. The nest smart thermostat allows you to manage your home thermostat from anywhere in the world, as long as you have access to the internet. This system also ‘learns’ your preferences and is able to adjust accordingly. This system accomplishes everything that one could ask for; it saves money and offers unparalleled convenience.
Lighting Control
A correctly automated home relieves you of duties that generations of homeowners could not escape. Automated lights make worrying that you’ve left a light on a thing of the past. Your smart phone, enabled with a hub app, is the only tool you need to turn your lights off from anywhere. If you will be away for an extended time you can keep the lights on a schedule. This may deter any would be intruders.
Security
An automated home can improve your peace of mind when you are home or away. Smart locks and cameras offer security that was once only dreamt about. Integrated cameras allow you to monitor your home from anywhere. There is no need to be scared by a strange noise outside of your home. A camera system and smart phone allow you to see your home from different angles. Furthermore, motion detectors can warn you of silent threats. The Cocoon security system is an exciting and innovative newcomer into the home security arena. This system of cameras uses infrared and low-frequency sound technology to detect intruders. This sophisticated system actually identifies ‘normal’ sounds in a home and alerts you when there is an odd sound.
Entertainment
A smart home knows that its owners need their favorite music. Google and Amazon have released smart home devices that puts the world of entertainment at your fingertips.
Smart home technology is gaining popularity because it is becoming easier than ever. From a single smartphone a homeowner can manage their climate, ensure security, and even turn lights on and off. Companies such as Google, Cocoon, and Apple see the potential of this technology and how it will improve the public’s lives. It is hard to say what unbelievable innovation in waiting for us in the coming years but the potential is only limited by our imagination.
David Glenn is a home improvement expert. He occasionally freelance writes about home maintenance and DIY home repair. He’s also knowledgeable about topics like how to improve social presence and building a reputation online.
