Technology never runs out of surprises. Even with just our phone and the internet, we could get a lot of things accomplished. But on a bigger scale, technology has also opened a door for humans to experience living in a smart space. With lights that automatically turn on and off, refrigerators that read the news, and vacuums that run on their own, we are taking convenience to the next level.
If you’re not yet on board, here’s a brief guide to get you started.
What exactly are smart homes?
No, you don’t need to build a smart home from the ground up. A smart home is just a regular house, only with automated appliances. These appliances are connected to a computer system, therefore eliminating the need for switches or manual operations.
In a smart home, your TV can turn on by itself when you arrive home. Your lights can turn off when you leave a room. And for security purposes, smart cameras can alert you of suspicious activity at home when you’re at work or on vacation.
Necessarily, it’s like having a house where almost everything is automatic. You can set up your preferences, so your home knows how you want things to run around the house.
Smart Home Appliances
When transitioning to a smart home, it’s essential to know the options you have. While there are smart home gadgets sold in a complete set, you don’t have to buy everything all at once.
Smart home appliances are programmed so they can run from a central hub. Some appliances include refrigerators, washers, ovens, vacuums, thermostats, and faucets. You can control them all from one app on your tablet or your phone, giving you access to hundreds of features and functions.
This technology may also allow voice control, so you only have to say a command, and the appliance will get it done for you. For instance, a vacuum can be ‘told’ to spot clean or change a cleaning pattern, making it more useful for dirty areas. But if the vacuum is not cutting it, a steam mop is another option for extreme cleaning without chemicals.
Benefits of a Smart Home
One obvious benefit of a smart home is convenience. Refrigerators can defrost on their own. Microwaves can set their timers by reading scan-bars on food items. Your house will also know when it’s raining, and it won’t run the garden sprinkler anymore.
Security is another significant benefit. You can set up cameras inside and outside the house. They are capable of detecting motion and faces, so you know who’s in whose room. Door and window sensors can also come in handy. If there’s any unrecognized movement or suspicious activity, you will be alerted right away.
Lastly, energy efficiency is a great smart home advantage, as well. You will gain more control over heating and cooling because your thermostat can learn your schedule and temperature preferences. Lights can also automatically turn off when the sun rises. Plus, smart home gadgets can also give you an energy report to track your energy consumption.
Overall, using smart home appliances in your home elevates your quality of life. After all, everything is more accessible when you’re in full control – without having to do the manual work.
