All of us enjoy the benefits of modern technology, even if we’re not sure how it all works but are you ready to turn your home into a ‘Smart Home’?
Let’s be honest mobile phones, tablets, the internet we’ve all taken hold of the technology and can no longer live without it but do we really know how it works and does it make complete sense.
Your home is no different from many appliances that make our everyday lives easier things from microwaves to dishwashers but now with new technology and computer software as well as technical know-how designers have moved things so far forward, creating a fresh model for the future – The Smart Home.
If you dream of every light appliance and device being at your command with the simple touch of your smartphone then ‘Smart Living’ is for you.
Smart home appliances are specialised ones programmed to run from a central system. Smart homes think for themselves, giving you more control but at the same time helping you give up control.
Any domestic device can be a smart appliance and everything in your home can function using a remote control or a laptop. Maintenance is also a benefactor as your smart appliance will know when to turn on or off, how much energy is required of it, and how to maintain itself, making it also energy efficient. Not only this but a ‘Smart Home’ can adapt to the way you live such as your routines, what temperatures you like in your house when you like lights on or off and so on.
Some home automation appliances are stand-alone and do not communicate, such as programmable light switches but others are part of the internet of things (IOT) and are networked for remote control and data transfer.
Home automated systems consist of a suite of products designed to work together.
These typically connect through WIFI or power line communications to a hub that is then accessed with a software application. Thermostats, lighting, blinds, door locks and security systems are all very popular applications.
Previously to automate your home would consist of large, wall-mounted devices but now you can even use your mobile phone and simply send signals.
The signals will be picked up and can change and operate lights, doors, thermostats etc. The process can be even more simplified by having a smart outlet that you can plug a lamp into, enabling it to be controlled remotely.
Some companies are now taking ‘Smart Living’ that one step further with innovative technology that organises groceries and home tasks as well as providing entertainment with family communication centres.
Think about the options you now have at your command. With the touch of a button or by the register of your voice, you can tell your house exactly what to do for you.
The real convenience, though, is the peace of mind this provides. What if you could monitor your house from afar? Did you leave that burner on?
Check the internet once you get to work and tell the stove to turn itself off, or monitor the temperature from the office; then on your way home, email or text message your house to turn on the air conditioning.
If you’re out of town, you can even turn your lights on and off to ward off prowlers or arm your burglar alarm from across the country. Or set up some cameras and watch your house from any computer terminal.
Home automation is growing more and more common every day, which, naturally, is driving average cost down. Though it sounds intimidating, this wave of the future is quickly becoming the custom of today.
By Paul Johnson