A smart home has become increasingly popular as it offers homeowners convenience and peace of mind. The idea of monitoring and controlling your home from anywhere is taking security to a whole new level. If you’re trying to figure out what is a smart home, keep on reading!
This article will take you on a home automation journey to help you understand how it improves your home’s living standards, safety, and security. Not only does automating your home make your life more convenient, but it can also help you save energy and money.
In 2021, there were about 258.54 million smart homes worldwide, valued at $99.41billion. By 2023, 350 million homes are expected to be smart homes. If you’re considering automating your home, here’s what you need to know and the various equipment options available.
What Is a Smart Home?
Smart homes are residences equipped with technology that allows homeowners to control them remotely. They can include everything from the home’s security system to the thermostat.
Smart homes typically have devices connected to the internet, creating a network.
How Does a Smart Home Work?
You may wonder how smart home technology works and whether special devices are needed. This technology requires you to have smart devices or appliances for you to automate your home.
It doesn’t matter how many devices you’ll automate, but the only thing that should be there is the internet. The internet allows these devices to communicate over Wi-Fi or ethernet. On the other hand, the smart device connects with your smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth, Z-Wave, or ZigBee connections.
Most smart devices come with their hubs, which are referred to as proprietary hubs. They enable communication between your smartphone and the device and are perfect if you don’t have many smart devices to control. Unfortunately, most hubs cannot integrate with other smart home systems. As a result, this calls for a dedicated hub where the devices can communicate, creating a centralized system.
You can also control smart devices with voice-controlled virtual assistants such as Siri for Apple, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.
What Is a Smart Device?
It’s a device that makes up a smart home, connects to the internet, and can be controlled remotely. It can include everything from thermostats and light bulbs to security systems and video cameras.
What Are the Benefits of a Smart Home?
There are many benefits associated with an automated home, and here are just some:
- Convenience: This is perhaps the most obvious benefit of a smart home. Automating tasks like lighting, temperature control, and window shades can make life much easier for homeowners. For example, you don’t have to go back home to check whether you accidentally left your stove on. Instead, you can check and switch it off from your smartphone.
- Comfort: By optimizing conditions like temperature and humidity, smart homes can provide a much more comfortable living environment.
- Increased safety and security: This is another crucial benefit of a smart home. You can see everything in your home by integrating security systems like cameras. You can also switch the lights on and off if you’re not at home to deter any intruders.
- Energy efficiency: Smart homes can save up to 30-40% energy. With a smart home, you can switch off your electronic devices in case you forget. In addition, devices like smart thermostats can regulate temperature automatically, saving energy.
What Is the Equipment That You Can Use in a Smart Home?
Technology advancement has slowly but surely become a norm in our lives. Now that you know “what is a smart home,” let’s look at the smart technology that makes a home a smart home.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats let you adjust the temperature in your home without constantly changing it manually. They also allow you to set schedules for when the heat or AC will come on or off. It also gives you access to features like fan speed controls or sunset/sunrise settings.
Some features depend on the type of thermostat you select. For instance, some learn your temperature preferences and automatically adjust to what you like.
Thermostats are among the top gadgets that use energy in your home. With a smart thermostat, you’ll be able to save on energy costs. For example, Nest claims that its Nest Learning Thermostat saves between 12% -15% on heating and 15% on cooling.
Smart Cameras
These cameras can connect to the internet through Wi-Fi, and you can use them to monitor your home’s activities. They can be security cameras or baby cameras, and you can control them remotely. In addition, smart cameras have a wide range of features, such as facial recognition, the ability to take and share pictures, and record and share videos.
The smart camera allows you to take part in live video chats, and you can use them to listen to live conversations in your home. You can also use these cameras to let intruders know you’ve seen them, especially if you’re not at home.
Smart cameras come with motion detectors and can send you an alert if they detect movements. The camera design can be suitable for outdoor or indoor applications, so when buying, ensure that you get one that meets your needs.
Smart Door Locks
A smart lock uses an electronic component to lock or unlock instead of a traditional key since you control it remotely. As a result, smart locks can offer several advantages over conventional locks, such as increased security, convenience, and flexibility.
Smart door locks work well with smart doorbells by sending you an alert when a visitor rings the bell. Also, some of these doorbells come with a motion detector. So, when the doorbell senses someone is at the door, it sends you an alert. You can also pair smart door locks with a smart doorbell camera to see the person at the door.
Smart Lights
A smart light is a light bulb you can control using a smart home system. You can use this type of light to create different lighting scenes. Furthermore, you can schedule when the lights should be turned on or off and even control the lights remotely. There are many benefits to using smart lights in your home. With the ability to schedule your lights, you can save energy and money by ensuring the lights are on when in use.
You can also create different lighting scenes to suit your mood or your activity. For example, you can create an ambiance that’s perfect for reading or working and another that’s perfect for relaxing or entertaining.
On top of smart lights, you can also install smart switches and smart plugs to help you save more energy in your home.
Smart Speakers
You can connect smart speakers to the internet and use them to play music, control other smart devices, and provide information. Smart speakers are voice-activated and usually come with a virtual assistant, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Smart speakers are becoming increasingly popular and more affordable and offer a convenient way to control other devices in your home. For example, you can use a smart speaker to turn on your lights, set a timer, or add items to your grocery list.
Smart TV
A smart television connects to the internet to offer a wide range of built-in features, such as apps, web browsing, and on-demand streaming. Most Smart TVs also have access to voice assistants, such as Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, which allow you to control the TV using your voice.
While these features may sound impressive, it’s important to remember that not all smart TVs are the same. Some TVs have more features than others, and some may be more difficult to use. So, before buying a smart TV, it’s essential to research and ensure you’re getting a suitable one.
The list of smart devices you can add to an automated home is endless, including kitchen appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, food scales, and blenders.
What Is the Cost of Having a Smart Home?
The cost of having a smart home varies depending on the type and number of devices you want to install. Generally, expect to spend a few hundred dollars on basic devices like security cameras and door locks. On the other hand, you could spend a few thousand dollars if you want more advanced features like whole-home automation. However, many believe a smart home’s convenience and peace of mind are worth the cost.
Switch Your Home to a Smart Home with ONIT Home
So, what is a smart home? A smart home is equipped with devices whose technology makes it more efficient, comfortable, and safe. With a smart home, you’ll never have to worry about forgetting to leave the stove on or leaving your thermostat a little warm.
ONIT Home uses cutting-edge technology to give you the power to control your home 24/7, from anywhere in the world. We connect your smart devices, including lights, locks, thermostats, and appliances, so you can fully control them. We also help protect your home or business with customized smart home security systems. We monitor these systems 24/7 so you can rest easy, knowing that your home is safe and secure. In addition, we provide flexible financing options so that you get the best service without breaking the bank. Visit us online for more information or call us now at 1-833-433-0331 to speak to our dedicated experts. If you want to switch to a smart home, we’re ONIT.