Let’s face it...a smart home sounds great! Who wouldn’t want to have a home that is programmed to understand your every want and need – often before you do!
But many homeowners are reluctant to jump on the smart home craze. They believe it may be too expensive and complicated! But if you know how to use a smartphone, Wi-Fi, and can download apps, chances are you are capable of creating a smart home.
Smart Hubs
If you plan on installing multiple smart products, it’s important to research “hubs.” Hubs are the “central intelligence” products that allow smart products to communicate with each other. There are many hub options available. More and more companies, including Google and Nest, are getting into the smart home marketplace which is bringing the cost down. While hubs are becoming easier to use, you should research usability, options, product compatibility, and security features before investing in a hub.
As you add multiple smart products, be sure each of the products can communicate with your central hub and are secure from hackers. This will allow you to control all of your smart products from the central hub’s app. To make things even easier, some hubs come with starter kits that include many smart products.
But if you are looking to start with just one smart product, you do not have to purchase a hub. Individual smart products often come with their own app, allowing you to control that product right from your phone.
Welcome Home!
Before investing in multiple smart products, determine which smart technology and features are important to you. To introduce you to a few simple options, let’s start at the front door!
Door Locks: Smart locks may not make your home any safer, but they can give you better home access control. With smart door locks, you can lock and unlock your door remotely. Many smart locks feature “temporary access” codes, either on a keypad or through a smartphone digital key, allowing others to enter your home when necessary (ex. maintenance workers, dog walker, cleaning services). Bluetooth and standard wireless technology are common on many of these locks, but they also require batteries. Ensure you have an alternate means of locking and unlocking your door in case the batteries die. Here are a few things to consider when purchasing a SMART door lock:
- Security features
- Battery life
- Durability of deadbolt
- Locking/unlocking options:
- Tap a button within a smartphone app
- Door unlocks when you enter a predefined zone
- Self-lock after departures
- Identify spoken commands
Doorbell: Just like a typical doorbell, visitors push a button to let the occupants know they are at your door. But a smart doorbell can allow you to interact with the person at your front door, even if you aren’t home. Most of these devices feature a wide-angle camera and a speaker that can be accessed through your smartphone. This allows you to see and talk to your visitor from anywhere in the world. These doorbells can also use your existing doorbell wiring if placed in the same area. However, if you want to place your doorbell in a new location, you can install batteries.
This Little Light of Mine!
Once inside your home, there are many more automation options.
Smart lighting offers the ability to control lights from anywhere. Some smart lighting even offers the option of an automatic on/off function once you enter a predefined zone. For example, you can set the lights to come on once you enter your neighborhood or pull into your parking spot.
You can get smart lighting by purchasing smart lightbulbs, sockets or switches.
Light Bulbs: These light bulbs can fit directly into your light socket without any additional accessories. The cost is often more expensive than your typical light bulb, but prices continue to come down as availability increases. In addition to the remote on/off capability, some smart light bulbs offer:
- Dimming option
- Various lighting color options
- Turn on/off at a set schedule
Sockets: Imagine taking any standard light bulb and making it a smart one! Sockets are an easy way to transform your lighting without having to replace all of your light bulbs. Most smart sockets have similar functionality to that of smart light bulbs including:
- Remote control through smartphone
- Customized scheduling to meet your daily routine
- Options to create the perfect lighting ambiance
Plugs and Switches: These accessories are similar to light bulb and sockets – remotely turning devices on and off as you wish. Each product has its pros and cons and offers a variety of options. Of course, plugs can be used for any device (ex. lamps, coffee maker, curling iron, etc.) that you would like to automate or set a timer that matches your daily schedule.
Make Yourself Comfortable!
Home automation also extends to your indoor comfort! Intelligent heating and cooling are becoming more commonly accepted. Not only can smart temperature control make your life more comfortable and convenient, but some thermostats have shown that they can save you money in the long run.
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Thermostat: Some companies have paved the way for smart heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). According to its
website, Nest thermostats are used in millions of homes and have saved billions of kilowatts hours of energy. The thermostat has advanced technology that will learn your routine, adjust the temperature according to your preferences, and can be controlled remotely.
Think Smarter Not Harder?
Smart technology for the home is still in its infancy but quickly advancing. With a smartphone and the product’s app, you can have more control of your home and your comfort. But there are a few other reasons that smart home technology is being welcomed in millions of home across the globe.
Security: The safety and security of our families appear to be a main driving force of smart home technology. Security systems are adapting as technology becomes a part of our daily life. Homeowners now have the option to monitor their own home from your smartphone and receive alerts on activity. This technology gives you the ability to know what is going on at your home while you are not there.
Energy Efficiency: While individual results may vary, the technology offers the possibility to conserve energy. When products are pre-programmed to fit your needs, it reduces the chance that they are operating when no one needs them.
Senior Citizen Care: Smart home technology has the potential to help seniors citizens live easier lives and allow family members to keep tabs on their aging parents. The multiple products can give family’s peace of mind!
The thought of turning everyday products into smart products sounds complicated. However, technological advancements, affordability, and ease-of-use are making the smart home concept more attainable for everyone.
This article was included in the
2017 Fall/Winter Good Life Magazine.
1 Parker, D., Sutherland, K., & Chasar, D. (2016). Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings. ACEEE. Retrieved from www.aceee.org/files/proceedings/2016/data/papers/8_163.pdf