A smart home uses devices to enable the property owner to control systems and appliances including but not limited to heating, lighting and security cameras via the internet.
Although such devices have been on the market for 10 to 15 years, it has been the introduction of the smart phone that has seen their popularity soar as this all-empowering affordable device with inbuilt internet capabilities can enable a smart home to be controlled remotely.
It is now estimated nearly 30% of UK homeowners have smart home technology on their smart phones allowing them to switch their heating on before they arrive home, turn the lights on at dusk and open skylights in the summer all with one touch on their portable internet enabled device, their smartphone, and this figure continues to rise.
What systems and appliances can be controlled by smart technology in the home?
Heating systems
With a programmable smart thermostat in your home, heating can be controlled on the go. You can adjust the temperature in your property or, should you wish, switch the heating off all together from your smartphone thus reducing your home’s energy usage and consequently saving you money.
Some sophisticated devices learn from your habits over time and can pre-heat or cool your home based on your previous preferences and others can alert you if a high carbon monoxide, smoke, or gas level is detected.
Home monitors
Home monitors allow you to track and control the consumption of your home electronics, mechanical systems and appliances in real time. They offer the opportunity to see when you use the most energy and how you could cut back your costs without inconvenience or discomfort.
These home monitors are also able to provide you with a history of your carbon footprint, provide information on your most energy consuming appliances and send alerts of issues that you may wish to address.
These systems typically connect to the electrical panel itself and allow multiple circuits to be monitored simultaneously.
Lighting
Being able to remotely control your home’s lighting can be useful if you are going to be coming home in the dark. This not only makes life easier for yourself but can also act as an invaluable deterrent to burglars whilst you are out.
Smart water sensors
Smart water sensors can prevent water damage to your home. The sensor can detect any pipe leaks and alert you via your smartphone. This can enable you to act fast and keep any water damage to a minimum. Often these smart water sensors can also measure the temperature and humidity and inform you should either become a potentially hazardous level.
Security cameras
Smart security cameras can alert your phone when it senses movement in your home and can stream live video with audio to your device from various locations within the property. This is very useful should you need to leave the property empty for a few days.
Video doorbell camera
A video doorbell camera enables you to answer your door from your smartphone using video chat. It is a convenient way to speak to people delivering items to your home when you are not there, speaking to friends and family who have called whilst you are out and also acting as a deterrent to potentially burglary.
Smart plug and smart outlets
There are devices on the market that enable you to turn your appliances on and off throughout your home from your smartphone. Perhaps you forgot to switch off your iron this morning or you want your washing machine to come on so that the cycle ends as you arrive home in the evening, whatever your needs you can access appliances easily and conveniently from any location with an internet connection.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Fire and carbon monoxide are two of the biggest safety hazards in your home, consequently it is comforting to have the ability to be alerted to these hazards through your alarms via your smartphone. Your device can also remind you as to when batteries need replacing in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Smart locks
New to the market is the smart lock device enabling you to check that you locked the doors at your property on your smartphone. This can also act as a virtual spare key ending the days of ‘hiding’ the spare key under a doormat or plant pot!
The benefits of smart home technology
To summarise, the benefits of smart home technology can include:
- The opportunity to save money
- The potential to avoid costly property damage
- The convenience of accessing your systems and appliances on the go
- A reduction in your carbon footprint
- An increased level of home security
- The chance to improve your property’s saleability for the future
Do you need some expert advice on smart home technology?
Contact specialists, Westone Housing by calling the team on 01733 320500 or visiting www.westone.uk.com