What is a smart home?
You’ve probably heard a lot about smart homes recently, but what is a smart home? A smart home utilises smart technology to create a smart automation system that can do everything from turning your lights on when you get home, to switching the air conditioning on in summer! With the growing demand for IoT or the ‘Internet of Things’, which refers to devices that are connected to the internet, there are now smart home gadgets for just about anything.
Benefits of smart home devices
The benefits of smart homes to most people may be fairly obvious. Not only do new smart homes gadgets sound super unique, but they can also make your life a lot easier. However, there might be some smart home benefits that will surprise you!
Convenience
Smart home devices can make your daily routine more efficient, for example, smart light bulbs will turn on when you get home regardless of whether or not you have a smart door lock, meaning that you do not need to fumble with keys anymore.
Improved energy efficiency
A smart home can be much more energy-efficient. For example, smart air conditioners allow you to monitor the temperature in your house and turn off any unused appliances. Not only is this good for your pocket but it’s also kinder on the environment.
Better home security
There are many home security smart devices available on the market. For example, smart door locks allow you to open and close your front door with ease, meaning that you do not need a key anymore! You can also get smart alarms that will notify you if anyone opens the smart lock whether or not they have permission to get in. With the help of smart home devices, you can take your home security system up a level.
Device analytics
Many smart home gadgets contain analytics software that can help you track your usage that you otherwise might not have been aware of. For example, smart light bulbs can give you information about your electricity usage throughout the day which will allow you to adjust your lighting to help reduce costs.
Appliance safety
Most smart gadgets are fitted with safety features, such as leak detection technology on gas appliances, smart plugs to smart thermostats. These devices also can turn your appliances off automatically if there is ever a concern or problem.
Smart Home Devices
Now you’re probably wondering what smart devices are available for everyday homeowners. Well lucky for you, smart technology comes in many different forms including:
Smart speakers and personal assistants
Smart speakers and smart home hubs allow you to connect with smart devices using voice commands and can also be activated by your smartwatch or smartphone. The more common ones you may have heard of include Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. These smart assistants also integrate seamlessly with multiple other smart home devices meaning you can use a voice assistant to control all the lights in your home or turn off the air conditioning!
Smart air conditioning
Smart air conditioning systems have many benefits. Not only do smart thermostats save money on your energy bills, but they also give you remote access which allows you to monitor and control the temperature in any room of your home from anywhere. Meaning you can time your air conditioner to turn on just before you arrive home from work ensuring you always come home to a cool house. With an Izone Controller, you can turn just about any existing air conditioning system into a smart system. Meaning you don’t need to spend money on air conditioning installation for a completely new system.
Smart lighting system
Smart lighting systems have been around for a while, but smart light bulbs are now becoming more and more common. You can buy smart lights that screw into your existing lamps and lights, so you don’t need to rewire the home. Most smart lights require a smart home hub that allows you to control your lighting from an app on your smartphone or smartwatch. If you forget to switch the lights when you leave the house, no worries simply switch them off remotely from your phone.
Smart home appliances
There are now so many smart appliances available, you’ll probably find one for just about everything you need! Appliances such as a smart fridge, smart oven, and even a smart vacuum can all be controlled from your smartphone or smartwatch. You can buy smart appliances for the home that require a smart hub, or you can simply turn your existing appliance into a smart one by purchasing a smart plug. These devices allow you to switch on and off any device that it is connected to.
Smart doorbells
You may wonder why you may need a smart doorbell? You can use smart doorbells to see who is at the door, even when you’re away from home. This gives you peace of mind that no one can approach your property without notifying you first. You could also use smart doorbells as part of a smart security system for added protection. There’s also that added bonus of being able to speak to the person at your door without having to physically be there.
Security system
With the help of smart home automation, home security has come leaps and bounds. Now you can use smart doorbells and smart security cameras to keep your home and family safe. These smart home devices allow you to see who is at the door, even when you’re away from home, and smart surveillance systems to monitor your property while you are out of town or busy with work
Turn your home into a smart home
The options for configuring a smart home are truly limitless! You can easily smarten up your entire home with smart heating or even smart lighting. Smart homes are a quick way to add convenience and security to your daily life. If you want to learn about incorporating your air conditioner into your smart home system, don’t hesitate to get in contact with the team at Busselton Refrigeration & Air Conditioning today!