Smart Home Technology has become more popular than ever due to its increased affordability and improved user-friendly options
So what exactly is a smart home?
In a nutshell, it’s a group of electrical devices connected by a common network that you can control from anywhere. Control is done from an app on your phone or tablet, or from a smart home hub such as Alexa Echo or an Apple HomePod Mini, and only requires your voice or a touch of a button. All smart homes are not created equal as a homeowner decides what they want when it comes to functions and features, including which outlets and/or electrical devices are a part of their network. There are many possibilities including thermostats, appliances, lights, doorbells, locks, security systems, cameras, sprinklers, pet feeders and more. But is upgrading your home to a smart home worth it?
Let’s take a look at five of the biggest benefits to find out.
Energy Efficiency
One of the most appreciated benefits is the improved energy efficiency that installing a smart thermostat and smart lights provides. Smart thermostats offer better control over your home’s heating and cooling. Yes, you can program your current thermostat’s settings for different times of day, but a smart thermostat will ultimately learn your schedule and preferences and even suggest improvements. Smart lights can be programmed to turn on and off automatically as you enter and leave a room so that energy is never wasted - and can even dim automatically to your preferred settings. Smart thermostats and lighting systems use less power, which translates to lower electric bills and lessening your carbon footprint.
Safety, Security and Protection
Imagine being able to monitor your home from anywhere! Smart home technology allows you to connect and control your alarm system, motion detector lights, doorbell and surveillance cameras and door locks from wherever you are. With smart home technology, you receive security alerts and can monitor your house in real-time from anywhere. Additionally, you can add functions that allow alerts for smoke, water leaks, and electrical items that have been unintentionally left on or plugged in. No need to turn the car around anymore to make sure your oven is off!
Convenience
Smart home technology is easy and convenient, and gives you the ability to manage your home from one hub that is right at your fingertips. There are so many opportunities for making your life easier with a smart home. For example, preheat your oven when you’re on your way home from work, unlock the door for the babysitter from anywhere and make sure you in fact did remember to close your garage door without going back home.
Flexibility
Smart home technology is flexible and adaptable. Once you have set up your app or hub, adding new appliances and devices is simple. Your family’s needs change and grow, so why shouldn’t your smart home?
The WOW Factor
Finally, let’s be real, smart home technology is also just really cool. Automating daily tasks is not only a game-changer when it comes to efficiency and security, it’s also fun! Plus, our phones are with us all the time, so let’s use them for good, such as saving money, improving our carbon footprint and increasing home security. And we all know, just like kids, adults love getting new toys, too!
Your local IBEW 906 electricians are ready to help you create a smart home that fits your lifestyle. We can assess your home’s capabilities, add any needed smart outlets, help ensure the appliances and devices on your system can “talk” to each other, install any necessary wiring and add any items you wish to your network - including smart motion detector lights, doorbell and surveillance cameras, smart locks and more!
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