Get Smart! Simple tech can level up your home
What, exactly, is a smart home?
Smart home technology has been in the news for over a decade, and it’s estimated that almost 58 million American homes have at least one smart device. Even so, there’s still confusion about what a smart home is, how it works, and whether it’s safe.
By definition, a smart home is any dwelling equipped with technology that can remotely control and automate normal functions through a mobile app or online hub. Popular smart devices can control a home’s lighting, climate, security system, appliances, media, and more.
Making your home smarter doesn’t have to be complicated. Most smart devices are controlled by mobile apps that can be accessed on your phone or tablet. When you purchase a device, instructions for downloading and setting up your app are typically included. If you only have a few devices, using individual apps works great. If you decide to go big and connect everything possible, there are hub devices you can purchase to manage everything from one central location. You may already own one if you use Alexa or, to a lesser extent, Siri.
Smart home benefits
Convenience
With smart plugs on your major outlets, you can turn off any plugged-in device from your mobile phone. You can also pre-set schedules for turning things on and off, so your space heater or window AC unit can start running an hour before bed.
Programmable thermostats control your heating and cooling on daily and weekly cycles, conserving energy and eliminating the need to adjust with your settings daily. Upgrade to a mobile-controlled, or smart thermostat, and you can monitor your current home’s temperature and change your settings from anywhere, even when you’re on vacation.
Safety
Most people don’t need a whole-home security system, but a smart doorbell provides a layer of home safety with little setup and low cost. Smart doorbells use video and audio to see and hear who’s at the door. They’re great for monitoring deliveries and seeing who’s coming and going, and they’ve been used to help solve neighborhood crimes by recording, essentially, neighborhood surveillance video that law enforcement can sometimes use for their investigations.
For those who want even more security, smart security systems can be monitored and controlled entirely on your computer, tablet, or mobile. So no matter where you are, you can see what’s happening on your property.
Energy efficiency
According to EnergyStar.gov, appliances, EV chargers, and any other home device where usage can be controlled offer opportunities to use less electricity.
But the single biggest way to save electricity with smart technology is with a smart power strip. These can be controlled so that they’re off when you’re not actively using what’s plugged into them, eliminating “vampire energy” usage (your electronics run when not in use) and saving your household up to $200 every year!
Accessibility
For the elderly and people with disabilities, a few key smart devices can make it easier to live at home. Voice command systems (even simple smart speakers like Alexa) can control lights, lock doors, make phone calls, and more. Even tasks like watering the lawn and vacuuming (Roomba, anyone?) can be automated.
As the population continues to age, adult caregivers especially can breathe a little easier knowing they can monitor and control household functions and security for their loved ones without having to be on site for everything.
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