Smart Homes are all you hear about these days. People making new homes, talking about how they will have state of the art construction and technology built into their new fancy houses. But just because you want a smart home too doesn’t mean that you need to buy one; you can turn your very own beautiful home into a smart home in simple ways. Start slowly with one smart device at a time, and you can call your house a Smart Home.
To put it simply, a Smart Home is one where internet-connected devices are installed, that enables you to control your electronics and appliances wirelessly, and also remotely. Here is what you can begin with.
Smart Lighting
Smart lighting includes anything ranging from smart bulbs to smart switches. Smart bulbs consume less electricity, all the while giving you the same bright light that any normal bulb does. They may also be controlled by motion sensors, so if there’s any movement, the lights come on, and where there is no movement for a certain time frame, the lights can automatically turn off, depending on your settings.
Smart switches and smart bulbs can be controlled through an app that is downloaded onto your smartphones or tablets, which allows you to control the lighting even remotely. So if you’re staying late at work after dark, you can still turn on the lights in your home. Or if you want to dim the lights to set the mood, just pick up your phone/tablet.
These devices can also be synced to your home voice assistants. Imagine this, you’re finally cozied up in your blanket with your popcorn bowl, and you don’t want to get off the couch to turn out the lights. All you have to do is say, “Hey Alexa, turn off the living room lights,” and you’re all set for the movie.
Smart Thermostat
When did you hear of the first utility smart thermostat? If you hadn’t previously then we’re here to tell you all about it.
Smart thermostats aren’t anything like the basic ones installed in your homes. These devices are connected to the home Wi-Fi, and thus connected to your phones, tablets, and also the voice assistants. And yes, it means exactly what you think; these smart thermostats can be controlled from your phones anywhere, anytime as well as through voice commands for your voice assistant. No more having to get up and adjust the temperatures manually. Isn’t that so convenient?
Moreover, these devices save energy and cut down on the bills because they automatically adjust your cooling and heating systems. Consider it a good and efficient investment for your home.
Smart Door Locks
By now you probably understand that all smart devices require an internet connection or your home Wi-Fi in order to function. And of course, which household doesn’t have an internet connection in today’s digital age.
Smart door locks, like all other ‘smart’ devices, have apps that are downloaded onto your phones, tablets and can also be synced to the voice assistants at home. Then you can control and have access to your door lock wirelessly as well as remotely. Some of these devices also come with in-built features where it locks on its own after a certain set time frame. That means your door can lock itself after 30 seconds automatically.
The biggest advantage this serves is safety. Other than the fact that the doors can automatically get locked, you can also check from your phone whether the door is locked once you’ve left the house. And if not, then you can remotely lock your doors as well. These devices also keep track of movement, for instance if your door was opened, or if someone tried to open it while you were away. Some also have cameras for a live feed.
Smart Kitchen Appliances
The kitchen is one room in the household that is used every single day, and what better than to make improvements to it. Smart improvements in fact.
Let’s take coffee. It is what the average American needs to start the day, it is what gets people late for work, and it is also what takes up a chunk of your monthly budget. Introducing, the Smart Coffee Maker. There are so many brands and models to choose from but we’re going to give you an overall gist of what this magical machine is about.
This appliance is again, synced to phones, tablets, and voice assistants. So yes, it doesn’t leave you with an excuse to get late in the morning. Set your coffee machine to start from the moment you wake up without having to go all the way to the kitchen and pressing buttons on the machine. Call out to good ole Alexa to start the machine or use your phone. It’s better to put your money to better use and buy this machine to brew your own coffee, rather than spending money daily and risking your job. Wouldn’t you agree?
For a more detailed description of which appliances to consider for your Smart Kitchen, you may read the following article, Appliances worthy of being in your Smart Kitchen.
