Smart Home Technology continues to be on the rise as it’s now more affordable and easier to use than ever.
So what exactly is smart home technology?
Essentially, it’s when a group of electrical devices are connected by a common network that can be controlled remotely. Control can be executed via an app on your phone or tablet, or from a smart home hub such as Alexa Echo or an Apple HomePod Mini. Homeowners choose which outlets and/or electrical devices are part of their network. Devices can include thermostats, appliances, lights, doorbells, locks, security systems, cameras, sprinklers, pet feeders and more. There are seemingly endless possibilities, but is creating a smart home right for you?
Let’s take a look at five of the biggest benefits.
Energy Efficiency
Improved energy efficiency gained by installing a smart thermostat and smart lights is one of the most important benefits of a smart home. Smart thermostats offer improved control over your home’s heating and cooling any time of day. For example, lowering your heat when you’re not at home to enjoy it. You can program your settings, and a smart thermostat will learn your schedule and preferences quickly and even suggest improvements. You can program your lights to turn on and off automatically as you enter and leave a room. They can even be programmed to dim automatically. Energy efficiency from smart technology means both lowering your electric bills and a greener footprint.
Safety, Security and Protection
Interested in monitoring the safety of your home from anywhere? Smart home technology allows you to do this with your connected alarm system, motion detector lights, doorbell and surveillance cameras and door locks. With smart technology, you receive security alerts and have the ability to monitor your house in real-time from anywhere. You can even add functions to alert you about smoke, water leaks, and electrical items that have been unintentionally left on or plugged in - and you can turn them off from afar.
Convenience
The conveniences that smart home technology allows for cannot be overstated. There are so many ways to use it to make life just a little bit easier. You can start preheating your oven before you get home from work, unlock the door from anywhere if someone forgot their key, get the A/C going on a hot day before you step in the door, double-check that you remembered to close the garage without heading back home, and so much more! Plus, having one hub run it all is easy since there’s no need to learn a bunch of new apps or systems.
Flexibility
Smart home technology is incredibly flexible. Fortunately, adding new appliances and devices to your hub is really simple. This means your smart home adapts to you as your family’s needs change and grow.
The Wow Factor
We also have to point out that smart technology is just really cool! And just like kids, adults need new toys once in a while. The ability to automate mundane tasks makes them, well, less mundane. Not only is it a game-changer when it comes to efficiency and security, smart home technology is also fun!
IBEW NECA 252 electricians are ready to help you create a smart home that fits your lifestyle. We evaluate your home’s capabilities, add any needed smart outlets, ensure the appliances and devices you want on your system can “talk” to each other, install any necessary wiring and, of course, add any items you wish such as smart motion detector lights, doorbell and surveillance cameras, smart locks and more! Contact one of our highly-trained and skilled electricians today!