Imagine arriving home after a long day’s work, unlocking your door with your phone then walking inside to find the temperature ideal, the lighting comfortable and welcoming and a cup of coffee ready for your arrival.
This is exactly what can happen if you adopt Smart Home Technology.
We’re now living in the Digital Age and have technology at our fingertips that can simplify your life, keep your property safe, reduce your energy consumption and create the perfect home ambience.
However, getting started with Smart Home Technology can feel confusing if you aren’t a technology geek.
That’s why our team at Cobb Farr has created this short guide – to explain what Smart Home Technology is, its benefits and how it can make your home even better. Then we’ll leave you with a few expert tips and tricks to help you get started.
What is Smart Home Technology?
Smart Home Technology refers to a selection of modern appliances and devices that connect via the internet or networked device to make your home more comfortable, safe and energy efficient.
This includes smart doorbells and locks, thermostats, home monitors, cameras, lights, audio/visual equipment and even appliances like your fridge or microwave.
Everything is connected through one central ‘hub’ which is usually a smartphone, laptop, tablet or even games console. These can be controlled remotely from anywhere in the world, provided you have an internet connection.
You can program these devices to suit your unique needs and lifestyle or even allow the technology to learn your schedules and make adjustments as needed.
What technology can you use with your Smart Home system?
Smart Home Technology allows you to connect, control and automate a variety of home devices including heating, air conditioning, security systems, smoke and fire alarms, audio/visual entertainment and lighting. Let’s elaborate:
Heating and Air Conditioning
With Smart Thermostats and home technology, you can remotely control your home’s heating and cooling systems, adjusting the temperatures based on your requirements and schedule.
You can also use them to optimise your energy usage so you can save money on your utility bills and reduce your household’s impact on the environment.
Lighting
Smart lighting systems mean that you can automate or programme your home’s lighting to create the perfect ambience, boost your home security measures and reduce your stress levels.
Everything can be switched on and off remotely, placed on a schedule, changed based on sunrise and sunset times or even triggered by movement, depending on your requirements. You can even add automatic blinds or electric curtains to your Smart Home System to boost this functionality.
We love the fact that you can set your lights to turn on in the evening so your home is ready when you get back from work or even set a daily schedule when you’re away to boost your home security.
Audio/Visual
Whatever your personal tastes, you can invest in Smart Home audio/visual technology that can be voice-controlled or set to a schedule according to your needs.
Security
Security and personal safety are paramount for many homeowners and renters who want to protect their homes, keep their loved ones safe and monitor visitors. With Smart Home Technology, you can invest in various devices to keep your home safe. This includes:
- Cameras that track motion, capture video and allow for live feeds and pet monitoring.
- Smart doorbells that allow you to video call with the person at your door and can open it if required.
- Motion detectors that send notifications and alerts of suspicious behaviours.
- Remote locking of doors and windows.
- Alarms to ensure trespassers and thieves stay away.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that can send emergency notifications and alert you to any problems.
Information and communication
Finally, Smart Home Technology includes those more familiar voice-activated assistants like Amazon Echo, Alexa and Google Nest that allow you to control your home and carry out tasks with greater ease and efficiency.
For example, they can answer questions, take commands, organise your calendar, schedule meetings, provide alerts and even play your favourite song. This helps you to streamline your daily tasks and make life easier for the whole family.
What are the benefits of Smart Home Technology?
Here are a few of the main benefits of using Smart Home Technology.
It’s great for busy lifestyles
Many of us have busy lives, running around from task to task. With Smart Home technology, you can make life easier by remotely controlling devices and systems wherever you are, control your schedule and take those minor tasks like opening the curtains off your hands.
It boosts home security
A Smart Security System will keep an eye on your home and keep it safe, even when you are not there. With advanced features like motion sensors, home video surveillance and remote monitoring, you can keep your loved ones, belongings and home secure.
It’s more energy-efficient
You can optimise your energy usage, reduce waste and lower your utility bills with Smart Technology. With the ability to control your thermostat, lighting and appliances remotely, you can use exactly what you need, precisely when you need them with zero waste.
It provides peace of mind
Your Smart Home system is constantly on and constantly monitoring your home, sending real-time alerts and automated security features. This means you don’t have to worry about keeping your home safe and can get on with living your life.
Our tips and tricks for installing the best Smart Technology for your home
Now that you understand what Smart Home Technology is and the benefits it can offer, here are some expert tips and tricks for getting started with your own smart home.
1. Start small
In the beginning, start by investing in just one or two devices. This will allow you to get familiar with the technology and understand its capabilities without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Focus on your needs
What are your needs and priorities? Do you want to make your home more energy efficient or secure? Do you want to make your life easier with these technologies?
Consider what these are first so it will be easier to decide what to invest in and you won’t be so overwhelmed by all the smart technologies available.
3. Choose compatible devices
When you feel comfortable with just one or two Smart devices, consider investing in more. If you do so, make sure they are compatible with your existing tech and systems to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance.
4. Invest in quality
Avoid choosing low-end budget friendly options and look for high quality products from reputable brands instead. This will ensure your money is well spent and the smart device is durable, reliable and offers excellent long-term performance. Your investment will certainly pay off in the long term.
5. Keep it secure
Always use strong password, encryption and connect your smart devices to your own trusted network. This helps to protect you from cyber attacks, hackers and others who could steal your private information.
6. Choose between wireless or hardwired (or both)
While you can use either wireless or hardwired Smart Home Technologies, you should consider which is best for your needs when installing a more comprehensive system. Wireless is easier to install but you do need strong Wi-Fi coverage and possible extenders, especially if you have a large home. Hardwired is more reliable and difficult to hack but it can be more expensive. It’s best used when carrying out a major renovation or build and can increase the value of your home.
Summary
Smart Technologies can make your life simpler, your home more secure and energy efficient and provide you with total peace of mind.
Whether you simply want technology to turn on the lights and central heating before you arrive or you’re looking for a more extensive system, they can enhance your home, add value and make it a more welcoming and comfortable place to live.
Follow the steps we shared here, and you can transform and modernise your Bath, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire or Somerset home with Smart Home Technology.
