A smart house, or home, is one that has a system that connects to your devices to automate certain tasks and is often controlled remotely. Sprinkler systems, cameras, and home security systems can all be programmed with a smart home system, along with other devices such as air conditioners, heaters, and refrigerators.
They can be built into the structure from the start or added afterward, and they can be controlled through various tools such as apps, remote controls, switches, voice commands, or artificial intelligence.
For some people, turning their house into a smart home may just involve buying a smart speaker. Others can connect different product categories, such as smart TVs, security systems, locks, cameras, and more.
But why do I need a smart home?
Now that you have a basic understanding of what smart devices are, why would you equip your house or apartment with them?
1. Make life simpler
Most people strive for maximum convenience, and nothing says convenience like having things turn on where and when you need them. You can easily achieve a lot with voice control and smartphone control, as well as automation that can be set to activate based on sensor data, your location, connected devices, or the time of day.
The convenience of a light that wakes you up in the morning, turns back on before the sun goes down, or syncs with what’s on your TV or computer is why many people are switching to smart light bulbs.
2. Safety and security
While traditional alarm systems can make your home partially secure, smart security can include interconnected lights, locks, sensors, cameras, and bells for better monitoring and control.
The technology is especially useful when you’re not at home because you can monitor everything with internet access from anywhere using your phone and potentially scare off intruders before they do any damage.
3. Saving energy and money
The ability to save energy, and therefore money, is what often motivates people to build smart homes. For example, smart thermostats increase efficiency by cooling or heating at certain times or reducing electricity when no one is home.
Lights, plugs, and other smart devices can be programmed to turn off when not in use.
4. You will make your home a more interesting place
We all want to play and relax at home, and modern technology provides many opportunities for that.
Smart speakers give you the latest news, play music and podcasts, and control electronics like TVs and game consoles. These and other smart screen features are available, such as Netflix and YouTube video streaming.
Furthermore, Alexa or Google Assistant can be a useful addition in the kitchen or your bedside table.
5. Facilitating daily household chores
We may have android butlers in a few decades, but right now, robo-vacuum cleaners are practically everywhere, and even stationary devices are getting more smart home functions.
Think of an oven that cooks dinner perfectly or a refrigerator that orders milk when it senses you’re low on it.
Now that you have a basic understanding of what smart devices and their benefits are, would you choose a smart home for yourself and why?
