Smart systems help users monitor their homes, automate routine tasks and make them more energy efficient. Many also help them stay safer by providing alerts on maintenance issues and preventing potential threats.
Smart devices can be controlled through a mobile app or voice commands using home assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Many of these devices can even learn user preferences to perform tasks automatically.
Thermostats
Some smart thermostats are designed with self-learning algorithms that track household activity and learn your schedule over time. This allows them to adjust heating and cooling usage automatically without your input, maximizing energy efficiency. They also deliver reports that show you your short- and long-term energy usage, giving you insights to help you reduce your impact on the environment.
These devices are often designed to be easy to program, with modern touchscreens and intuitive layouts. Some are compatible with home automation systems, such as those offered by Cync, and can be controlled remotely through a smartphone app. They can also be paired with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home, allowing you to adjust your indoor temperature using just a simple command.
Lastly, smart thermostats may offer geofencing technology, which can detect when you are nearing your home and change temperatures accordingly. This prevents your HVAC from running all day when you’re out of town or on vacation, avoiding unnecessary energy waste.
Lighting
A smart system can help you get more sleep by automatically turning the lights off at night, and it can prevent waste by adjusting brightness based on time of day. Some systems even adjust the color temperature of the light to boost your mood or help you focus.
It can also make your home more secure by allowing you to monitor and control security cameras remotely, or by locking doors and turning off lights in an unoccupied house. It can also improve accessibility for people with disabilities, and it can provide peace of mind for older adults by enabling family members or caregivers to remotely check on the health and well-being of someone living alone.
A smart system can be added to your existing home, or it can be integrated into a new construction or renovation project. The initial investment can feel steep, but it can be offset by lower energy bills and increased functionality.
Security
Smart systems allow homeowners to monitor and control their appliances,
thermostats, lighting, a home theater system and more from a smartphone or other networked device. They can also receive notifications and updates on their devices. Smart devices that feature built-in sensors and software-powered artificial intelligence help homeowners save energy, lower their utility bills and automate tasks, such as turning on a coffee maker before the homeowner wakes up or closing the blinds at sunset.
Some smart devices also include a camera feature that tracks activity and even allows homeowners to video-call people who visit their homes or answer the door. However, security experts warn that these products can be compromised by cybercriminals. For instance, hackers can eavesdrop on conversations and use voice assistants to spy on family members, which can lead to identity theft and other forms of cybercrime. Homeowners can protect their smart technology by installing strong passwords, implementing two-factor authentication and monitoring their home networks for suspicious activities.
Appliances
Adding smart systems to appliances can streamline home functions. The best home warranties in Florida may cover smart systems and home appliances. Look to your specific warranty to understand the coverages. For example, smart coffee makers brew fresh cups automatically at a programmed time; refrigerators track food expiration dates and generate shopping lists; and washing machines optimize run times when energy rates are lowest.
These devices also integrate with renewable energy systems to maximize the utilization of home solar panels. Additionally, smart plugs and power strips enable homeowners to control energy-draining devices like gaming systems and family computers remotely and avoid unnecessary electricity consumption.
Some smart home gadgets, such as the Amazon Echo and Google Home, allow owners to interact with their appliances through voice commands. However, it’s important to note that many smart systems require a reliable internet connection in order to function properly. This can become a problem when internet service is disrupted by natural disasters or hacking attacks. As a result, homeowners should consider investing in a home security system to protect interconnected appliances from these potential threats.
