To some homeowners, home automation may seem like an expensive, futuristic luxury. However, in recent years, smart home technology has become increasingly affordable, accessible, and easy to use. Google, Amazon, and other brands have developed their own automated home assistants like Google Home and Alexa that can sync smart home devices together to work seamlessly.
As these devices become more widely used, many more smart home technologies have gained popularity in recent years. Here, we’ll discuss five different ways you can utilize smart technology in your home.
1. Thermostat
A smart thermostat allows for total virtual control of your heating and cooling system. You can adjust your thermostat from anywhere with a Wi-Fi or cellular connection with a convenient app. Whether you’re lounging at home, on your way home from the office, or on a cross-country trip, smart thermostats let you manage your heat and AC wherever you are. Some models even have sensors that can automatically detect if you’re home and turn on and off accordingly.
Many models offer energy data and reports, so you can monitor your usage over time. By setting your smart thermostat to turn on and off only when needed, you can save money on your energy bill and conserve energy.
2. Lighting
With smart lighting systems, you can finally turn off the lights without getting out of bed. Smart bulbs, lighting strips, and dimmer switches let you control the brightness and color of your lighting fixtures, whether you need an intense white light while you’re working or a multicolored setup to match your favorite football team’s colors.
Using an app, you can easily change the color, turn lights on and off, adjust brightness, and set schedules. You can even pair models with home assistants like Google Home to control your lights using only your voice.
3. Security
If you’re in need of a security system, consider choosing a smart security option. Smart security systems are highly customizable and range from DIY devices to professionally installed services. You can monitor your doors, windows, and locks from your smartphone, or pay a subscription fee to have your home professionally surveilled.
With a wide variety of options on the market, you can set up as simple or comprehensive a system as you need. Single devices like doorbell cameras can work on their own, or you can install a complete, high-security operation throughout your entire home.
4. Appliances
Ovens, refrigerators, counter displays, vacuums, mops, and coffee makers are just a few examples of smart home appliances that can make your life easier. By being able to control devices for cooking and cleaning with an app or your voice, you can set up routines and have dinner ready right on time.
Smart home appliances can even help keep you safe from germs, viruses, and polluted air. Smart air purifiers help improve your indoor air quality by removing dust, bacteria, household chemicals, and more. Automated trash cans allow you to throw out your garbage without touching the lid or stepping on a pedal – just say “open can.”
5. Entertainment
With home assistants like Alexa and Google Home, plus smart TVs and speakers, you’ll never want to leave your house. Listen to a playlist on multiple speakers throughout the house or start the next episode of that show you’ve been watching with a simple voice command. From the comfort of your couch, you can do everything you need for a cozy night in – dim the lights, turn on a movie, and crank up the heat, all through your phone.
While you may be considering switching to smart home devices, it can be difficult to decide where to begin, due to the wide availability of options and brands. Expert HVAC Services can help you determine which devices will work best for your household and provide maintenance services to keep your equipment in the highest working order. Reach out to us for more information today.
