Technology
Smart home options like smart light bulbs, refrigerators, thermostats and even smart doorbells have become increasingly popular today. These devices allow residents to manage a variety of tasks with voice commands and smartphone apps. Some kitchen appliances and home systems can be covered under a home warranty. A home protection plan insurance is different from a warranty plan so be sure to understand the difference between warranty vs insurance so you know what is all covered.
Homeowners can control their devices remotely, allowing them to customize their settings and create routines that match their schedules. Aside from convenience, these systems also provide energy and cost savings for homeowners.
- Convenience
Smart home technology allows homeowners to adjust and monitor devices with a single app or voice command. Many devices also integrate audio video, giving users easy access to their favorite media from any room in the house.
Smart thermostats and lighting systems automatically adapt to user behavior and optimize energy usage. This helps reduce electricity bills and environmental impact. Some smart home tech, like sensors for moisture and water leaks, can send notifications to users when problems are detected so they can act quickly.
Smart doorbells, cameras, and other security systems can alert users when someone is at their home. This can be a great safety feature for people living alone or those who have pets or children. Smart home tech can also allow users to communicate with visitors via live video chat.
- Energy Savings
Without smart technology, the impetus for most processes is still given by humans who initiate actions manually. The smart home alleviates this by enabling devices to start, control or activate on their own depending on user-programmed triggers.
Smart homes can also save homeowners money by automatically shutting down lights or appliances that are unneeded or have been idle for a long period of time. This helps to reduce electricity bills and can also help keep the environment clean and green.
Most smart systems have smartphone apps that allow users to view power usage data, change settings and receive notifications when changes are made. This gives homeowners a higher awareness of their energy consumption habits and can help them make positive lifestyle changes that will lower their bills.
- Security
The ability to monitor and control devices via smartphone provides homeowners peace of mind. This includes checking the status of a smart thermostat while on a road trip or confirming that children arrive home safely from school.
In addition, smart home technology can be a safety precaution when used with motion sensors and cameras. These devices help prevent burglaries or other
damage to property, and can even alert local authorities if suspicious activity occurs.
Smart home technology can also save money by eliminating energy waste. A homeowner can turn off lights, adjust the temperature before leaving for work, and set a timer on a device to lower electricity or natural gas usage. Some smart home systems come equipped with usage logging tech, which can help consumers identify areas of high consumption and make changes to reduce costs.
- Entertainment
Besides reducing energy costs, smart home systems can automate tasks and keep homeowners entertained. For instance, some devices have the ability to brew coffee or water plants on a set schedule. Others have camera capabilities that allow residents to monitor a video feed from their security cameras or talk to visitors via a doorbell.
Smart home integration also allows users to customize their technology and add new gadgets as they become available. In addition, it is relatively easy to get started and can be done on a budget that works for most homeowners. A good place to start is by installing a smart speaker with built-in features and an intelligent assistant such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This device can be used to control lighting, thermostats and other connected appliances as well as stream music and access voice assistant functions.
- Mental Health Care
The technology used in Smart homes can be a powerful tool for those with mental health issues. It can help to soothe an anxiety disorder by creating a calming environment catered to the individual, and it can also be beneficial for those with chronic conditions who may need to stay at home for extended periods of time.
Studies have found an inverse relationship between control and stress, and smart home systems like those offered by custom integrators like Wicked Smart Homes can meet the instinctual need for environmental control by enabling users to remotely access their climate control, security system and more.
In addition, eHealth technologies can allow health care professionals to monitor a patient’s progress from their own homes, which can reduce the need for hospital visits and other costly medical interventions. However, privacy and ethical concerns need to be addressed for these systems to be successful.