A smart home is a home that has an advanced automated system which controls and monitors things in the home such as lighting, controlling temperature, multimedia, security, opening and closing of doors and even the quality of the air in the home.
Technologies such as broadband and Wi-Fi allow people to connect to the internet with ease. Not only can people connect with their friends and family, but many devices also communicate with one another, and this is known as a connected home or smart home. The devices are able to communicate using a network or Bluetooth and share information, transfer files and media as well as remote access and control of appliances in the home. Things such as lighting, heating and security can be controlled using a smartphone or other device, mainly by means of apps. Connecting a home has been made easier thanks to improved broadband services which are more cost effective and reliable and now, the smart home is just one of the many hot home improvement trends emerging.
How Does it Work?
Devices that are connected are computers, gaming consoles and TV’s. This list has grown over the years and now includes heating systems, lighting, kettles, vacuum cleaners and security cameras. Other options in the home include locks and doors and these can be remotely controlled via a smartphone using Bluetooth. There are also smart light bulbs which are able to regulate depending on the availability of daylight.
Types of Smart Devices or Appliances
A smart home offers convenience. It allows users to do all the usual things such as controlling the air conditioner, switching lights on and off, preheating the oven with very little effort. It is possible to pre-set schedules for certain appliances so that tasks are scheduled at various times during the day. Some of these appliances can even remember the schedule so the amount of effort is even less.
Efficiency and saving resources is also an important part of why families choose to own a smart home. A great example of this is the Nest thermostat which remembers how the family likes the house heated and cooled and will adjust the temperature accordingly. This means a saving on energy bills. When the family leaves the home the thermostat will change to “away” mode which means a further cost saving.
By using smart locks and openers for garage doors the users can monitor access to any guests. Smart locks are able to detect when the family are near and will automatically unlock the doors. Smart security cameras are great for families who go away for vacations as they are able to monitor their homes while away. Smart motion sensors can identify the difference between the family, visitors, pets and those with criminal intentions. The motion sensors will also send notification to the police if anything looks suspicious. Pets can also be looked after if the family is away for long hours by connected pet feeders and plants can be watered using connected timers.
Kitchen appliances such as coffee makers can be scheduled to make coffee at a certain time and smart fridges will monitor expiry dates of food, make a shopping list and create recipes with ingredients in the fridge. There are household monitors which will switch off appliances if there is an electric surge. The monitors will also detect water issues such as freezing pipes and switch off the water to prevent flooding.
Smart homes are the way of the future and anyone who accesses Australian betting apps would happily wager this to be true. Making life easier and simpler for families and saving precious resources such as energy and water and making life more cost effective.