A smart home is a system where most devices, systems, and components of the home get managed remotely by the cloud, smartphone app, or via a PC or laptop. Most smart systems are self-monitoring and regulating. You program them to meet the needs or your preferences of a particular device, appliance, or system and let technology handle the rest.
One goal of a smart home is convenience. You program your systems, devices, or apps and then forget them, at least as it applies to manually turning them on, regulating them, and then turning them off. Achieving that goal lets you live your life with minimal worry about the systems in question.
A second goal is savings. Not having to leave the heat on all day or run lighting systems unnecessarily saves energy costs. The technology monitors the various systems and operates them in the most efficient manner possible.
Security is also a major part of the smart home. Using multiple security systems that cover the home can be labour intensive if you manage each component manually. A smart system can integrate your various security features and ensure that each system coordinates with the others. This can save you time and energy by automating tasks that would otherwise need to be completed manually. In addition, a smart system can provide you with peace of mind by monitoring your home for potential security threats and alerting you to any potential risks.
Security in the sense of a smart home is an umbrella term that covers protection, monitoring, and management. Smart security lets you monitor who gets access to your home, alerts when a system is not functioning properly, or a threat like a gas leak is present, coordinate emergency responses from fire and the Gardaí, and control lighting.
That reduces the work that must go into efficient management and ensures that each system works optimally.
The Evolution of Smart Homes
Smart homes started with pre-programming appliances, televisions, security systems, etc. What once took a specific action when something was needed could be set up to turn on and deliver at a set time in the future. That evolution took off with smart devices. With a smart device, in-person programming and activation could suddenly get done remotely.
It took a while to fine-tune the technology, but now you can:
- Set your lights to go on at a particular time
- Set a time for cooking equipment, and other appliances to activate
- Manage security systems via remote management systems
- Lower and raise window shades to maximise heat and coolness
As with all technology, smart home capabilities are only growing. What started with pre-programmed scheduling for appliances now lets you manage the security, lighting, heating and hot water in your home, run appliances, manage your EV charging and even prepare meals.
Smart Lighting
Smart lights let you control every aspect of lighting your smart home. From turning on and off external floodlights and motion detection lighting to set the proper mood for dinner, time with the kids, or just relaxing, smart lighting lets you create the lighting and intensity you need. No more running around the house at bedtime turning off lamps.
Smart Thermostats
Smart Thermostats regulate your home’s temperature in the manner you want, using the most efficient process possible. You can cool sensibly in the warmer months and heat efficiently in the cooler season with preset times and periods. A smart thermostat can provide just enough warmth to attain your desired ambient temperature without running excessively. Smart Thermosats are vital to save money on your energy costs.
By making small adjustments to the temperature in your home, you can save a significant amount of money on your energy bill each month. Smart Thermostats are an easy way to make these adjustments without having to constantly monitor the temperature yourself.
Smart Plugs
A smart plug rests between your outlet and whatever you are powering in your home. It lets you control the electricity and the operation of any device that’s connected to the smart plug. With a smart plug, you can control the power to devices via your phone or computer. These plugs give you greater control over the individual devices in your smart home.
You can set timers, create schedules, and even monitor energy usage. This allows you to be in complete control of your home, and make sure that everything is running smoothly. You can also save money on your energy bill by monitoring your usage and making adjustments accordingly.
Smart Locks
Smart locks let you secure doors, windows and gates, making it even more difficult for an intruder to break into your home. Programmable, you can disable a lock, and you can set them to lock automatically. Additionally, smart locks can be coordinated with other home security features like lighting. Automatic reminders ensure that you never accidentally leave a door unlocked again. You can also set up alerts to notify you if someone has been trying to break in. This way, you can take action to prevent a break-in, or at least be aware that one is happening.
Door Sensors
Door sensors are another home security layer that alerts you and everyone else, including the Gardaí, that an intruder has gained access to your house. They usually perform three functions when activated:
- Trigger a very loud alarm
- Alert the Monitoring Service and then the Gardaí that the door lock has been breached
- Provide lighting on the property to easily identify intruders, etc.
Window Sensors
Window glass break sensors perform the same function as door sensors but generally activate when a windowpane is smashed. The sensors trigger a loud alarm that alerts everyone in the vicinity if someone tries to gain access to the home. These alarms can be very loud and would notify everyone in the area that someone is trying to break into a home. This deters potential burglars and helps to keep everyone in the area safe.
Motion Detectors
You undoubtedly have seen in films where someone must avoid breaking the field of a motion detector, or an alarm goes off. These are the same type of technology. These sensors send a message to a smart device when motion is detected. The sensors are usually placed near doors or windows, and they work by detecting movement in the area and then sending a signal to the connected device. The device then uses an app to alert the user that someone is approaching. The app also provides the user with the option to call the authorities or to ignore the alert. If the user chooses to call the authorities, the app will provide them with the location of the device.
Air Sensors
Air sensors track air quality and let you know when certain environmental factors are present via your smart device or an alarm. Leak sensors can also detect carbon monoxide and alert everyone in the vicinity of the danger, as well as you, that a potentially lethal situation is developing. Smoke or carbon monoxide exposure can result in serious injury or death, so it’s important to take precautions and be aware of the potential risks.
Water Leak Sensors
Usually found in the form of a small sensor or a “water rope” that can be trailed along an area e.g. under a sink, leak sensors are a critical defence against escape of water, the number one reason for home insurance claims. By detecting leaks early and shutting off the water supply, these devices can help prevent extensive water damage, saving homeowners both money and headaches.
Electric Vehicle Chargers
Your Electric Vehicle Charger helps balance power needs between your vehicle and the other appliances in your home that works on electricity. This charger manages current output and distribution, is programmable, and can help keep your appliances, vehicle, and home safe from electrical hazards and overloads. It also most importantly allows you to avail of time of day tariffs making sure that you keep the cost of charging your EV as low as possible. Smart EV Chargers can save you up to 50% on your EV running costs.
Mesh Wifi
A mesh wifi hub boosts wifi power and ensures that you can do what you want online when you want to do it. That can help with streaming movies, etc. but is particularly handy in managing the various systems and components that make up your smart home configuration. A Smart Wifi Mesh also gives you total control over what content kids can access and when they are able to use their gaming devices and smart phones. Some parents are concerned about the amount of time their kids spend online, and what kind of content they are exposed to. Others worry that their kids are becoming addicted to gaming and social media. Some parents feel that they need to monitor and limit access.
Why Is Smartzone the Best Smart Home Company in Ireland?
Smartzone is your one-stop for all your smart home needs. The company sells nearly every type of connector, monitor, sensor, and management device on the market to help you keep your smart systems running consistently and without fail. From security to energy management, Smartzone has the expertise and skills to ensure your home is smart and secure. With a team of experienced professionals, Smartzone can help you choose the right security and energy management products for your home, and install them quickly and easily. With Smartzone, you can be sure that your home is safe and energy-efficient.
