Automation is among the hottest trends in home improvement, and smart devices are only getting more powerful and sophisticated. Let’s explore smart home benefits, how to upgrade your home, and some of the most popular smart devices.
Key Benefits of a Smart Home
Smart homes are networked homes that take advantage of the latest technologies and innovations. A connected home can benefit you and your family in many ways. The average smart home consumes 30% less energy than the typical home. That results in a reduced carbon footprint and lower heating, cooling, water heating, and lighting costs.
Smart devices can enhance your home security while you’re there and away. You’ll know when someone is approaching and be able to communicate with them without direct contact. The days of having to walk to a light switch to flip it on or off will be behind you. Control everything with your voice or from your phone, even when you are many miles away. Enjoy video and audio on demand by syncing all your streaming libraries. With the right setup, your music can even follow you as you move through your home.
The latest smart features provide new parents with many opportunities to make their home safe for their infant. Some examples include smart nursey cameras, smart baby monitors, and smart sleeper bassinets. Parents of older children can also benefit from smart security cameras and intercom systems.
Upgrading to a Smart Home
Upgrading to a smart home may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t have to automate your entire house all at once. You can start with the smart devices you’ll use most and then build on those features. That approach makes the process much more manageable from logistical and budgetary perspectives.
You do want to consider compatibility from the start. Most smart devices work together, but not all. Often, it’s best to choose an ecosystem. There are many, and they all have pros and cons. Some of the top options include:
- Amazon Alexa
- Apple Home
- Google Home
- Samsung SmartThings
There are also smart home standards, such as Z-Wave and Zigbee. Many of the ecosystems support one or multiple of those standards. Once you’ve committed to an ecosystem and standard, it’ll be easy to choose components compatible with your smart home.
Components of a Smart Home
There are hundreds and perhaps thousands of smart devices available that all serve different purposes. Here we’ll look at devices that are the most ubiquitous in modern smart homes.
Smart Hub
A smart hub serves as the brain of your home automation system. It’s a centrally located device that provides a physical interface and a high-definition display. You can use that display to access virtual controls but also to monitor recorded video and talk to customer support. Hubs often provide the most processing power among smart devices. Many can also access the cloud to benefit from cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms.
Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are among the most common smart devices in American homes. Project Drawdown estimates that around 59% of U.S. homes will have a smart thermostat by 2050. These devices are getting even more user-friendly in that many can now configure and update themselves. The Department of Energy estimates that the average home can save up to 10% on cooling and heating with a programmable thermostat. Smart thermostats are programmable thermostats with even more advanced features, including remote access and control and predictive performance analysis.
Smart Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are an excellent investment for any home. In both summer and winter, they help improve comfort and HVAC efficiency. Smart fans make it easier to adjust fan speed and rotation direction. They can also alert you when they need lubrication and other maintenance.
Smart Blinds and Shades
Smart shades and blinds complement your smart HVAC system as well. They let you benefit from natural light for illumination when it’s practical. Your system can also open them in the winter for more heat and close them in the summer for less.
Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Many of the top smart detectors are smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in one. You can hardwire these units, which the National Fire Protection Association recommends. Smart systems can provide voice and custom alerts in addition to traditional notifications. They also support accessories for family members with special needs, such as those who are hard of hearing.
Smart Lighting
There are many great reasons to upgrade to smart LED lights both inside and outside your home. Smart LED lights provide much greater control for brightness, color, mood, and so forth. If transitioning from incandescent lighting, it can save you 15% in electricity annually. You can save even more with outdoor lighting using small solar panels and battery backup systems.
Smart Outlets
Smart outlets are Wi-Fi-enabled plugs that you can control remotely. One benefit is that a smart plug can provide basic smart functionality to non-smart devices. Perhaps the most important benefit is preventing parasitic draw. Many of the devices in your home still draw power when they’re “off.” Eliminating that draw saves the average home about $200 a year.
Smart Speakers and Microphones
You have a few options to extend voice control throughout your home. One option is to use your smartphone, which can be a bit clunky around the house. Another is to have personal assistants, such as Alexa, strategically positioned. An even cleaner option is to have smart speakers and microphones. This lets you have voice command access and enjoy music wherever they’re installed.
Smart Locks
Smart locks improve security. They can automatically lock at set times in case you forget. You can lock and unlock them remotely from your smartphone. Some systems also have integrated keypads. This lets you assign unique PIN access for family members and close friends.
Smart Video Doorbells and Security Cameras
As of 2023, 20% of American homes have a smart doorbell. That’s an increase of 16% in just five years, and the industry expects this trend to continue. Video doorbells record video when there’s activity and let you watch it later. A smart doorbell also lets you answer the door without having to open and expose yourself to risk.
Smart Appliances
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of internet-capable appliances and devices that can communicate with one another. IoT will be an industry emphasis as home automation technologies evolve, and there are already many appliances that leverage the IoT. One example is refrigerators that can update grocery lists and request that the HVAC system turn up the cooling. Another is garage door openers that can detect your vehicle in the driveway and automatically open.
Would You Like to Upgrade Your Home With Smart Features?
Liberty Comfort Systems serves residential and commercial customers throughout Anoka, MN and the surrounding areas. Our HVAC technicians install and service smart thermostats and a wide range of ducted and ductless heating and cooling systems. We clean ducts and install indoor air quality solutions like air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and humidifiers. Our electricians perform inspections, installations, and repairs. We install and configure all manner of home automation equipment. Our plumbing team can clean drains and pipes and repipe gas, water, and sewer lines. We also install and service kitchen plumbing, bathroom plumbing, boilers, water heaters, water filters, and water softeners. Contact us today to learn more about these and other electrical services or to schedule an appointment.