A smart house, also known as a connected home or smart home, refers to a residence that utilizes internet-connected devices and systems to enable monitoring, automation, and control of various functions remotely. Incorporating smart technology into homes is becoming increasingly popular due to the tremendous benefits and conveniences it offers to homeowners. Here are five of the most compelling reasons to consider getting a smart house:
Enhanced Security
One of the foremost reasons for adopting a smart house is to improve security and give homeowners greater peace of mind. Smart houses are equipped with sophisticated security features and systems that enhance protection against intrusions, theft, and other property crimes.
Advanced Surveillance Systems
Smart security cameras installed both indoors and outdoors provide 24/7 video surveillance with high-definition and night vision capabilities. The cameras can be accessed remotely via smartphones to allow real-time monitoring of a property from anywhere. Alerts and motion sensor triggers can also be set up, so any suspicious activity detected will immediately notify homeowners.
Surveillance systems in smart houses are also equipped with advanced analytics tools such as facial recognition, anomaly detection, and object tracking. This allows any unusual behavior or unrecognized faces around the property to be flagged immediately for further investigation.
Remote Monitoring and Control
Smart security systems are internet-connected, which enables remote monitoring and control of a property from a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Homeowners can check security cameras, arm or disarm an alarm system, control smart locks on doors and windows, manage lighting, and more from afar through intuitive mobile apps.
This makes it possible to oversee the house at all times and respond swiftly to any emergency security situations when not physically present. Controls and alerts can be fully customized to suit each homeowner’s needs and preferences.
Sophisticated Alarm Systems
Smart houses utilize next-generation alarm systems that employ an array of sensors, detectors, and connectivity options. These can include sensors for motion, glass breakage, smoke/heat/CO2, flood/water leaks, temperature changes, security doors and windows opening, and more.
When any sensor is triggered, the central alarm system is activated, and alerts are immediately pushed to a homeowner’s mobile devices. Smart alarms are also able to intelligently differentiate between a real break-in event versus a false alarm trigger. This allows appropriate action to be taken swiftly.
Automated Responses
Beyond alert notifications, smart security systems can also activate automated responses when a sensor is triggered to deter or respond to an intruder or emergency. For example, indoor/outdoor security cameras can be set up to emit an audible warning when motion is detected.
Smart lighting can be programmed to automatically turn on to full brightness when an intruder is detected at night. And smart locks can instantly auto-lock throughout the house at the first sign of an intruder or unexpected entry point breach. These automated smart home features bolster security significantly.
Energy Efficiency
Another major benefit of smart homes is that they allow for far greater optimization of energy consumption through automated monitoring and control functions. This enables substantial cost savings on monthly utility bills.
Smart Thermostats
One of the most popular smart home devices is the smart thermostat, which enables precise temperature control and scheduling. Smart thermostats like the Nest Learning Thermostat learn homeowners’ temperature preferences over time and program themselves automatically to maximize comfort and energy efficiency.
They are also controllable remotely via smartphone to adjust temperatures anytime, from anywhere. Geofencing features can detect when residents have left home and automatically switch to an energy-saving Eco temperature mode. These capabilities combine to cut HVAC energy use by up to 15%.
Smart Lighting
Smart light bulbs like Philips Hue can be controlled and scheduled through a mobile app to minimize unnecessary usage. Motion sensors trigger lights to turn on only when needed in frequently inhabited parts of a home. And integration with smart security systems enables lighting to be used as a deterrence by turning on automatically when intruders are detected.
Outdoor smart lights incorporate photocells and automatic daylight shut-off to avoid wasting electricity when sufficient natural light is available. These smart lighting innovations create major energy savings over standard bulbs.
Smart Appliances
Major home appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines account for a substantial share of residential energy use. Smart appliances connect to Wi-Fi and the internet to allow monitoring and control via smartphones.
This enables homeowners to ensure devices are operating efficiently and not wasting energy in any way. Smart washing machines like the LG ThinQ-enabled models provide feedback on optimal cycles and settings to save electricity and water. Smart features encourage proper maintenance and fewer loads for greater efficiency.
Smart Meters
Smart meters relay real-time energy consumption data to utility companies and homeowners. This granular insight into how much electricity is being used, and when, allows waste to be identified.
Smart meters also support sophisticated demand-response capabilities that help stabilize grid operations. Utility companies can provide incentives and savings to homeowners who allow certain high-power appliances to be cycled off temporarily during peak demand events.
Smart Heating and Cooling
Beyond smart thermostats, connected heating and cooling systems enable zoned climate control to minimize energy usage. Different areas of a home can be maintained at different optimal temperatures depending on occupancy and use.
Radiant floor heating systems with smart controls adjust on a room-by-room basis, delivering heat only where and when it’s truly needed. Similar level of control is achievable with evaporative coolers, window ACs, and other cooling systems.
Customization and Personalization
One of the most appealing advantages of smart homes is the ability to customize living spaces to match residents’ personal lifestyle needs and preferences. Everything from lighting, temperature, entertainment, and even furniture arrangements can be personalized.
Voice Control
Smart speakers like Amazon Echo with Alexa allow homeowners to control a home’s lights, locks, appliances, climate, entertainment, and security systems using simple voice commands. Multiple smart speakers installed throughout a residence enables convenient voice control from any room.
Voice assistants also allow easy customization of smart home devices. For example, routine lighting scenes like “movie time” or “dinner party” can be set up with a simple voice command through Alexa.
Scene Setting
Beyond routines triggered by voice commands, most smart home apps allow custom scenes to be set up that activate multiple devices with a single tap. For instance, a “good morning” scene could simultaneously brighten lights, open blinds, turn on the coffee maker, and turn up the temperature.
Scenes can also be scheduled or activated by home automation triggers like motion detection when residents enter a room. These scenes enable one-touch control over multiple aspects of a home environment to fit owners’ needs.
Personalized Control
While homes often have multiple residents, smart home tech allows customization of controls, settings, and access on an individual level. For example, individual voice recognition by smart speakers enables each homeowner to pull up their own music playlists, calendar appointments, etc.
Individual user accounts can also be set up for access to smart home mobile apps, with personalized dashboards, controls, and notifications tailored to each resident. This ensures a smart home caters to the unique preferences of all who live there.
Flexible Room Usage
Smart furniture such as Murphy beds that store into walls or cabinets allow room usages to switch easily from bedroom to office to gym, depending on homeowners’ needs at different times. Smart mirrors like the Savvy Smart Mirror enable personalized display of weather, schedule, news and other info as desired.
Smart pet doors can also let pets move freely through the home while confining them from certain areas. These and other innovations allow smart houses to transform seamlessly to residents’ fluctuating needs.
Health and Wellness Benefits
Smart homes are incorporating more and more technology focused on increasing safety, improving health, and enhancing overall quality of life. These wellness-centric features are a major benefit for many homeowners.
Air Quality Monitoring
Indoor air quality can have major impacts on resident health and comfort. Smart air monitoring systems like Awair track levels of pollutants, allergens, chemicals, and other particles in the air and provide real-time readouts via mobile app.
Advanced smart air purifiers from brands like Dyson then automatically adjust operation based on air quality sensor feedback to clean the air, especially when unhealthy spikes are detected.
Water Quality and Leak Detection
Smart water sensors monitor conditions like pH, temperature, and chloride levels to detect any problems with home plumbing or quality. Smart water leak detectors placed near sinks, hot water heaters, and other sources can also shut off water supplies immediately if a leak is detected, preventing mold risks and damage.
Automated Wellness Habits
Many smart home devices help ingrain positive wellness habits among residents. Smart pill dispensers manage medications and can even contact doctors and family members when doses are missed. Smart pet feeders control food portions to prevent overeating.
Devices like the Philips SmartSleep system track and analyze sleep patterns, then produce customized lighting, soundscapes and circadian rhythm advice to improve sleep.
Emergency Response Services
Smart homes often integrate emergency and medical response services that can literally save lives. Personal emergency response systems like MobileHelp enable residents to call for emergency aid from anywhere in or around the home by pressing a wearable panic button.
Voice-activated smart speakers make contacting emergency services hands-free in a medical crisis, fall, home invasion, or fire emergency. By speeding emergency response, smart homes keep residents safer.
Convenience and Comfort
Many of the automated, connected features of smart homes simply make daily living easier and more comfortable. Smart tech removes many everyday hassles and frustrations for an improved quality of life.
Control from Anywhere
One of the top convenience factors of smart homes is the ability to monitor and control features and devices from anywhere. Smart garage door openers, for example, enable checking if the garage is shut as well as opening or closing it from the other side of the world using a smartphone.
Controlling smart thermostats, lighting, appliances, security systems and more remotely eliminates the need to be home physically or disrupts one’s schedule to make adjustments and ensure proper functioning.
Hands-Free Automation
Convenient hands-free control of smart homes is enabled through intelligent voice command assistants. Users can change TV channels, cue up music playlists, turn lights on/off, adjust smart blinds, start the Roomba vacuuming, and much more just by speaking out requests.
Integrating devices from various providers into one unified system makes hands-free voice control through a smart speaker or assistant seamless. This allows completing tasks without interrupting activity or breaking focus.
Automatic Schedules and Triggers
Programming schedules and setting up automation triggers to have smart devices operate automatically removes the need to manually control them each time. Smart lighting can be scheduled to turn on and off at certain times every day.
Smart garage doors can close automatically 1 hour after being opened. Appliances can be programmed to begin cooking or cleaning at a preset time. These automations handle mundane tasks without ongoing prompting.
Smart Appliances
From refrigerators to washing machines to ovens, smart appliances are going mainstream. This makes daily appliance use far more convenient. Smart oven and multicooker apps guide users through recipes step-by-step. Smart cameras inside refrigerators let owners peek at contents anytime from phones.
Diagnostic features detect issues and can even automatically order replacements parts for the fridge. And features like Wi-Fi-enabled cooking probe thermometers make achieving the perfect temperature food easier.
Conclusion
Smart homes powered by interoperable IoT devices and artificial intelligence offer homeowners a wealth of valuable benefits in terms of security, efficiency, health, customization, and convenience. As smart home technology options continue advancing rapidly, integrating a connected home system has never made more sense for the experiences and peace of mind it can provide.
With a smart home’s ability to prevent intrusions, cut energy costs, promote wellness, allow personalization, and enhance comfort in everyday living, more homeowners can expect to embrace this promising innovation in the years ahead. While upfront smart home costs can be a barrier, steadily dropping prices and the multitude of long-term benefits make the investment well worthwhile.
For those desiring the latest in home automation and control, improved safety, and greater quality of life, transforming into a high-tech smart house is an excellent choice. The personalized conveniences and security of living in an intelligently connected residence are compelling factors that will only expand smart homes’ popularity going forward.
FAQs
How much does a smart home cost?
The cost of creating a smart home can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars for a handful of connected devices up to $20,000 or more for a whole-home smart system. Much depends on the specific devices included and scope of integration. Going with DIY options costs less than hiring an integrator.
What are the risks of smart homes?
Potential smart home risks include data/privacy issues if adequate cybersecurity isn’t in place, reliance on internet connectivity, and integration challenges between devices and platforms. Properly encrypting data and choosing reputable, reliable smart brands can help minimize most risks.
Do smart homes really save energy?
Study findings indicate smart thermostats and lighting can reduce energy use by 10-15%. Smart appliances optimize consumption, while automation prevents waste from things like lights being left on. The energy savings from a comprehensive smart home typically ranges from 15-30% or more.
Can smart homes address accessibility needs?
Yes, a variety of smart devices can be incorporated into homes to address accessibility issues. Options include smart lifts/ramps, remotely controlled doors/lights/windows, fall detection and alert systems, medication management aids, sleep trackers, and more. Smart homes can be customized to accessibility.
Are smart homes the future?
Trend data indicates smart homes are very much the future. The global smart home market is projected to grow to over $184 billion by 2025. With technology improving as prices become more affordable, adoption of connected smart home devices and systems is rapidly increasing among residential consumers.
