Technology is constantly evolving and offers more and more possibilities in having automation in our everyday life. Automations to make your everyday life easier and more practical. Many devices can be now connected to the internet and allow you to control everything through your smartphone even if you are far away from home. Read on what a “smart home”is, how you can turn your own home into a “smart home” and how you can get the smart control of your home that suits you.
But what is a smart home?
A smart home uses technology as follows: using electricity and the internet, technological devices provide automated and remote management to the various functions of a home. In a smart home, smart devices are connected to a central network, often via Wi-Fi, and can be controlled and managed from your smartphone or tablet. Actions that until now required the physical presence of the person, are now carried out even when that person is kilometers away from home, just as long as he gives the relevant command through his smartphone.
What makes a home, smart?
Smart homes can include a variety of devices and systems, such as smart lighting, smart thermostats, smart security cameras, motion sensors, voice-activated speakers (such as Amazon Echo or Google Nest), electrical appliances that can be controlled by distance and many more! The key feature of a smart home is the user’s ability to control and manage these functions from anywhere through an internet connection. This offers convenience, comfort, safety and of course is saving energy.
What exactly can I control through the smart home?
The most important thing you can control is the power consumption of the various appliances that run on electricity, such as the water heater, heating and cooling devices and lights. Some of the devices you can get are for example smart light bulbs, smart thermostats and electrical blinds, but the list doesn’t end here! A smart socket, for example, has a switch and if you connect any device to it, you will turn into a smart device! Of course, you can equip your home with a smart security system which combined with smart cameras and doorbells, smart alarms and smart locks will give you the best protection, while at the same time you can control all doors and windows.
What are the advantages of a having a smart home?
Having a smart home means that you have full supervision of it, from anywhere and at any time. You can basically check its safety and the people who might be inside, such as elderly or even children. This means that you keep external dangers away and even prevent accidents and damage. Following the security, there is also the comfort and functionality that you have at your fingertips! Comfort in temperature, comfort in lighting and comfort in your everyday life. The smart home will learn your program, and will perform the functions you have instructed it! Automating daily tasks gives you more free time that you can use creatively. And as far as functionality, let’s not forget the entertainment choices that a smart home can offer. Another important advantage is the enormous energy saving that automatically offers the best protection for the environment. At the same time, you will no longer need to worry about an overcharged electric bill, since if you are using smart devices you can determine and directly control the setting and the consumption of your home appliances.
Are there any downsides?
The initial high cost is perhaps the first and foremost deterrent in making your home smarter. Investing in smart devices and smart systems can be high-priced. And all this investment need maintenance and updates. And what about the security of personal data? It is OK to be anxious and concerned about the security of personal data and the possibility of cyber-attacks. Smart home means technology, and following that, there is the issue of tech dependency or tech addiction: if you’re constantly connected, there’s a chance you will become overly tech addicted. And what happens in difficulties situations where for example there are problems or interruptions in the network?
The first steps to make your home smart
What do you need before making your home a smart home? Make sure your home Wi-Fi is fast and that can support your smart devices. It is a must to acquire a modern and reliable Wi-Fi router through which you will seamlessly connect everything at high speeds. The router will connect all devices and applications needed for your smart home. Also, the security of your Wi-Fi against malicious attacks is essential. Take the time to create a strong username and password for your network, using a 2-factor authentication as well. This is how you prevent breaches of your smart devices and personal data. Next step is to choose which smart assistant you will have in your home to control all your smart devices. A smart speaker, or otherwise smart hub, will act as a central node. Most smart hubs respond to your voice commands and have a speaker so that as soon as you enter the house it “comes to life”, with your favourite music, lights etc.
Apart from the above essentials, you can now choose which smart devices you need, according to your needs. Have in mind that each smart device requires a different setup, with varying degrees of difficulty. Also, some devices work with electricity, while some with batteries, so there needs to be an elaborate study on where each device will be put depending on the access to electricity. All of the above doesn’t cost a fortune, and as we mentioned above, in fact the smart home can help save energy and therefore money in the long run. And when it comes to safety, money is worth less than the comfort and protection your loved ones.
So, what do you think? Welcome to your new smart home!
In the end, the decision of whether to make your home smart depends on your needs, preferences and availability of resources. It’s a good idea to carefully consider the pros and cons! Don’t forget that by investing in your home, you simultaneously upgrade your own quality of life as well as that of your family.
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If you want to renew your space by making it smarter, we are waiting for you at Chnaris Architecture in Construction to see your needs and their solutions!
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