Along with technological advancements in science, medical, aerospace, and media, home automation is no exception. By automating devices and appliances at home, you can ensure convenience, comfort, peace of mind, and energy efficiency.
Every area of your home, from the bathroom and kitchen to the living room and lawn, can be automated. For example, a smart gate opener can help you control your garage door and gates for easier access.
In addition, you can control several devices or gadgets in your home through your voice. Just like Siri for Apple users is commonly used on iPhones and iPads, Google Assistant and Alexa are used mainly by smart homeowners.
If you want to know everything related to smart home technology, keep reading this article!
What Is Smart Home Technology?
Smart home technology, also known as “home automation,” means remotely controlling various electronic appliances and devices in your home through the Internet of Things (IoT).
IoT devices can be connected and controlled by your phone, tablet, and other devices. To build a smart home, you obviously need to have IoT devices. The most common examples are smart plugs, smart thermostats, smart coffee makers, smart ovens, and smart showers. They save you not only time and energy but also electricity and gas bills.
How Does Smart Home Technology Work?
Home automation works in different ways, depending on the brand, country, and the kind of smart home technology one uses. Home automation generally uses radio waves, electricity, and wireless technology to help you monitor, control, and automate smart devices in a cinch.
However, there are two main systems for home automation, as discussed below.
1. Central Control
Central control systems are mounted on the wall, and they provide almost an entire control panel for various devices such as dryers, thermostats, sprinklers, and more. You can even control this system via your phone, tablet, or remote control.
The best thing about the central control system is that all of your smart devices can be managed and controlled from one central device. However, you must ensure the smart appliance or gadget you’re planning to buy is compatible with your central control system.
2. App-Based
App-based automation systems require you to connect your IoT device with a dedicated app you need to download. Of course, you need to connect it with your home Wi-Fi to make it work and control several aspects of the device.
Many systems are based on a cloud, saving you storage space. For example, if you have a smart video monitor, all your video recordings will be saved on a dedicated cloud rather than an SD card.
Some app-based smart home technology devices can also be connected via Bluetooth and may require you to set up an account on the dedicated app.
Common Features of Smart Home Devices
To help you keep your expectations clear, here are some of the most basic features of smart home devices that you need to know.
1. Remote Control
Almost all smart devices can be easily managed with the help of an app. For example, you can draw the curtains out in the morning or turn off the kitchen light while in your cozy bed, all with a click of a button.
2. Voice Control
You can leverage voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa to control your home appliances/gadgets. They can also understand and answer your queries in a matter of seconds. In this regard, Google Assistant is more accurate than Alexa.
3. Geofencing
Most IoT devices are equipped with a geofencing feature as it lets you use GPS on your phone for relevant smart devices. In other words, the GPS can facilitate the smart device to take action according to your location.
For instance, if your smart door lock uses this feature and you’re almost home, the doors will be unlocked automatically rather than using the keys.
4. Scheduling
You can schedule several smart device operations based on your settings ahead of time. Let’s say the outdoor lights can be automatically turned on and off based on your set schedule.
5. Scenes
The “scenes” function allows you to group several smart devices together to control them at once rather than do it individually.
Such as, you can use the scene function for several smart living room lights to turn them off at once.
6. Shared Access
Smart devices can be used collectively by several people, such as your family members. You can either create separate accounts for them or share one password for the smart device with the rest of the family members.
Advantages of Smart Homes
- Convenience – You can control several devices and appliances in your home with a click of a button, no matter where you are. For instance, changing the heat settings and turning off a smart slow cooker can be done even when you’re taking a bath.
- Remote access – Smart devices such as automated locks allow you to lock or unlock your doors even when you’re away from home.
- Energy efficiency – Thermostats are the best example here as you don’t even have to leave them on all the time, but, let’s say, only when you’re about to get home from work. This way, you save energy and costs related to it.
- Enhanced Security – You can enhance the security of your home and your family members by investing in smart security products such as video surveillance, sensors, and an alarm system.
Disadvantages of Smart Homes
- Costs – The advanced features that come equipped with smart devices also come with extra dollars. For example, a traditional smart bulb costs around $5, whereas a smart bulb can be estimated at $32. However, it’s worth considering that the higher costs also provide you with comfort and convenience.
- Privacy Issues – Since your personal data is collected, stored, and processed by the companies, it can be a bit of a privacy inhibitor. Let’s say whatever you instruct Alexa can all be monitored by the relevant company. Make sure to read the privacy rules and regulations for a better understanding.
- Cybersecurity Risks – All your smart devices are connected to the internet, and hackers are always active in breaching your system, especially smart security cameras. However, you can overcome cybersecurity risks by setting strong and unique passwords, using antivirus software on your electronic devices, and other best digital security practices.
