The Internet of Things (IoT) has turned the concept of smart homes into a reality. Home automation is no longer merely associated with sci-fi movies or TV shows set in the distant future. IoT devices like smartphones and smart assistants have led to the widespread availability and acceptance of smart home solutions.
Contemporary smart home solutions are affordable, simple, safe, and clean. You no longer have to purchase expensive components and install long wires to make your home ‘smart’. Smart home solutions are cost-efficient and allow homeowners to keep things organized. That said, here are five ways to make your smart home:
1. Get a Virtual Assistant
Getting a virtual assistant is probably the first step towards home automation. Tech advancement has paved the way for smart assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa and Echo and Google Home. The purpose of these devices is to assist users with certain tasks. Suppose you ask Google, “Hey Google, dial Spectrum internet customer service,” and it’ll make a call to the service provider.
Smart assistants offer comfort and convenience. They allow users to make reservations, place orders, shop, call and do a lot of other things. Most smartphones and smart devices come with built-in virtual assistants. For example, the iPhone has Siri whereas Android devices have Google Assistant. It is advisable to buy smart devices that are compatible with multiple virtual assistants.
2. Install Smart Cameras
Smart cameras present the next level of evolution in the home security ecosystem. These devices come with a wide range of features such as built-in image sensors. The best part, you can control smart cameras with your smartphone. Smart cameras come with dedicated apps that are installed in the owner’s smartphone. From there, you can control the movement of the camera and monitor activity at your doorstep.
Modern home security solutions aren’t just limited to recording footage and capturing images. Smart cameras are hands down the most comprehensive security solutions in the home automation ecosystem. They come with advanced capabilities like cloud storage, motion detection, GPS, and communication to name a few.
3. Use a Smart Thermostat
Who knew controlling a home’s ventilation and cooling would become easier and more fun in the 21st century? Thanks to smart thermostats, you can manage your home’s temperature with greater efficiency and convenience than ever before. Smart thermostats are connected to IoT devices such as smartphones, smart speakers, and laptops.
These devices come with built-in sensors that allow them to monitor and analyze living patterns within homes. This self-learning capability allows these IoT devices to automatically adjust a home’s temperature, ventilation, and air conditioning. That means you and your family won’t have to worry about turning the air conditioner on or off.
4. Go for Smart Lighting
Turning the lights on and off manually can be frustrating. Suppose you are on your bed about to go to sleep but forgot to turn off the lights. Trust me, that one strikes a nerve. The good news is, you can control your home’s lighting with smart lighting solutions such as LED bulbs and smart tube lights.
Like most smart systems, smart lights are designed to connect IoT devices and apps. This automation capability enables users to control lighting via their smart assistants and smartphones. Smart lighting has virtually eliminated the need for traditional switches and sockets.
5. Buy Smart Locks
With smart locks, you don’t need a physical key to lock the doors of your house. These advanced keypads connect to integrated devices and apps such as smartphones. The smart accessories allow users to control the opening and closing of the automated locks. You are bound to forget your house keys at some point. The best way to prevent the situation is to replace traditional locks in your house altogether.
Other Smart Tools to Consider
Home automation is not just associated with smart lighting, smart locks, etc. These are several additional components of the smart home ecosystem.
1. Smart Purifiers
The ongoing climate crisis calls for an eco-friendly approach when it comes to appliances and transport. The world’s air quality is worsening day by day. Experts have called for a unanimous approach to deal with the unprecedented environmental crisis. Amid this tense situation, it is important to keep our homes safe, clean, and hygienic.
One way to improve air quality inside your home is to install air purifiers. These gadgets monitor air quality and send alerts in case the quality exceeds optimal levels. The device connects to IoT accessories such as smartphones and apps. Air purifiers let you regulate the fan speed as well.
2. Smart Plugs
If it’s too overwhelming for you to replace existing gadgets with smart tools, you can start by purchasing smart plugs. These tools attach to your Wi-Fi router and let you remotely manage your appliances and devices. The greatest benefit of smart plugs is that they let you plan every smart activity. Want to take a hot shower after work, just tell your smart plug and it’ll turn on the water heater for you.
3. Smart Cleaner
Cleaning can be a daunting task for everyone, especially for homeowners with busy schedules or larger homes. Not only is it time-consuming, but it also takes away the quality time that we could spend with our loved ones. However, there is a solution that can make this task easier: a smart cleaner such as a vacuum and mop robot. This innovative device combines both sweeping and mopping functions into one, saving time and effort while also ensuring that your home looks its best.
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