We were all in awe when smartphones first entered the market. Suddenly a phone wasn’t just a device for calling or texting contacts, it could take photos, connect us with people on the other side of the world, and give us access to apps that would help change the way we think and live. Every aspect of a smartphone is designed to make life more efficient in the small, everyday tasks we have to complete, by offering time management apps and other smart improvements. Now, smartphones are a normal part of life. But what happens when that same technology makes its way into our homes?
You could probably name one movie you watched as a child where you were envious of the incredible technology that was portrayed - houses that cleaned themselves, made you coffee in the morning and alerted you when you had letters in your mailbox. While home automation isn’t as gimmicky as this in the 21st century, it certainly has some benefits that are changing everyday life. So what are smart homes and why should you consider automating your property?
Smart or intelligent homes are any houses that have automation technology built in. You can automate almost anything in your house if it has a wire connected to it. Your lights, your home entertainment system, your home security systems and even your blinds and air conditioning can all be automated. While these things may seem unnecessary, many people who have this technology built in find they can’t imagine life without it.
A
poll conducted in the US showed that the major factors that encouraged people to opt for smart homes was the added security and convenience of being able to control things while not at home. It also found that people were excited about the added benefit and cost-saving opportunities of being able to switch off unused lights and power points after they had already left the home.
No doubt these are huge benefits to automating your home. Imagine going on holiday, and not only being able to monitor your house, but being able to program lights and TVs to turn on and off throughout the day. If you’ve realised the garage door is open, being able to close it and make sure every other door in the house is locked is massive in terms of peace of mind; you could leave your home and guarantee that everything was secure, meaning you could enjoy your time away more.
On top of this, there is no doubt home automation systems offer a huge amount of convenience aside from the noted security benefits. In winter, you could turn the thermostat on before getting out of bed, or program blinds to open at the right time of the morning to help you wake up. You could even monitor naughty pets from your smartphone with the help of your intelligent home!
Even basic things, like your entertainment or TV room, can be automated to make life just that little bit easier. Think dimmable lights, and full lighting control from the palm of your hand. You can even purchase completely built-in entertainment systems that include full audio and visual control, without a pesky remote that might get stuck down the side of the couch.
On the other hand, there is a select group of people who think that smart homes aren’t worth all the fuss. The majority of the concerns revolve around the cost involved in setting up, the potential hassle if the system breaks down, and the possibility of this technology being hacked.
In a popular hacking contest held by DEF CON recently,
they found it was possible to hack a number of home automation and smart devices. These devices included refrigerators, smart TVs, wireless cameras, locks and even fitness bands. While this may be enough to scare some people away from the idea of smart home automation, the flipside is that most manufacturers are aware of these issues and able to release patches that stop them from being vulnerable.
If you’re ready to take the plunge and turn your house into a smart home, there are a few things to bear in mind. First of all, make sure you leave all of the wiring up to a professional. Use an electrician and have that new thermostat or security system installed. You will also need to do some research and decide on what you want automated in your home. Will it just be the security cameras or lighting control, or do you want the complete package with intercoms, thermostats and water management? Choosing what your main priority is will help you make this decision and stick to a budget.
Perhaps you’re purely interested in energy efficiency, and just want to be able to control lights and power points from your smartphone. If you’re interested in home security, automated locks and security systems will be your go-to. Maybe you’re just in it for the fun aspects, and you desperately need an automated coffee machine to get you up in the morning. That’s fine too!
At the end of the day, all of your home automation dreams can become a reality. Those drool-worthy gadgets from your favourite childhood movie could be your very own!