What Is a Smart Home?
The rapid pace of technological innovation over the last 50-60 years has transformed the way that we live and opened up a world of possibilities for the future. Starting with inventions like the microwave oven and the home video recorder in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, we then witnessed the introduction of digital music and the rise in popularity of home computers in the 80s. Most importantly, we saw the growth of the Internet, which really began to gather speed in the early 90s, and the production of ever smaller and more powerful CPUs, which enabled manufacturers to pack an unprecedented amount of processing power into even the smallest of electronic devices. It is these last two technologies that have made smart homes an affordable possibility for millions of people all over the world.
But What Exactly Is a Smart Home?
What is a smart home? A smart home is a home with modern devices that can be controlled and programmed remotely, normally with a smartphone, tablet, desktop PC or dedicated home automation controller. The devices, which may include lights, kitchen appliances, home entertainment equipment and security systems, communicate with the controller via the Internet: each one has a wireless networking card that enables it to connect to a home Wi-Fi network.
Some people have very simple smart home systems whilst others have created homes where almost every aspect and feature can be controlled remotely. The one thing they all have in common is internet connectivity. Without a solid home Wi-Fi network or access to a fast cellular network (4G or 5G) it is impossible to create a smart home.
What Technology Is in a Smart Home?
If you decide to create your own smart home, you will discover that there are hundreds of devices you can incorporate into a home automation system. Below are a few examples of the most common smart home technologies currently being used.
Smart TVs – You may well already own a smart TV. By connecting it to a home automation system, you can take full advantage of everything it has to offer.
Smart Lighting – With a smart lighting system, you can control and customise the lighting in every room of your home at the touch of a button. The latest systems can regulate the brightness of each bulb or LED to maintain a certain level of lighting as daylight fades. They can also detect whether a room is occupied or empty.
Smart Thermostats – Internet-connected thermostats allow homeowners to control and monitor their heating systems remotely. They can also be configured to learn from experience: by analysing the activity patterns of your household, a smart thermostat can determine the optimal times to switch your heating on and off.
Smart Security Systems – A smart home security system with internet-connected CCTV will make it easy for you to monitor your property from almost anywhere in the world. Fully-featured systems may include programmable motion sensors that are able to differentiate between household members, domestic pets and intruders, reducing the incidence of false alarms considerably.
Kitchen Appliances – There are many smart kitchen appliances available today. From fridges and freezers, to coffee machines, toasters and washer dryers, a smart version of almost every type of appliance has been developed. With a fridge that tracks the expiration dates of the food you store inside it and a coffee maker that starts to brew up shortly before you awake, you could find your home life becoming much easier and more enjoyable!
Smart Music Systems – Home stereo systems that enable you to play different music in different rooms of your home have been available for many years. However, the latest smart audio technology is even more advanced. You can programme a modern smart audio system to play certain types of music at certain times of the day or to launch your favourite playlist when you arrive home after work.
How to Convert to a Smart Home
If you would like to enjoy all the benefits a smart home has to offer, your first step should be to get in touch with Connect Automation. As leading home automation experts, we design, install, configure and maintain state-of-the-art smart home systems in London, Surrey, Kent, Essex and adjacent areas.