Build a Smarter Home with Smart Home Technology

Fifty years ago, computers filled entire rooms. Now all that technology — and more — can fit in your pocket. Cell phone apps, paired with wifi and Bluetooth™ capabilities, allow us to make our surroundings more comfortable, enjoyable, and efficient.  Everything from lamps to ceiling fans, refrigerators, air conditioners, even your bathroom shower system can be controlled by a voice command or a finger-swipe. The artificial genius of technology has thoroughly integrated itself into our lives, and it is easier than ever to fully equip your home to keep up with tomorrow. Read on to learn what you need to know about putting together your own smart home.

1. Hubs and bridges - Control multiple devices by voice, with connectivity to Google home, Apple HomeKit, or Amazon’s Alexa.
2. Ceiling fans - Save energy by programming the fans to be active only when there’s someone in the room.
3. Smart lighting - Program your lights to different settings; dim the lights for movies, or turn off at a voice-command through the hub.
4. Thermostats - Program or sync up to a phone app for control wherever you are.

What is a Smart Home System?

A smart home system is the integration of traditional tasks with multiple technologies and appliances to make daily life easier, more enjoyable, or more efficient with energy-use or your time.

Another defining characteristic of smart home technology is that they are connected to a common hub or a bridge. Different household fixtures — whether a stereo system or a washing machine — can talk to each other. Smart home appliances can be operated in the traditional ways — flipping a wall switch, or pushing a button on the control panel — but they can also be controlled by the hub, for instance Google Home, Apple HomeKit, or Amazon Alexa, or any manufacturer-specified cell phone app. This extra connectivity often allows them to be controlled by voice commands, or can offer more precise settings through the use of a touchscreen interface.

The possibilities are constantly expanding as the technology evolves. Voice-command options are on the rise, so you’ll be able to use an appliance, device, or other fixture by speaking out loud. Imagine a kitchen faucet that can pour out an exact measurement of water with just a few words, as a completely hands-free operation. This will keep the kitchen cleaner, make cooking and cleaning easier, and even save on the water bill. Some appliances and fixtures are already responsive to voice command, thanks to the central hubs that can control multiple devices.

The “smarter” aftermarket appliances and devices are usually added by homeowners or apartment residents and can be purchased to overcome any challenges that present themselves after they move in, such as an AC system that works too hard. A smart thermostat can control heating and cooling systems  based on the local temperature, the time of day when energy demand is lowest and potentially cheapest, all with the touch of a button on a cell phone app.

The system could be programmed to complement other money-saving options, such as ceiling fans. For instance, you could run your old ceiling fans twenty-four hours a day, or you can upgrade to programmable ceiling fans that adjust to your household, running only when someone is in the room, and thus saving you money. Many of our favorite, reliable fixtures and devices run all the time, and we don’t always realize how much energy we waste. A smart home system could help change those habits and switch to more cost-efficient patterns.

What makes a system “smart” is the ability to communicate between devices, change settings, and serve multiple purposes. For example, a porch light that responds to light levels or motion is automated, but it’s not “smart.” It’s isolated and self-contained with limited functions. However, if it were connected to a smart home system, you would be able to adjust light levels, check a security camera feed, or activate an outside speaker from anywhere using your connected device.

1. Door locks - Everyone can have their own code, or a Bluetooth key-fob for hands-free entry.
2. Lighting - Illumination for style and safety, from the porch to the walkway.
3. Cameras - Low-profile cameras recognize faces and alert you to visitors.

Is it Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?

No, they are not the same. Wi-fi and Bluetooth technologies are similar, in that they can transmit data, and even use the same frequency, but not all Wi-fi enabled tech will also be Bluetooth-ready. Without getting too technical, the difference between the two options is their role with the device using them.

Bluetooth ready - If a device is to have a single, one-on-one connection with the control pad, then Bluetooth can set it up. The Bluetooth acts as a link between the two devices and they communicate exclusively from one to the other while their link is active, almost like an extension of the appliance. Bluetooth does not require cables, or an internet — or Wi-fi — connection and will only maintain the connection with the device within a certain distance.

Wi-fi enabled - A Wi-fi enabled device utilizes an internet connection in order to transmit data, as long as there is an unlocked connection available and broadcasting for it to connect to. Once the device is equipped with access to the internet, it can be controlled via an app on a cell phone or tablet from anywhere. Wi-fi enabled devices can also use the internet to sync-up with other devices, not just the controlling hub or app, as part of a home network.

1. Smart Refrigerators - App-controlled features sync up to your phone to keep your fridge organized.
2. Smart Ranges - Features easier cleanup, Sabbath mode, and even  app-integration to guarantee perfect heat settings for every meal.
3. Smart Cooktops - Gas, electric, or glass - you can control the cooktop and its safety features from your phone.
4. Smoke detector - Receive alarm alerts to your phone, even when you’re not home.

Why Add Smart Home Technology?

There are a lot of products out there, all designed to be interesting and engaging, a mysterious puzzle that works so seamlessly with your daily life that you don’t have to worry about how it all works. Smart home technology can be fun to learn about, so plan ahead to explore the many options and features offered by any device you’re considering. It takes doing a little homework, and it’s a real investment with some big price tags.

So is it worth it? Fans of smart-home technology cite three main benefits: convenience, energy savings, and peace of mind.

Convenience - The automatic nature of most electronics makes life easier for us humans. With the press of a button, we can tell the machine to do the work for us. It’s fun, and it frees us up to do other things with our time.

A smart home system can automate many different household chores, from the washer and dryer, to monitoring the air conditioner, with precision. Load the clothes and go; the dryer will keep the clothes from wrinkling until you get back to it. The oven can even alert your phone when it hits the perfect temperature. Set different parts of the house to different temperatures, depending on when and where it will be occupied, and the thermostat will monitor the changes for you.

Energy Savings - Newer appliances and devices are made to meet strict energy use standards. Manufacturers understand that consumers want to save money so they’ve designed their products to use less energy. You get the savings on the monthly energy bill, and the knowledge that you’re reducing your carbon-footprint at the same time.

The additional bonus of the smart home tech is the programmable feature. You have precise control over the device through the digital or touchscreen apps or control panels, and for many of the devices, the device will power down once the job is done. They can be set to timers, to only use energy at a certain time of day, for a certain length of time. The variety of savings built into modern technologies is as wide as the number of products.

Peace of Mind - The easy integration and use of these modern gadgets can make the home safer. You can be alerted to a package delivery via a security camera linked to the motion-sensor lights with the added features of an internet connection that can send the images to your phone, no matter where you are. Some door viewer systems even let you hear and speak with whoever is at your door, without disclosing the fact that you aren’t inside the home.

Keyless-entry and Bluetooth door locks mean no hunting for the keys while juggling groceries. Smart lighting systems mean no stumbling through the house to turn off all the lights at bedtime. Or a smart shower system can set the water temperature to remain at exactly the heat you tell it to, alerting you via text message when your shower is ready for you and even preventing scalding while bathing. The technology can be programmed to do repeated tasks at specific times, so that even the ceiling fans can be turned off at night when no one is in the room, and there’s no wasted energy.

1. Smart shower systems - User profiles allow for the perfect shower, every time!
2. Waterproof Bluetooth speakers - Play music through the shower head, just sync it up to your phone!
3. Leak sensors - Extra piece of mind to protect the easily overlooked areas under the sinks.
4. Mirrors & medicine cabinets - Set the lighting to the task — from shaving and makeup, to nightlights.

Where Can You Use Smart Home Systems?

Smart home technology can be used in any location, whether in a house, an apartment, or at work. Most devices are designed to make life easier, so they can often be set up as a Do-it-Yourself project in an hour or so. Some appliances, however, could require the assistance of a professional for installation and setup.

The workplace might not be the first place you would think to use smart home technology, but there are plenty of possibilities available.

• Consider smart bulbs and plug-in switches for energy-saving lighting options.
• Update the style and welcome the other benefits of the new smart ceiling fans.
• Smart door locks make it easy to keep track of who comes and goes. Thanks to code-pad locks and Bluetooth-enabled key-fobs, any code’s access permissions can be changed at any time, as needed.

In an apartment, a renter can easily incorporate smart home technology.  

• Install your own smart bulbs in lamps for easy, app-based lighting control.
• Add a fully integrated security system, complete with doorbell cameras and motion sensors for windows and doors.
• Smart smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors can be silenced from your cell phone before alerting the neighbors that your dinner came out a bit too crisp, and standard features monitor power levels to prevent those annoying midnight wake-up alarms because the battery died.

In addition to those options, a homeowner can do even more, including upgrade appliances.

• Easily change out light switches to make them compatible with various smart home hubs.
• Take the guesswork out of dinner plans, with a refrigerator that can connect to your phone; in-door cameras can send you a snapshot of what’s on the refrigerator shelves while you’re at the store.
• Program your washer to turn on a certain time of day so that your laundry is ready to switch out when you are home from work or errands.
• New programmable lighting and ceiling fans can save money and energy by syncing up a hub or an app.
• Add an entirely smart bathroom suite, with app controlled shower systems or vanity lights.
• Auto-sensing bathroom exhaust fans can also play music from your favorite playlist through a Bluetooth connection.
• Change the locks to keyless entry sets, and install a complete security and surveillance system.

The ever-expanding product selection available with smart home devices can be a challenge to keep up with. They offer convenience in all areas of the home, from the kitchen to the den. The hardest part when considering updating to a connected home setup can be knowing exactly where to start. Let our Smart Home Guide tool help find the perfect smart devices to get your home connected.

There are plenty of choices and applications when it comes to smart home automation. These devices are designed to integrate into your daily life and make tasks easier and more enjoyable. They can fit in anywhere you can find the use for them, it’s just a matter of knowing what is available to meet your needs. It’s not a fad or a passing trend, but instead a multi-billion dollar industry on the rise. It is here to stay, so consider your options and find the conveniences that work for your household.