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Best Smart Home Blog – Smart Houses Tech
SmartHousesTech is an initiative by Uilliam to provide all required information to people who want to make their home a “Smart Home.” Uilliam keeps this information very simple so that people can easily understand and adopt it in their lives.
What is a Smart Home?
A home which is consist of advanced technologies that intend to provide increased comfort, security, convenience, and energy efficiency is called a smart home. This advanced technology is called smart home devices.
A smart home can be managed by a mobile app, voice assistant, or physical devices such as a switch or thermostat. The most common features of a smart home include:
–Remote access: The ability to control your home from anywhere in the world using a mobile app.
–Security: Increased security through features such as facial recognition door locks and motion detection cameras.
–Energy efficiency: Automated lighting and climate control help reduce energy consumption.
–Convenience: Automated tasks such as placing an order for groceries when your fridge is running low.
When you set up your smart home effectively, then it is called home automation—you have automated many daily tasks. For example, setting the thermostat on echo mode automatically when you leave for work.
History of Home Automation.
The first home automation network was invented in 1975. It was a communication protocol for electric appliances which uses the electric power transmission wiring for the signals and control. After that, in 1978, wall switch modules were also introduced.
In 2005, modern home automation technology came to the market, which is called Zigbee and Z-Wave. This technology can communicate in two ways, unlike the previous one. We can still see the older technology installed in many homes, which was installed back in 1975.
In 2011, Nest Labs, which was established in 2010, introduced the first smart home product. This product assists in controlling the temperature of the home in a better way called the Nest Learning Thermostat.
Now, many companies are introducing their smart products, which are solving many everyday problems and helping us to make our day a better one.
According to ABI Research, 1.5 million smart homes were installed by 2012. These numbers raise to 45 million smart homes at the end of 2018.
Smart Home Vs. IoT (Internet of Things)
IoT (Internet of Things) is the key pillar of smart homes. It was the IoTs that have become now the smart home devices. An IoT home takes things a step further by connecting all of your devices to the internet so they can communicate with each other.
A smart home uses IoT technology to make your life easier and more efficient. An IoT home uses technology to connect all of your devices and appliances to the internet so they can communicate with each other and with you via your smartphone.
For example, a smart thermostat is an IoT that is connected to the internet and can adjust the temperature according to your usage pattern automatically.
How To Build Smart Home?
Now, you have an idea to build a smart home. You need a lot of smart devices. It might seem like a daunting task, but with a little planning and the right products, it’s easier than you might think.
Before jumping to the products, first, you need to have a bigger picture. Here are the aspects you need to take care of and the type of products you will need.
| Home Security | Cleaning | Lighting | Entertainment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Cameras | Smart Air Purifiers | Smart Strip Lights | Smart Sound Bars |
| Video Doorbells | Robot Vacuums | Color Changing Bulbs | Smart Speakers |
| Smart Door locks | Robot Mops | Smart Floodlights | Smart Routers |
| Robotic Pool Cleaners | Smart Plugs & Switches | ||
| Thermostats |
Above is a list of essential products if you’re interested in converting your home into an automated one. Let’s get into it and discuss it further.
Smart Home Security System.
A smart home security system uses various technologies to provide automation, remote monitoring, and often artificial intelligence to make security decisions.
A smart home security system typically consists of sensors, video doorbells, cameras, door and window locks, motion detectors, and other devices that are all connected to a central hub or controller. This central hub is usually a software application that is installed on a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
Many companies charge monthly after the installation. It is why I recommend you the smart home security system without a monthly fee. Similarly, you can go with a video doorbell without a monthly fee.
If you are living in cold or rainy weather, then go for the best video doorbell for cold weather.
If you prefer your privacy, then go for the best bedroom door locks and the best hidden front door cameras.
You can also go for the battery-operated cameras or the light bulb cameras to avoid charging the batteries frequently.
The main benefit of a smart home security system is the ability to remotely monitor and control your home’s security from anywhere in the world. For example, you can use your smartphone to check whether your doors are locked, turn on/off lights, or even view live video footage of your home.
Smart Home Cleaning System.
A smart home cleaning system consists of smart technologies that can clean your home automatically. It becomes possible through smart robotic cleaners.
The robotic vacuum cleaner uses sensors to clean the carpet and floors for you. The sensors allow the vacuum to detect dirt, dust, and debris and then vacuum it up. The premium vacuum will also automatically empty its dustbin when it gets full. The premium models also require less maintenance.
If you are worried about your or your pet’s hair, then go for the best robot vacuum for long hair and smart robot for German Shepherds. There is also a robot vacuum for in-ground pool cleaning and for the above-ground pool too.
If you really need an automatic cleaning of your house, then you should pick a vacuum cleaner like the eufy Robovac 12, or eufy Robovac 15C max, along with a mop like the iRobot Braava 380t.
If you are on a budget, then try a smart robot vacuum under $200, or under $100.
To get fresh air, you should buy an air purifier especially if you live in a crowded city or in an apartment. That can be the Coway AP-1512HH or the Hathaspace True HEPA.
Similarly, if you live in a dry area, you also need a humidifier like the Elechomes UC5501, and Levoit Classic 300S. For the ones who deal with Sinus Problems, check the best humidifier for sinus problems—it is also best for cough.
Smart Home Lighting.
Just like the other departments, there are many products that will take your smart home lighting experience to the next level. Like the best under-eave motion sensor lights, outdoor motion sensor lights with a camera, and the best lights for bathrooms with no windows.
Smart Home Entertainment System.
A smart home entertainment system is a complete solution for your home entertainment needs. For this, you can try having the best smart speaker for music or the Amazon Echo Studio. Best of all, a smart home entertainment system is easy to set up and use.
How to control smart home devices?
So, you have considered some of the smart home devices, but how you will actually be controlling them?
Well, almost every smart device manufacturer has its own smart home app that you will need to install on your smartphone. This is usually the easiest way to manage your devices since you can do it from anywhere.
The next way to control these IoTs is by using voice commands. To do so, you need to connect them with your favorite voice assistant, like Google Assistant. After the connection, you can simply say, “ok google, set the temperature at 25°.”
Finally, some smart home devices can also be controlled with physical buttons or switches. This is often the case with light bulbs – you can still turn them off and on manually even if they’re connected to the internet.
But, there is another way to control smart home devices.
What is a smart home hub?
If you purchase smart devices from different manufacturers, then it will be difficult for you to install and manage the mobile application for each smart device.
Here come the smart home hubs.
A smart home hub is a device that allows homeowners to control all of their connected devices from one central location. It can include everything from lights and thermostats to security cameras and door locks. By having all of these devices controlled from one place, homeowners can save time and energy while also increasing the safety and security of their homes.
The most famous smart hubs are Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa.
But, there is a problem. Not every smart device is compatible with each smart hub.
But, do not worry, I have covered this already.
If you are a HomeKit user, check the best security cameras for HomeKit, and the best router for Apple Homekit.
And if you are going to use SmartThings, check the best cameras for SmartThings, best smart bulbs for SmartThings, SmartThings compatible switches, smart plugs for SmartThings, best garage door opener for SmartThings, best smart door lock for SmartThings, and the best thermostat that works with the SmartThings.
What if you are using Google Home Hub? Well, check out the best weather station for Google Home, Google Home smart switches, best smart lock for Google home, best smart bulb for Google home, best smart thermostat for Google Home, Google Home compatible smart switch, robot vacuum for Google Home, and the best doorbell for Google Home.
You might also want to check the best thermostat for Alexa.
Benefits of having a Smart Home:
A smart home can make life more fortunate and comfortable for its occupants. For example, homeowners can use their smartphones to control the temperature, lighting, and security system in their homes.
In addition to making life more convenient, a smart home can also help save money on utilities. For instance, homeowners can program their thermostats to reduce energy usage when they are away from home or asleep.
Yes, a smart home can provide many benefits to its occupants. With a smart home, you can enjoy greater comfort, convenience, and savings.
Some pros are:
- More Convenience
- Energy efficiency
- Environmental friendliness
- It can improve your residence security.
- Enhance your lifestyle
- Increase your home’s value
- Make life easier
- Home automation is the future
- You can automate your home so that certain tasks are completed without you having to lift a finger.
Disadvantages of Home Automation.
While the idea of a smart home is appealing, there are some disadvantages that should be considered before making the switch. The biggest downside is the cost. Smart home technology can be expensive to purchase and install.
The next big concern is privacy. Since smart homes collect data on everything from energy use to sleep patterns, there is always the risk that this information could be accessed and used without the owner’s knowledge or consent.
Is your data in the right hands? It is why I always recommend buying only from trusted brands.
Further, there are some questions like can a smart home be hacked, can Ring doorbell be hacked, and can a smart TV be hacked?
If you are concerned about cyber attacks, learn how to save IoT devices from hackers.
Here are some cons:
- Security Risks
- High Costs
- Privacy Concerns
- Lack of Compatibility
- Technical Difficulties
Smart Home For The Elderly.
A smart home system can help elderly people in a number of ways. It can provide them with a way to easily call for help if they fall or have some other emergency. It can also keep track of their medications and remind them when it is time to take them.
Additionally, it can monitor their activities and report any unusual changes to their caretaker.
The best smart home devices for elderly, and the best smart speaker for the elderly, will be a great start for building a smart home for senior citizens.