What is a Smart Home?

Chances are, you’ve heard the phrase “smart home,” also sometimes referred to as “home automation.” The definition of smart home is, according to Investopedia, “…a convenient home setup where appliances and devices can be automatically controlled remotely…using a mobile or other networked [device].”

Automated devices can include TVs, speakers, lighting, and thermostats. These smart devices can help with can energy efficiency and reduce the cost of utilities. An automated smart home can sometimes even enhance safety measures, such as in the case of security cameras, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide alarms.

Read on to find out more about smart home automation, and how to control your home from a single app.

Smart TVs and Smart Speakers

Many modern homes have a Smart TV- a television that has apps for additional functionality. They can do everything a normal TV can do, including getting cable or satellite or hooking up to a gaming console. However, they can also use streaming services like YouTube or Netflix.

Smart speakers, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, are usually the central hub to operate devices in your home. Smart speakers will allow you to play audio clips, with a voice command. They can also act as a central hub to control other smart devices.

Smart Lighting and Smart Thermostats

Lighting is usually the first step on the full home automation journey. Unlike other smart devices, smart lighting doesn’t require a central hub to interact with other devices. Smart light bulbs communicate over Wi-Fi, while others use Bluetooth. There are a few common smart bulbs that require a ZigBee radio adapter, so it’s a good idea to investigate this before making a purchase.

Smart thermostats are, hands down, the most effective home automation devices for cost savings. They do more than just establish a heating and cooling schedule for when you’re at home. Some smart thermostats even work with sensors that can be placed in the rooms you use most frequently. This way, they will automatically detect when you’re home and when you’re not, so that your home’s HVAC system only runs when it needs to.

Smart Smoke Detectors and Smart Security Cameras

If you’re looking to make your home more secure, smart home automation can help you with that, too. There are also smart smoke detectors and smart security cameras on the market.

Smart smoke detectors come with a variety of features. Some models incorporate emergency lighting, so that you can find your way out even if your home is filled with smoke. Often, models also include unique features. For example, some smart smoke detectors can work with a smart thermostat- telling it to shut down the HVAC system if smoke is detected. That way, smoke won’t be circulated across the home- which will help keep you safe while you evacuate.

Smart security cameras are straightforward- they can be controlled by an app on your phone or your central hub. There are both internal and external security cameras, and some can even connect with lights to help guide your way inside at night.

Conclusion

Home automation is likely to become increasingly common in the years to come. But what is a smart home? A smart home contains devices that can be controlled remotely and/or by automation. Some common smart devices include TVs, speakers, lights, thermostats, smoke detectors, and security cameras. Smart devices don’t just make life more convenient. In some cases, they can even make your home safer.