13 Smart Home Characteristics to Take Home Automation to the Next Level
In a world that’s filled with constant technological innovation, the concept of a smart home has come from a futuristic dream to a tangible reality. Smart homes have revolutionized the way we interact with our living spaces—from enhanced convenience and cost efficiency to automation and simplification of our daily tasks. However, many products are still unknown or haven’t become as mainstream as some. So, if you want a truly smart home, here are 13 characteristics to take your home automation to the next level.
What is a Smart Home?
A smart home system is a setup where different appliances and/or devices are integrated and controlled through a mobile phone or with voice commands. They’re all interconnected using the internet, which means that they usually need Wi-Fi or a 5G network to function. Smart home technologies were created to improve convenience, lower cost, and simplify many actions in our day-to-day lives. All in all, smart features are becoming the norm in luxury homes and beyond.
How Does Home Automation System Work?
Smart home automation works through the integration into one central point on the Internet of Things (IoT). This can be a smartphone, laptop, or even gaming console. Once connected, smart homes work through an internet connection based on schedules, voice commands, or remotely operated apps. Although they were created to keep your home safe and secure while minimizing effort, Wi-Fi networks can have vulnerabilities. However, there are options for a hardwired system to help improve reliability and security. If you want to add a line of smart devices to your home, talk to a professional. Newly built homes, on the other hand, can integrate the system during construction to make for easier integration.
13 Characteristics of a Smart Home
There are many smart home devices on the market today, but which ones are best for your home? Consider some of the most common features that every smart home should have.
1. Smart Thermostat
One of the most abundant types of smart technology in homes today is a remotely operated or automated thermostat. These allow you to control the heating and air conditioning systems within your home, regardless of where you are. You can adjust the temperature based on time of day, activity level in the house, or during vacations. Even more impressive, a smart thermostat can learn behavior patterns and automate temperatures throughout the day. When used strategically, this can optimize your home’s energy usage, thus lowering your monthly bills and improving your carbon footprint.
2. Home Security Systems
Another one of the most important features of a smart home is a home surveillance system. Smart security systems can be as simple as a video doorbell or as complicated as motion sensors, smart security cameras around your property, and automated alerts sent to your phone. This allows you to monitor your home while you’re there and away. Thanks to evolving technology, the smart tech that’s used can differentiate between home residents, pets, visitors, or unknown individuals, which results in prompt notification to the homeowner.
3. Smart Door Locks
For those who want to take their smart system to the next level, you can install smart locks on your doors. This helps make your home more accessible in the unfortunate instance that you lose your keys or get locked out. It also allows you to let visitors in when you’re not home if they’re watching your house, watering your plants, or caring for a pet. You can also integrate them into your garage door. Securing your home is important, so do what you must to feel safe.
4. Efficient Home Lighting
Smart home features that can reduce energy costs are another pillar of today’s housing market. Smart light bulbs can help reduce energy consumption, while others emit certain tints to help you fall asleep faster. With integrated technology, you can connect smart bulbs to your phone and allow for remote access regardless of where you are in the house. Plus, you can control your home lighting when you’re away, thus further reducing the risk of security breaches.
5. AI Home Assistants
Another key feature of a smart house is the integration of home assistance like Google Home or Amazon Alexa. Both of these AI assistants use voice control to help activate or adjust features for a smart home. Depending on your home setup, these assistants can help you with a variety of devices and applications.
6. Smart Plugs
Many smart homes focus on the big picture items, like security and temperature. However, new smart home products like outlets allow you to transform any simple device into something that can be remotely accessed and controlled on your smartphone, Google Assistant, or Alexa. This allows you to turn any home into a smart home, even if you don’t have the underlying infrastructure in place.
7. Smart Home Appliances
You can also integrate smart devices and appliances throughout your home and kitchen. Smart kitchens can help you make the most out of your days by reducing food waste and optimizing energy consumption. Smart refrigerators can allow you to see what’s inside, help you create grocery lists, create recipes based on what you have, and even help you track expiration dates. Smart ovens allow you to turn them on or off from your phone, start the preheating process, adjust settings and timers, and even get cooking notifications. Other household smart devices include coffee makers, washers and dryers, slow cookers, and more.
8. Utility Monitoring and Detection
Smart home ideas have officially extended past appliances and are now used to help monitor energy consumption, water consumption, and the presence of smoke or carbon monoxide. Some smart home devices can sense a power surge or water failure and turn off appliances or pipes to minimize damage. Smart smoke and carbon monoxide monitors can also monitor air quality and notify you of any issues.
9. Automated Pet Care
If you have a pet, consider using smart technology to help care for them. You can connect feeders with automation control, add smart locks to doggy doors, and keep an eye on your furry friend with pet-friendly security cameras.
10. Smartphone and Voice Control
Several smart devices can be controlled on your smartphone or with voice control. If you don’t want to use a home assistant, there may be an option to create voice activation units throughout your home so you can turn on devices with ease.
11. Automated Window Treatments
Automated blinds and curtains can also be installed and operated using voice commands. You can also have them open or close based on a pre-set schedule or time of the day, maximizing your privacy and energy efficiency based on your schedule. This can also add a level of security, as moving window treatments indicate someone is inside the house—thus deterring burglars.
12. Smart Irrigation
For a healthy and robust landscape, automated smart irrigation is a great addition to your property. This can create a watering schedule, synchronize the amount of water based on weather, and help reduce your water consumption as a whole.
13. Integrated Entertainment Systems
Another way you can bring smart appliances and devices into your residence is through your home theater and entertainment systems. While smart TVs have been around for a while, smart speakers and other entertainment accessories can be combined to create the ultimate home hub.
While the smart home market is growing, there are plenty of things you can incorporate into your current home. Many appliances can be installed and connected to your network without requiring further electric work. If you plan on moving and want to find a truly smart home, make sure you take the time to find a reputable real estate agent like the ones at First Star Realty.
All of our agents are honest and always work with integrity as a core value. We put our client’s interests first and can help you determine which projects will give you the biggest impact. First Star Realty is committed to providing five-star realtor services to Northwest Arkansas. We work with all of our clients throughout the entire buying or selling process. Our clients always come first, so we only measure achievements through client satisfaction. If you’re ready to buy or sell a home, contact us today. Our team of seasoned real estate professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized service to our clients. Call us today at 479-267-1600 or fill out a contact form on our website.
