What seemed futuristic half a decade ago is now becoming a reality, and you may be missing out if you still don’t have a smart home. Building a smart home will give you the most convenience and secure your family. You can also update old homes with smart house technology, and you don’t have to break the bank to do so.
How can you make your house a smart home if you don’t even know what qualifies as a smart home? It must have automated and remote controlled devices configured to make your lifestyle convenient and energy efficient. Smart homes offer endless possibilities from surveillance to voice commands and energy-saving.
We’ve compiled a post on smart house systems and how to update your home. Whether you’re new to this technology or looking to improve your existing smart home, we’ve got you covered.
In This Article:
Start with a Smart Home Hub
This term refers to a central device that connects and controls all your smart devices. Think of it as the brain of your smart home, coordinating and communicating between different devices.
Most devices and electrical gadgets function individually. For example, you can switch on your heater, and your fans will continue countering the warming effect unless you manually switch off the fans.
You need a smart home pub to control all your home electronics so they all work towards the same outcome. For example, a smart hub will switch off fans and switch on the heater, even tuning it to your preferred warmth when your sensors detect chilly temperatures.
Another example is a smart hub turning off all lights, music and switching on your security system when you say “goodnight” to Alexa or Google Assistant.
Starting with a smart home hub also allows you to start small and add more devices and features as you go. So, how do you choose the right hub for your home? Here are a few things to consider:
Top Smart Home Hub Considerations
- Compatibility with different devices and protocols.
- Ease of use and user interface.
- Price range.
Some popular options include Google Home, Amazon Echo, and Samsung SmartThings. Do some research to find the best fit for your home and budget.
Upgrade to Smart Security Systems
Once you have your smart home hub, always start with security, including automation and surveillance. Therefore, upgrade your home with smart security systems like:
1. Flip Cards
Flip cards are a smart security system that allows you to control and automate your home’s lighting, temperature, and appliances. They also feature built-in sensors for detecting motion, smoke, and carbon monoxide.
With flip cards, you can easily monitor and secure your home remotely through an app or voice commands.
2. Smart Locks
Smart locks are essential for any smart home, offering convenience and security. They allow you to remotely or automatically lock and unlock. You can control them remotely via apps or voice commands.
Smart locks also allow you to create digital keys for family, friends, or service providers, making it easier to grant access when needed.
Some folks afraid of hackers ask if smart homes are dangerous, and we think they’re safe if you follow cybersecurity best practices.
3. AI-Powered Surveillance Cameras
AI-powered surveillance cameras are another crucial aspect of a smart security system. These cameras leverage AI tech to detect and identify people, animals, and vehicles on your property.
They then send real-time alerts to your smartphone, helping you monitor activities at home from anywhere. AI-powered systems are the future of smart homes.
4. Digital Panels and Keypads
Digital panels and keypads are also essential components of a smart security system. They allow you to control your home’s security features, such as locks and cameras, through a central device.
You can also set up personalized codes for different family members or guests to enter the house.
5. Smartphone Apps
Last but not least, a smartphone app is necessary for managing and monitoring your smart security system. With an app, you can receive real-time alerts, control your home’s security features, and even view live camera footage remotely.
You’ll be in control even when on commutes while jogging or traveling to another country.
Some apps offer advanced features like geofencing, which can automatically arm or disarm your system based on your location.
Install Smart Lighting
Security trumps convenience, and that’s why we started with security. Another crucial component of smart house systems is smart lighting.
Lighting affects the ambiance of your home. Well-lit areas are good for studying, cooking, and working, while cooler ambiances are needed in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways.
Did you know that smart lighting also helps with home security? For example, burglars like to break into houses when their owners are away. When you go on vacation, you switch off the lights, and burglars can tell you’re not home when your home is dark for multiple nights.
You can confuse malicious observers with smart lighting by periodically switching different lights on and off. Smart lighting can also sync with motion detectors, switching on the lights to scare away intruders by tricking them into thinking someone is home.
Energy Savings
Most folks pay way more power costs than they should, as their lights stay on unnecessarily. How often do you remember you left the lights on when you’re in traffic or at work, meaning they stay on until you get home?
Smart lighting allows you to switch off lights remotely even when you’re away. Moreover, it allows you to monitor your energy use to determine the best energy-saving practices.
Some smart bulbs also allow you to adjust their brightness and color temperature, creating different moods for different occasions.
Install Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats offer more than just convenience; they’ll help significantly save on energy costs.
These devices learn your temperature preferences and patterns, adapting to your preferences and automatically tuning the temperature.
Your smartphone app can also remotely control the smart thermostats, switching the air conditioner on and off from miles away. You can also turn the heat on a few minutes before getting back home, ensuring a comfortable temperature upon arrival.
Coupling Smart Thermostats with Security Systems
Another benefit of smart thermostats is their integration with security systems. Some models can connect to your home’s security system, allowing them to receive alerts when an intruder is detected.
If not, your smart home hub will automatically turn off the air conditioning or heat to limit potential damage to your property.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
Some smart thermostats also track indoor air quality and adjust the temperature accordingly. For example, if there’s high humidity in the room, it will lower the temperature by a few degrees to reduce moisture levels.
This feature helps maintain a healthy living environment and saves energy, too, by using your HVAC system only when necessary.
Automate with Smart Plugs and Sensors
Pad your smart thermostat’s capabilities by using smart plugs and sensors.
Smart plugs are programmable outlets that can turn any appliance or device on or off with a simple command from your phone.
You can connect them to your smart thermostat, allowing you to control and automate temperature and other devices such as lamps and fans.
Similarly, sensors placed around your home can detect occupancy and adjust the temperature accordingly. These sensors can also work together with smart thermostats, helping to save energy by only heating or cooling occupied rooms.
Voice Control and Integration with Virtual Assistants
In addition to controlling your smart thermostat through your phone, you can integrate some models with virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Then, you can control most of your smart devices, from cameras to lights and thermostats, with simple voice commands.
For example, our security systems feature a digital panel, flip card, and access to the smartphone app and control panel, which has an easy-to-use interface.
Voice commands and search make your daily routine easier. You can adjust the temperature without even getting up from your couch.
Choose the Best Smart Home System for Your Needs
We automate activities and daily routines to produce more while consuming less. Automations are customized solutions because everyone’s routines and needs vary drastically.
Apart from laziness, I don’t see the downsides of having a smart home unless the automations suit some else’s taste, not yours.
When choosing a smart home system, always weigh your personal or family needs and list the capabilities most important to you. Most importantly, you must consider your home’s layout, occupants, and perimeters.
For example, if you have pets, you may want to invest in a system with pet-friendly motion sensors or cameras that allow you to monitor them while away from home.
Consider the number of rooms and devices you want to control and ensure the chosen smart home system can accommodate all your needs. Integration capabilities should also be a key factor in your decision. Your chosen system should be compatible with any existing smart devices or virtual assistants.
Think about your budget and any potential recurring costs for maintenance or subscription fees.
It’s crucial to find a balance between affordability and functionality when choosing a smart home system.
Automate Your Home with Kentucky Secured
Would you like to know the easiest and most reliable way to make a smart home? Kentucky Secured is your best bet. Our smart home system offers a comprehensive range of features that we can customize to fit your specific needs.
Our digital platform allows you to control your home’s security cameras, and our flip cards empower you to automate and remotely control your home’s devices, including lights, thermostats, and door locks.
We also offer sensors to detect motion, smoke, water leaks, and carbon monoxide to keep your home and loved ones safe. Our system is compatible with popular virtual assistants, so there’s extra convenience.
