Smart home technology can be amazing, or it can just grow into a bundle of apps and gadgets to solve problems that no one actually had.
The most valuable smart improvements often do one of three things: they remove tedious chores, increase comfort, or provide information that empowers individuals to better maintain their home. But before making any purchases, it’s wise to pose a question: will this improve daily life once the novelty wears off?
Smart lighting
Lighting is probably an of the easiest starting point. You can used timers motion sensors and app-controlled switches for hall ways entrances, entry ways and outdoor usage. The best set-ups however, still let’s have normal switch control. Nobody want’s to fumble for a smart phone to get a light on in the kitchen room.
Heating and cooling controls
A smarter approach Smart thermostats and connected air-conditioning controls offer better temperature consistency for most homes. Schedules can make an impact for those with fixed routines and remote control will provide peace of mind that air con hasn’t been running unnecessarily for several hours after people have left the house.
Automated window coverings
Motorised blinds and shutters can be practical on large, high or frequently adjusted windows. Automation can also allow coverings to operate according to time of day, helping manage privacy and direct sun without someone manually changing every window.
When looking at external systems, suppliers such as Roller Shutter People provide examples of electric roller shutters that can be incorporated into residential properties. As with any motorised product, it is worth considering manual access, servicing and what happens during a power outage before choosing the final setup.
Video doorbells and cameras
Doorbells allow you to monitor and receive notifications about packages, and even who’s at your door; external cameras can cover doors and even side entry. Position is king “The quality of your placement matters more than how many cameras you have. It’s often more valuable to have a camera that overlooks the principal points of entry than multiple low quality, overzealous cameras all aiming at the same expanse of front yard,” according to experts in electronic security.
Leak and water sensors
These are not the kind of gadgets that will win people awards at CES but they can be very effective at being installed near the hot water tank, in laundries, under sinks or anywhere else a water leak might not be obvious”, explains Simon Taylor from smart home system provider Loxone. Some have the facility to send a notification direct to the homeowner’s mobile phone as soon as water is detected giving them time to act before the damage can get severe.
Smart power monitoring
Energy monitors and connected plugs can show how much electricity particular appliances are using.
The information is most useful when it leads to a change in behaviour, such as identifying an old appliance that is consuming far more power than expected.
Choose one ecosystem where possible
A common frustration is having a separate app and account for every device. Before buying more products, check whether they can work together through the smart-home platform you already use.
Local controls are also worth considering. Devices that become completely unusable when the internet is down can be irritating for essential functions.
Prioritise reliability over novelty
Often the best smart-home purchase you’ll ever make is the one you totally forget is actually a smart-home device. Begin with a real home annoyance, apply a very simple solution to it, and – crucial! – ensure that it’s not overly complex to manually interact with the device, too.
