December 19, 2023
Source: Parks Associates research
Smart home automation refers to the use of technology to control and automate various aspects of a home, enhancing convenience and efficiency. This involves connecting and remotely managing devices such as lights, thermostats, security cameras, and appliances through a central system or a smartphone app. The goal is to create an interconnected ecosystem that allows users to monitor, control, and optimize their home environment for comfort, energy efficiency, and security. This is known as the “IoT: The Internet of Things” – which we discussed in more detail during a Tech Tip Tuesday. Listen to that episode here!
Smart home automation has become increasingly popular and there are many cool devices available to make your home more convenient, efficient, and secure. Here are some interesting smart home devices:
Learning Thermostats: Learns your preferences and adjusts the temperature accordingly, and can usually be controlled remotely via a mobile app. There are many manufacturers of smart thermostats, so be sure to check each one to find the user interface most suited to your lifestyle. With any smart thermostat, you will save money on your monthly heating/cooling bills. You can even keep the HVAC unit from working too hard during the day if you are away, and use the mobile app or scheduling feature to bring your home to a comfortable temperature just before you get home from work or vacation.
Smart Lighting: LED smart bulbs that can be controlled through a mobile app, allowing you to change colors and set schedules. These are especially useful for setting a schedule while you are away, or even to adjust the light and brightness depending on what event you’re hosting or the time of day.
Smart Door Locks: Allows you to control and monitor your door lock remotely. You can also grant access to guests with virtual keys. Let’s say you leave for work, and just as you arrive, you have a panicked feeling that you forgot to lock your door. With smart door locks, you can ease your worry by logging in to the app and making sure your door is locked and secured! Also, if you have pets and you are either delayed or on vacation, you can grant access to a pet sitter or neighbor through the app to make sure your four-legged family member is cared-for.
Smart Security Cameras: A doorbell, like Alpine’s video doorbell, has a built-in camera that allows you to see and speak to visitors through your smartphone. Especially comforting for parents, you can say hello to your children when they arrive home from school, or speak to a delivery person. Monitor your vacation home, or even be alerted if your elderly family member hasn’t moved throughout the house. Enjoy the peace of mind of true home monitoring.
Smart Plugs: Allows you to turn traditional devices into smart ones, controlling them remotely or setting schedules. Any number of appliances could be connected to smart plugs for safety reasons, giving you the ability to switch off the flow of electricity when the appliance is not in use. Has anyone left the house wondering if the curling iron is unplugged, or the stove is off? Or maybe you want to switch on a crock pot at a certain time? Smart plugs let you control that flow of electricity, making your life easier.
Smart Sensors: Detects motion, temperature, and vibration. It can trigger other smart devices based on these conditions. There are also thermostat smart sensors, where the sensor can detect motion in a room and let that correspond to a predetermined temperature.
Smart Smoke Detectors: A smoke and carbon monoxide detector that sends alerts to your phone and can be silenced remotely.
Smart Speakers: These voice-activated speakers, like Amazon Echo or Google Home, can control various smart devices and provide information or entertainment. This is always helpful during mealtimes when a conversation arises that requires immediate research! No one has to leave the table or pick up a smart phone to ask important questions. It’s also helpful as you’re getting ready in the morning to ask your smart speaker about the weather forecast for the day. Many devices can connect to these smart speakers allowing for hands free activation to lights, temperature settings, audio preferences, and more.
Smart Blinds: Motorized shades that can be controlled via a smartphone app or integrated into a smart home system. Like using smart bulbs, this is an energy-efficient measure to keep your home optimized for temperature and security. You can schedule your blinds to close at a designated time for extra privacy. Or, you can open the blinds with your smart phone before you even get out of bed in the morning.
Smart TV: These smart TVs allow you to stream content, control other smart devices, and use voice commands.
Smart Garage Door Opener: Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Hub allows you to control and monitor your garage door remotely using a mobile app. This could be connected to a geo-locator, and automatically open your garage door if you are arriving at home. A totally secure, hands-free experience!
Smart Kitchen Appliances: A smart refrigerator with a touchscreen that allows you to manage groceries, leave notes, and even see inside the fridge with built-in cameras.
Smart Sprinkler System: Monitors weather conditions and adjusts your sprinkler system accordingly, saving water – and money! It’s also better for the environment.
We believe people feel more connected and safe with a Smart Security System from Alpine Communications. We go beyond installing a traditional monitored security system, Alpine connects your home using smart home technology. You can protect your home or business from intruders, and you gain the advantage of controlling your home or business environment.
An expertly connected home or business enables residents to monitor and control with a wide variety of devices, including thermostats, cameras, and lights.
With so many smart home options in the market, it can be confusing to choose the right device for your needs. Additionally, integrating these devices can be complicated and time consuming for most homeowners. This is where Alpine Communications shines. We provide the expertise to help you create your ideal environment by taking the time to help you select, integrate, and install the right smart home devices to achieve your goals.
We recommend before purchasing any smart home device, ensure compatibility with your existing devices and choose products that are secure and have good reviews. Integration with popular smart home platforms like Google Home or Amazon Alexa can also enhance the overall experience. And remember, you will have the best experience with smart home automation with robust internet connectivity like that provided by Alpine Communications!
