From remotely adjusting your central heating to asking Alexa to play you some music, home automation has become a way of life, and the Access to Energy Program is now predicting that within two years, 350 million people will be using some kind of automation and smart services within their home. Companies are beginning to work together so that their technology and devices can be completely integrated, no matter what the brand, and used as one secure platform. There is a focus on convenience for the consumer, making it easy to make the switch across to having a smart home. Upgrading the way you operate your home devices and security systems will save you time and money, and help to keep you and your personal information safe.
A focus on the environment
Sustainability and a focus on energy consumption is one of the big trends in home automation. Research has found that lowering your heating thermostat by only one degree can save you up to 10% on your home energy bills. A smart thermostat can save you money, but not only is it doing this, by consuming less energy, you are also helping the environment. An easy-to-use app means that you can adjust the temperature of your home wherever you are in the world, so if you find you are running a few hours late at work, you can turn your heating down from the office and save energy. Smart lighting devices for your home, such as the Switchmate Energy Saving Light Toggle, are another way that you can reduce your energy usage. They are simple to install and simple to use, and can even be activated using motion, contact-free.
A focus on security
In America, there are 2.5 million burglaries committed every single year, and 66% of them are of people’s homes. Home automation has already helped us to take big steps in security, especially when it comes to protecting where we live. A Simple Home Wi-Fi Motion Sensor can send you message alerts whenever it detects movement within the vicinity of your property. Smart doorbells can take video footage of whenever anyone comes near your door or puts something in your mailbox. It has even been predicted that smart security technology will start making more use of voice activation, facial recognition, and even iris scanners. It may not be long before you find that you don’t need to carry door keys anymore – your home automation tech will be scanning your features in order to gain access to your house.
A focus on convenience
Several months ago, Apple announced a partnership with BMW. In new vehicles, you will be able to use a BMW Digital Key, which is compatible with your iPhone. Using your iPhone software, you will be able to unlock and lock your car, as well as starting the engine. Carrying around a handbag for car keys and your wallet will become a thing of the past: you will be able to do everything you need using one device. Home automation is also taking this path, and focusing on convenience for the consumer. Simple tasks, like setting the kettle boiling to make a drink while you’re in another part of the house, will become commonplace, or setting up your TV to record your favorite program, while you’re still at work. Smart tech that saves you time in your everyday life is now at the forefront of the home automation market.
From surveillance systems to your home heating, it’s easy to upgrade the smart technology in your home. You can ultimately save time and money, and make your house more secure using a simple app on your smartphone.
