Home automation, or smart home technology as it’s more commonly known, has hugely advanced in the last few years. Not only are many of the products designed to make your life simpler and easier, but many also provide you with added security to help to protect your home and belongings. Here are 3 home automation products that can make your life safer and easier.
Smart thermostats
Smart thermostats are an amazing technology designed to allow you to control your heating from your mobile phone or tablet. Gone are the days of having to venture off the sofa to turn the temperature up or down, or to switch the heating off entirely. Now it can be done at the touch of a button or, if you have a smart assistant such as Google Home or Amazon Alexa, it can be done by voice control.
Smart thermostats can also monitor average temperatures and, when programmed to do so, can automatically alter them to suit your usual heating routines.
One of the greatest benefits of a smart thermostat is the ability to switch your heating on and off remotely. If it’s a cold evening and you haven’t set the timer, or if you are on holiday and have neglected to switch the heating off, you can do so very easily via an app on your phone.
Security cameras and doorbells
Home security is something that we should all be mindful of. Not only does it give you the knowledge that your home is secure when you are out, but also when you and your family are at home. Security cameras can be strategically placed throughout your home and garden ground, giving you an instant view of what is happening both indoors and out.
Another very popular option is a smart doorbell, which reduces the necessity to answer the door when a visitor arrives. A smart doorbell comes with an integrated camera, giving you the ability to see and speak to those visiting your home even if you aren’t there.
Although there are a vast number of smart home security suppliers, Vivint packages in particular are worth considering. They supply a huge range of fully integrated security products, all of which can be programmed and monitored via one single app. They also offer 24/7 monitoring, which may prove to be priceless in the event of a security breach.
Smart lighting
Can you imagine being able to turn on your bedside lamps just as you are heading to bed, or turn your garage lights on before traveling to work just by using your voice or your phone? Imagine no more – that’s exactly what automated lighting allows you to do. There are several different methods you can use to make your home lighting fully automated.
In terms of indoor use, both smart bulbs and smart plugs are very popular. Smart bulbs look just like an ordinary bulb but have a built-in technology that allows them to be connected to your home wifi. Once connected, you can turn them on and off using voice control via a smart assistant. Smart plugs work on the same basis, and you simply connect the light or appliance you want to control.
Outdoor security lighting is available in both hard-wired and wireless formats, depending on your preference. Lights can be switched on and off as needed, set on a timer, or programmed to go on when anyone is within a certain radius. Automated lighting is not only a very handy addition to have in your home, but also acts as a great deterrent to anyone who is up to no good.