The world is changing rapidly and now we use technology in just about every part of our daily lives, from how we communicate to how we entertain ourselves in our downtime.
Many people have also gone all-in on smart home technology. This is when you use the Internet of Things (IoT) to connect your devices together so they can be used in tandem. If you are not yet on the bandwagon, then you may be shocked to learn about all of the advantages that smart home technology can bring.
Today, we will talk about five amazing perks that you can gain by connecting your devices and how they can improve your day-to-day life.
1. Save Money on Utility Bills
The times are always changing, and it is impossible to know what comes next. That is why it is important that you try to save money whenever you can. When it comes to lowering your utility bills, there are many tactics that you can try. For instance, by maintaining your HVAC systems and sealing your doors and windows, you can run them less often and save money that way. You can also buy Energy Star appliances that use a lot less electricity and are much more efficient than the older models.
When you are looking for appliances, research those that can be connected to your smartphone and you can continue to save money every month. Many smart appliances, including dishwashers, can be connected to the electrical grid so that they only turn on when energy is more affordable so you can save money without doing much on your end.
Another easy way to save money is to switch out your standard incandescent bulbs with smart bulbs that allow you to turn on and off and dim your lights with your smartphone, even if you are not in the house, to save electricity. You can also invest in smart window coverings. In addition to controlling them with your phone, you can also program them to open and close at certain times during the day so you can continue to save on heating and cooling costs.
2. Be More Sustainable
There are many ways that smart home technology can help you to eliminate unnecessary waste around your home. When you only use what you need and don’t use excess, then you are doing yourself and the planet a big favor. There are many ways that smart tech can help, starting with your thermometer.
Many people like to come home to a warm house in the winter and a cool house in the summer, and to get that feeling, they leave their HVAC systems on all day. The problem there is that you are wasting electricity by heating or cooling an empty house. It is an issue that you will also see on your utility bills. Instead, you can invest in a smart thermostat. This is a great option because it allows you to program the heat and air conditioning to stay at a lower setting when you are out of the house. Then, you can program it to turn on when you are on your way home from work so you waste less energy and still return to a comfy home. Many of these models also allow you to change the temperature at any time from your phone.
That is just the beginning. There have also been incredible advancements in the world of lawn care and sprinkler control. There are sprinklers on the market that will factor in the local weather and the soil content of your yard to determine a watering schedule that will help your yard thrive and avoid high monthly bills. Water is a valued resource, so a tool like this can ensure that you are doing your part to eliminate unnecessary waste so the planet and the people on it can thrive.
3. Make Your Electric Car More Efficient
Smart technology is truly reaching out to all areas of our lives, including how we drive.
Electric cars are becoming more popular by the year, and they offer great perks like eliminating the cost of gas while also eliminating harmful emissions, which is good for the planet. Since the tech is still a work in progress, there are some limitations and issues that need to be ironed out. One of those issues is that you need to charge the car on a regular basis. The process of charging an electric car can take from 30 minutes to several days, depending on the type of outlet you use and the capacity of your battery. Even when the battery is ready to go, you also need to count on the fact that, over time, the battery will degrade. Needless to say, you need to be able to take advantage of every charge, and smart home technology can help.
One way that you can get the most out of your electric vehicle’s battery is to mitigate the issues caused by extreme temperatures. If you live in a climate that is either really hot or below freezing, then the temperature will affect how far the car will drive on its battery power, with typical power losses of 20% to 50%. While you can’t completely eliminate this problem, you can help by connecting your car to your smartphone.
Before you plan to go on a drive, you can use your phone app to turn on the heat or the air conditioning, depending on the temperature outside. When you do, you can warm up the vehicle ahead of time so you can make the most out of your journey.
4. You Can Be Safer
Smart home technology can also make you feel much safer at home. You can start with the smart doorbell, which allows you to see who is at your door with your cell phone. Many devices also allow you to talk to visitors. For instance, if they are a food delivery driver, you can tell them to leave your order outside. If it is a stranger and you feel threatened, then you can advise them that you have called the police without opening the door.
You can get similar protection by installing a smart home security system that comes complete with blind spot cameras and motion sensor lights. Many cameras will turn on when they detect motion, so you can catch people snooping around and not waste electricity by having the cameras on all of the time.
You might also invest in a smart door lock that will allow you to lock your house even if you are not home. This is also great if you are on vacation and you need to let a neighbor in and out of the house to check on things.
5. You Can Learn How To Secure Your Data Too
While technology allows us to be safer in our homes, it is not without a major flaw: It is connected to the internet. Anything that is online can be hacked, and criminals that find vulnerabilities in your systems can put your data and your family at risk.
When you use your smartphone to wirelessly turn on your TV or thermostat, you are using your network and Wi-Fi to make that happen. The problem is that many people do not properly secure their networks, and they can then become vulnerable to attack. If a hacker is able to guess your password or get in without one, then they can use that entry point to get to your other devices, including your computers. From there, they can steal your data, hack into your baking accounts, and commit other crimes.
As soon as you get a new smart device, you must take steps to secure it. Add a secure password and consider a form of two-factor authentication that cannot be easily duplicated, like a fingerprint or eye scan. Even if you bought a brand-new device, it is still essential that you update the software to the newest version because it will be protected against the latest hacker threats.
As you can see, there are many perks and benefits of having smart home technology. Consider jumping on the smart tech bandwagon, and you could save money, protect your family, and help the planet with the touch of a button.
