Almost half of the UK population benefits from smart home features in the house they live in. It is a great and effective way to enhance living space, reduce costs, and potentially increase property value. Smart home features are also a great way to better manage your home and increase convenience and energy efficiency, using cutting-edge technology. Our guide will walk you through the process of transforming your house into an intelligent, connected home that works for you.
Understanding what a smart home is
A smart home is a residence equipped with interconnected devices and systems that can be remotely controlled and automated to enhance comfort, security, energy efficiency, and convenience. These technologies, collectively known as the Internet of Things (IoT), allow various household functions to be managed through smartphones, tablets, or voice commands.
Why create a smart home?
Benefit from enhanced energy efficiency
Smart homes can significantly reduce energy consumption, leading to lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint. Smart thermostats learn your schedule and preferences, automatically adjusting temperature settings for optimal comfort and efficiency. Smart lighting systems can turn off lights in unoccupied rooms or dim them based on natural light availability. Energy monitoring systems provide real-time data on energy usage, allowing you to identify and address inefficiencies. Smart irrigation systems can also be used to adjust watering schedules based on weather forecasts and soil moisture levels. Smart water heaters can learn usage patterns to optimise hot water availability while reducing energy waste.
Improve your home security
Smart security systems offer advanced protection for your home. You can add features such as
- smart locks that can be controlled remotely and send alerts when accessed
- security cameras with motion detection and real-time streaming to your devices
- doorbell cameras that allow you to see and communicate with visitors remotely
- automated lighting that simulates occupancy when you're away
- immediate notifications of unusual activity or potential security breaches
Make your life easier
Smart homes streamline daily tasks and routines. Voice-activated assistants can control various devices, set reminders, and answer questions. Smart appliances like fridges can create shopping lists, while robot vacuum cleaners can clean floors on a schedule. Automated systems can handle repetitive tasks like adjusting blinds or watering the garden.
Gain Comfort
Smart climate control systems maintain ideal temperature and humidity levels. Smart blinds can adjust based on sunlight and time of day. Some systems even learn your preferences over time, automatically creating the perfect ambiance without manual input.
Make your home more accessible
For elderly or disabled individuals, smart home technology can significantly enhance independence and quality of life. Voice-controlled systems, automated doors, and remote monitoring can make daily tasks easier and provide peace of mind for carers. You can also monitor and control your home systems remotely. This includes adjusting temperature, checking security cameras, or even starting appliances like ovens or washing machines.
Tailor your home to your needs
Smart homes can be tailored to individual preferences. From customised lighting scenes to personalised wake-up routines, the technology adapts to your lifestyle. Some smart home systems even incorporate air quality monitors, automated air purifiers, and even sleep-tracking technology to promote better health and well-being.
Save money
While the initial investment can be significant, smart home technology often leads to long-term savings through reduced energy bills, lower insurance premiums (for homes with advanced security systems), and increased property value.
Smart Home features allow you to control your energy consumption from your smartphone
Which smart home devices to invest in?
There are different kinds of smart home devices you can consider investing in to turn your house into a smart home. From safety-oriented devices to energy-efficient and money-saving features.
Start with the basics
You can look into getting a Smart Hub or Speaker Start with a central control point like Amazon Echo, Google Nest Hub, or Apple HomePod. These serve as the brain of your smart home, allowing you to control other devices through voice commands or a smartphone app.
A smart thermostat, such as Nest or ecobee, can significantly improve your home's energy efficiency. These devices learn your preferences and routines, automatically adjusting temperature settings to optimise comfort and reduce energy waste. This can translate to noticeable savings on heating and cooling bills.
For smart lighting, you can easily replace traditional bulbs with smart LED bulbs or install smart switches. These allow you to control lighting remotely, set schedules, and adjust brightness. Many smart bulbs are highly energy-efficient, consuming less power than traditional incandescent or even regular LED bulbs. This can lead to reduced electricity costs over time.
Get your hands on smart security devices to take your home's security to the next level. You can choose from smart doorbells with integrated cameras and locks. These devices offer remote monitoring, automatic alerts, and integration with other smart home systems. This added layer of security can provide peace of mind and potentially lower insurance costs.
Swap your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for a smart version. These devices can alert you to dangers even when you're away from home, potentially preventing costly damage and ensuring the safety of your property.
To ensure your home is protected from other kind of damage, you can invest in smart water leak detectors. Place these in areas prone to leaks (like basements or under sinks) to catch water issues early, to prevent both extensive damage and costly repairs.
Explore energy-efficiency and monitoring devices
Find the right energy monitoring systems for your needs. You can for example install smart energy monitors like Sense or Emporia Vue to track your home's energy usage in real-time. You can also get a smart meter installed by your energy provider to keep track of your consumption. These devices can help you identify energy-hungry appliances and change habits to reduce consumption, leading to lower utility bills.
When it's time to upgrade, choose smart appliances with energy-saving features. Smart refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers can optimise their cycles for efficiency and run during off-peak hours to save on electricity costs.
To regulate indoor temperature and reduce the load on your heating and ventilation system, why not try out automated blinds or curtains? Smart blinds can automatically adjust based on the time of day and sunlight intensity.
How does a smart home impact property value?
While the direct impact of smart home technology on property values can vary, many real estate professionals agree that these features can be attractive to potential buyers:
- Energy-efficient systems can be a strong selling point, showcasing potential cost savings.
- Smart security systems may appeal to safety-conscious buyers.
- The convenience of automated home management can be a luxurious touch that sets your home apart in the market.
Are new build houses smart homes by default?
Most new build houses now come with smart home features as standard to respond to the growing demand for intelligent living spaces. Whilst the level of smart technology can vary between builders and developments, new build homes often come equipped with a basic smart home infrastructure. This typically includes energy-efficient appliances, pre-installed smart thermostats, and structured wiring to support future smart home additions.
By choosing a new build home, you can often benefit from the latest smart home technologies without the need for extensive retrofitting. This can save you time, effort, and potentially money, as the cost of these features is often built into the overall price of the home.
If you want to create your smart home, remember that it will be an investment in comfort, efficiency, and potentially your property's value. By carefully planning your setup, focusing on energy efficiency, and gradually expanding your system, you can transform your house into a connected, intelligent environment that adapts to your needs and helps you live more sustainably. The goal is to create a home that works for you and your family so do tailor your smart home to your specific lifestyle and preferences, and don't hesitate to seek professional help for complex installations.