Until a few years ago, household devices were limited to being controlled via touch, text or remote control.
But since the launch oh home automation programs such as the Amazon Echo and Google Home, voice-recognition technology has progressed rapidly and changed the way we interact with ordinary devices around the home.
From lighting to security systems, heating and cooling, home entertainment and content delivery; smart technology and home automation offers a level of control and interactivity that has never been seen before.
These devices not only offer increased comfort, convenience and enjoyment for the home – but also a distinctive touch that can boost your property value and sale appeal to potential buyers.
If you’re thinking of turning your home into a smart home, here are a few ways that automation and virtual assistants can improve your lifestyle.
Smart lighting
Imagine walking into the lounge room, sliding into your favourite chair and watching the lights simmer down to a gentle dim.
Or waking up in the morning to an increasingly bright ceiling light to replicate a sunrise and leaving you feeling more alert, ready for the day.
By replacing your ordinary light bulbs with smart bulbs, you can modify the environment to suit your lighting preferences during the day and night.
With a virtual assistant like Amazon Echo or Google Home, you can use voice command to adjust the brightness and/or colour for individual or specific groups of lights.
Not sure if you turned off the lights before heading into work? No problem.
Simply use the companion app on your phone or tablet to check their status and adjust when necessary.
Heating and cooling
We all want to be comfortable during the warmer and colder seasons, but excessive appliance use can lead to astronomical power bills.
One way to avoid this is by adopting smart heating and cooling devices.
From split-system air conditioning to ventilated systems that cover the entire house, you can reduce your energy bill and stay comfortable throughout the whole year.
Each device can be installed to target specific areas of the home while offering whisper-quiet performance and energy-efficiency to keep you comfortable, without costing a fortune.
When installed with a Smart Thermometer, you can ask to change the temperature and the devices will communicate with each other to make it happen.
You can also configure the thermostat to respond accordingly to changes in temperature and keep the living space at a consistently comfortable level.
With an all-in-one climate solution for your home, if the time ever comes to sell, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a potential buyer who won’t be impressed.
Smart security
Tired of locking the door and hoping for the best? From smart lighting to locks, security alarms and intercom systems – these smart security devices offer comfort and peace of mind for homeowners.
Certain smart locks are compatible with Amazon Echo, Google Home and other IoT (Internet of Things) devices through the IFTTT (If This Then That) framework.
With a voice command, you can lock and unlock doors around the home with a PIN code, automatically unlock doors when you approach them and much more.
If you’re away from the house, you can use a companion app to check on the status of each door and window. Plus, if the system detects a breach or unusual change you can receive push and email notifications.
With the ability to secure and stay connected to your home at any time, this is an attractive feature for potential homeowners looking to protect their investment with the latest smart technology.
Curtains, blinds and shades
By reducing your reliance on heating and cooling systems, you can greatly lower your energy bill and impact on the environment.
Smart curtains, blinds and shading can easily be integrated into your home to create a comfortable living space that your friends and family will love.
Whether you need shade for an indoor or outdoor space, you can use voice commands to open, close and adjust the shade to suit your specific needs.
Want to avoid heating up the home in summer? Tell the device to close the shades automatically when it reaches a certain temperature. Then you can come home to a cool, refreshing living space after a long day.
If you’re looking for ways to improve the value and comfort of your household, consider turning your ordinary devices into smart devices.
Not only do you get to enjoy the benefits of a smart home but when the time comes to sell, your property will certainly stand out from the rest.
