Sitting in my comfortable living room and filling in the quiet with technology made me think back on my smart home adventure. A series of hits and misses, magical moments, and a bit of head-scratching were the experiences I had during this journey.
But today, when I become the master of my entire home environment simply by a few touches on my smartphone, I'm sure that the fancy smart home technology I embraced was the best decision I had in my life. This article is going to cover my own take and suggestions for the essential devices that need to be acquired in my residential place for it to become a seamless haven of convenience, sustainability, and relaxation.
Smart Speaker and Voice Assistant
I entered through the door of smart homes by buying a voice-controlled speaker which at that time I didn't know would be the central nervous system of the whole smart home I would build. Unfortunately, whether the Amazon Echo with Alexa, Google Home with Google Assistant, or Apple HomePod with SIRI, a smart speaker is the central command post of the house. Using oral instructions to play music, set alarms, tell your itinerary, or control other smart gadgets is something I the most times I can't be sure. The smart speaker is approximately as fast as a personal assistant but unlike personal assistants, they keep on working day and night!
Smart Thermostat
The day I set up a smart thermostat was the same day I said goodbye to those unexpected and fluctuating energy bills. These impressive devices can catch your temperature mood and then fine-tune conditions to satisfy comfort and save energy at your home. The fact that the smart thermostat has the ability to watch the schedule of my day to day tasks and the home temperature makes it possible to switch it on just a few moments before I get there and switch it off at the time that I have to go to bed, the setup of the whole place makes it more efficient and so the comfort I get is more. The cost of energy has decreased significantly and has been paired with unparalleled convenience.
Smart Lighting System
One could also argue that having the ability to control the lights by voice is one of the next best perks after driverless cars. I equipped nearly every space in my house with smart bulbs and switches that I am able to activate with my vocal commands or smartphone. The versatility of the lighting features, brightness or color adjustment, as well as setting time schedule has added to my house deliverance, by adding aesthetics and reducing bills. Besides the wow factor of remotely chatting from anywhere in your house, there's another thing that's amazing. The thing I like most about these devices is that I can adjust the bulbs with my voice by saying different colors.
Smart Security Cameras
A lot of people will have to agree with me that a little peace of mind is invaluable and this is what smart technology gadgets can provide. It's nice to know that my properties are all over my indoor and outdoor cameras. Two-way voice communication and being alerted in real-time are some features that are of great help to me. I still recall how one time I had the chance to frighten a theft case by pictorially talking to him through my doorbell camera.
Smart Door Locks
The days of leaving key chains under the doormat or inside the house while you are away are long gone. Smart door locks have redone the home access. Today, I am able to: remotely lock and unlock my doors, generate temporary access codes for guests, and get notifications if anyone enters or leaves my home. The comfort of never having to worry about my keys again is a dream come true.
Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Safety rather than anything else is the number one thing to think of so the concept of smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors thus make your dwelling a proper home. The functions of these gadgets do not stop at just sending a loud signal but they also send you a call on your phone, even if you are away from home. It is nice to know that even if I am not at home, I will still get the alert of any trouble that might happen in my house!
Smart Plugs
Quite often, it's the basic devices that impact us the most. Smart plugs have afforded me the opportunity to turn any "dumb" appliance into a wireless or smartphone-controlled one. In familiarizing automation devices into our lives, by the use of, for instance, indoor manageable lights, the contemporary era has changed the way people relate. From starting my coffee maker to waking up as I do to checking my iron before the house gets empty, all can be done just by one touch. There may be simple innovative devices from time to time, but they are the ones that benefit my home life to the greatest extent.
Robot Vacuum
As someone who desires a clean living space but abhors dull and repetitive works, my robot vacuum has become my lifesaver. It troubles me neither to do the rounds nor to remain in one's charging port; it just flies away on its own. I hope to see such an innovation with many gadgets like the cleaning vacuum that I can set up for cleaning when I'm not home.
Smart Blinds or Curtains
The automation of blinds wasn't something I was sold on quickly :) To my surprise, and after getting used to it, I fell in love with the fact that my smart blinds could help me gently wake up in the morning by gradually opening and then immediately let me have my privacy back going down by themselves in the evening. They also work in line with my smart thermostat so that they let in light and block it as needed for temperature control.
Smart Irrigation System
For people who own yards or gardens, a smart irrigation system becomes an inevitable aspect to consider. My system has the advantage of being notified about the change in the weather at the right time if I want to alter the schedule or if the soil moisture is enough to carry out the watering process. The device has been of great help in dry days and has actually conserved then water by 30%-40%.
Conclusion
Thinking back over my smart home journey, I hardly can believe that these devices have worked into my life so easily, thus contributing to efficient time between all chores. Although my first cryptocurrency investments required me to give time and money, the long run profits that I have had through easy-living, low energy bills and safe conditions are re-compensation enough.
When you think about purchasing some new smart gadgets, don't rush it. On the contrary, pick a few gadgets that you can afford and which solve the issues that you face every day and add one after the other to your smart home. You should be aware that the easiest way of making a home really smart is unity.
Get devices that are able to communicate with other devices and to work in a coordinated manner. With creativity and the right blend of tools, you will be able to make a home that works for you and quickly furnishes your whims. As you embark on your own smart home adventure, don't forget to research the best smart home system that suits your specific requirements and lifestyle. The future of home living is here, and it's smarter than ever!