What is smart home automation?

The latest data from statista.com projects that 27.9% of Canadian households will have some form of smart home technology by the end of 2021. That number is projected to grow to 46.7% by 2025. The current average investment in smart home automation technology is estimated to be $676 dollars per household.

While home automation technologies have been around for decades, it’s only recently that home automation has evolved into what we now call smart homes. A smart home uses hardware devices which are typically controlled with an app installed on a smartphone or tablet. What makes a smart home different from traditional home automation is that a smart home is designed as a cohesive system, which is typically controlled by one app.

In the past, home automation devices were quite limited in their functionality, and compatibility with one another. Today’s smart home apps and devices offer greater functionality and are much more compatible with each other. Today’s smart home apps are designed to work with devices from an ever growing list of manufacturers.

The smart home market is growing and changing rapidly. It seems that a new smart home device is launched every day. Here are four ways you can integrate smart home technology in your home. 

4 ways you can transform your house into a smart home

1. Smart Lighting: There are lots of smart home lighting options. From light fixtures to light bulbs. You can use smart lighting to turn lights off and on according to a preset schedule, or have lights turn off and on as you leave or enter a room. You can also have lights dim or change colour to create a different atmosphere or mood throughout your home. There are lots of smart home lighting options you can explore for your home.
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2. Smart Plugs: Smart plugs enable you to transform the devices you already have in your home into smart enabled devices. By plugging a smart plug into an electrical outlet and then plugging a device you already have into the smart plug, you can control that device with your smart home app. For example, if you plug a lamp into a smart plug, you can control the lamp with your smart home app. You could turn the lamp off and on no matter where you are - even if you are not home.
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3. Smart Plumbing: Yes, you can even make your household plumbing smart enabled. While there are various smart home plumbing options, one option that is very interesting and valuable is leak detection. By attaching leak detection devices to your plumbing, you can get notified via email or text the moment a leak is detected. This can help you mitigate water damage and the costs and inconveniences associated with it.
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4. Smart Security: Home security is a market that is undergoing a lot of change thanks to technology and smart home security devices. From video door bells and complete video surveillance systems, to door locks, motion sensors and whole home monitoring, there are smart home security options for every budget. 

Takeaways

We’re only scratching the surface with the few examples we’ve discussed above. With all the available smart home options there are limitless possibilities.

Today’s smart home technology is accessible to a greater portion of the population than ever before. Smart home apps are available as a free download on most smartphones and you can purchase smart home devices at many local retailers.

One of the great things about smart home automation is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get started. You can start with one smart home device and grow over time.

Request a consultation

If you want to design and build a smart home or cottage in Peterborough or the surrounding areas, contact Spotlight Home and Lifestyle. From design to move-in day, we’ll help you every step of the way. Request a consultation now.