6 Incredible Home Automation Devices to Install in 2023
Gone are the days when you have to stand in front of a thermostat to change the temperature, physically open and close the blinds or even use a light switch to turn on the lights. Smart homes feature a wide array of home automation devices. In this post, we will investigate some of the more popular trends that are exciting homeowners across the country.
Smart Music
Wireless speakers are a novel invention that has removed the need for large and expensive stereo systems. They connect to your smartphone using Bluetooth technology and work both inside and outside the home. Smart speakers used within the home, such as Google Home and Amazon Echo, connect through your home's wifi system and can be controlled from your smartphone. They are also voice-activated and programmed to answer an array of questions as an alternative to typing in a search.
Smart Lighting
Getting on board with smart lighting is as simple as buying a new lightbulb. Philips Hue lightbulbs are designed to work with smart home systems, including Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. These bulbs are dimmable and energy efficient and provide cost savings compared to traditional incandescent lightbulbs.
If you leave the house and forget to turn off the lights, you can shut them off remotely by using your smartphone. When arriving home from work after the sun has gone down, you can also turn on your lights using your smartphone. This is particularly useful to deter possible intruders who may break in if they think you are away.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are designed to lower your energy costs and can be conveniently controlled from anywhere using a smartphone or a tablet. They work to automatically turn down your interior temperature when no one is home. They can also be programmed to automatically heat or cool your home when electricity is more affordable during the day. Ecobee is a popular option that is compatible with Apple HomeKit. Alternatively, the premium version can connect to the popular Google Home app and also has a radar occupancy sensor and a built-in indoor air quality monitor.
Smart Home Security Systems
Home security systems connect to your home Wifi and can be operated using your smartphone. Depending on the level of security you require, you can install smart cameras both inside and outside the home with motion sensors for extra protection. Devices such as Google's Nestcam are popular as they are easy to install, and activity can be monitored using the Google Home app. They also have 2-way communication features, which are helpful in certain situations.
Smart Shades and Blinds
Smart shades and blinds are designed to extend, retract or tilt automatically to filter the light for a more comfortable indoor environment. This helps to control the amount of light and heat that enters the home and is particularly useful in the Summer when high temperatures reduce comfort inside the house. Having less heat enter through your windows also reduces your cooling costs, saving you money.
Smart Appliances
Smart appliances include washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, ovens, microwaves, and televisions. They are designed to conserve energy and reduce costs by operating when energy is cheaper, saving you money. They also offer the benefit of allowing a user to connect, control and monitor appliances remotely.
Installing Smart Home Systems
Many new houses and condos come with specific home automation features and smart home wiring already integrated. If you are building a new home, check with your building contractor to find out about all of the home automation features that might be available to you.
If you are looking to upgrade an existing home, there are companies that specialize in adding unlimited smart home features to your home. While these features are designed to add convenience, they are also very efficient and can save you money in the long run.
Prepare Your Home For Smart Home Technology
If you are looking to install smart home technology into your home, consider checking out your electrical system to ensure that it is ideal for this use.
Electrical Panel Upgrade
Upgrade your home automation electrical panel for improved performance of all your electrical devices. Today's appliances require a large amount of energy to operate, and many of the older 100 amp panels are just not up to the job. Check out our article about reasons to upgrade an electrical panel.
Whole Home Surge Protection
Consider whole home surge protection to protect all of your electrical devices from damage due to ongoing power surges. Many of us already own surge protector power strips that we use to protect home theatre systems and home computers because we understand the damage that a power surge can do. But what about protecting our other home appliances? Collectively, their cost amounts to thousands of dollars, so whole home surge protection is a worthwhile investment.
Your Edmonton Electrical Specialists
If you are looking to incorporate home automation into your home, contact our Master Electricians at MMi Electrical. We will check your electrical system and provide the upgrades you need for safe and optimal performance. Call us today!