{"id":47257,"date":"2023-09-21T10:05:03","date_gmt":"2023-09-21T09:05:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/?p=47257"},"modified":"2023-09-21T10:05:07","modified_gmt":"2023-09-21T09:05:07","slug":"is-your-home-smart-smart-home-technology-for-connected-homes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/content.ratedpeople.com\/is-your-home-smart-smart-home-technology-for-connected-homes","title":{"rendered":"Is your home smart? Smart home technology for connected homes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Picture<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Smart home automation systems have risen in popularity in the last few years, increasing the amount of smart home appliances currently on the market. They\u2019re designed to add comfort and give you peace of mind that you can access your home tech from anywhere, even remotely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thinking of upgrading to a connected home this year? Read on for our home connection guide and explore our list of the top smart home appliances you can invest in (and how they can benefit you).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are you waiting for\u2026it\u2019s time to get smart!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FIND A LOCAL TRADESPERSON<\/font><\/a><\/center><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to make your home smart<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first thing you need to do is pick a smart ecosystem. The most popular types are Google Home, Amazon Alexa or Apple HomeKit. Which you pick will depend on a few things (for example, Apple Homekit might be a good idea if you own a lot of iPhones and tablets, whilst Google\u2019s Home is a better choice if you\u2019re an android user).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doing this will ensure everything in your home runs smoothly, though most third-party devices are usually compatible with a range of ecosystems. Simply follow the setup instructions that come with whichever ecosystem you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll be able to control your ecosystem via your smartphone. However, in order to make the most of your devices, it\u2019s a good idea to have a range of smart speakers and smart displays throughout your home, so you can control all your appliances via voice control (so you don\u2019t have to shout) as well as with touch screens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once these are set up, you\u2019ll be able to control all your smart devices (using an internet connection or Bluetooth) from inside and outside of your home, and even set up automated tasks to make your life easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Picture<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Once you have this set up, you\u2019ll be able to purchase a range of smart products to integrate into your home. Below, we\u2019ve compiled a list of the top smart improvements you can make to your home this year\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Smart lighting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever gotten into bed only to realise you have to get back up to switch off the light? We\u2019ve all been there. With smart lighting, you can turn off or dim lights with a simple voice command.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smart light bulbs come with a range of settings and features, including different coloured lights that can help you create a variety of moods. You can also get smart LED strips to attach under cabinets, behind your TV, or around the edges of your ceiling to create a cool effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lot of lights with smart technology come with their own app that enable you to customise your lighting from your smartphone. They also allow you to set up specific routines, for instance timers for lights that switch on or off at specific times of the day without you having to do anything.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speak to an electrician to find out more about setting up smart lighting in your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FIND A LOCAL ELECTRICIAN<\/font><\/a><\/center><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\"Picture<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Smart security<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Smart tech can also be used to keep you and your property safe<\/a>. For instance, you can install a smart doorbell that enables you to see who approaches your front door from your mobile phone. They also allow you to speak to whoever rings the doorbell, directly from your phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Security cameras<\/a> with smart home tech will also enable you to monitor your home remotely and receive motion alerts. Indoor security cameras can help you keep an eye on your children and pets as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By installing smart locks, you\u2019ll be able to lock and unlock your front door using your smartphone, PIN codes, or biometric authentication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, advanced security alarms<\/a> will notify you and the police of a breach. We recommend you invest in window and door sensors for an added layer of security, as these will notify you via mobile phone if someone opens or tampers with an entryway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find a local security specialist to improve your home\u2019s defences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FIND A SECURITY SYSTEM INSTALLER<\/font><\/a><\/center><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\"Picture<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Smart detectors <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your smoke alarm<\/a> and carbon monoxide detector<\/a> are vital safety features in your home. So why not make them smart for added security?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smart detectors not only trigger alarms, but also send out alerts to your phone and connected devices. That way, even if you\u2019re away from your property you can be fully aware of any potential dangers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only this, smart detectors will also notify you when your alarms are running low on battery or need battery replacements. Smart models will regularly run tests on themselves to ensure they are functioning correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get yours installed today to give you peace of mind and comfort:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

FIND A SMOKE ALARM INSTALLER<\/font><\/a><\/center><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

FIND A CARBON MONOXIDE INSTALLER<\/font><\/a><\/center><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Picture<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4. Smart thermostats <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Smart thermostats offer a convenient way of controlling your heating from your phone or tablet. The great thing about them is that they can be controlled from anywhere, so you can switch your heating on when you\u2019re heading home from work, or turn it off remotely if you forgot to before leaving the house. As well as this, other smart thermostat features include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n