Some innovations are so pivotal, they define history. One of the best examples of this is the Internet. Few inventions have had as much impact on our daily lives as the World Wide Web. 

Not only is the Internet a historic invention in itself, but it has helped spawn other amazing innovations. One is the smart home. 

What is a smart home? How does it work? And why would you want one? Let’s take a look at these questions and explore the possibilities!

First off, what is a smart home?

The smart home is a home setup where household appliances and devices can be controlled remotely from anywhere there is an internet connection.

The underlying principle of the smart home is that appliances and devices are interconnected with each other through the Internet, enabling users to control functions such as temperature, a home theatre, cameras, and security. Smart homes are amazing for several reasons, which include: 

• • Using a device like a smartphone or a tablet, a homeowner can easily control all their appliances, thermostats, lights, and other devices from one place. All they need is an internet connection.
  • Smart homes can be set up via hardwired systems or through wireless connections.
  • These intelligent houses offer their owners a lot of conveniences. They also lower costs due to increased control over how appliances perform.

• Smart homes, despite all their advantages, can still pose security risks if connections aren’t secure or are hacked.

How do smart homes work?

Imagine this: You rush into the office late one morning, and just as you’re about to settle into your desk to start the day’s work… you realize that you’re not sure if you locked your door or not. 

Now that you think about it, you’re not sure if you turned off all the lights either – and last month’s bill still makes you wince when you think about it!

This common scenario would make most of us sweat. If you had a smart home, though, you could simply pull out your phone and turn everything off. No, this is not an episode of the Jetsons – this is smart home technology at work!

The devices in a smart home are connected to each other and can be accessed through one central point – a mobile device, laptop, or game console. Appliances that range from television sets and home monitors to door locks and thermostats can all be controlled through this central point and even programmed to behave a certain way at certain times.

For example, you can program the TV in the living room to automatically switch off when it’s time for the kids to do their homework or go to bed.

Appliances in a smart home also have self-learning skills through which they can come to understand the homeowner’s schedule and habits and adjust as needed. They could even alert the authorities if they detect a fire or movement in the home while you’re away.

Basically, once the devices in a smart home are connected, they start sharing electronic information that allows you the control that was previously reserved for sci-fi shows or the ultra-rich. 

How much does it cost to set up a smart home?

Smart homes can be wireless, hardwired, or a mix of both. 

Wireless home automation with features like temperature control, security, and smart lighting usually cost thousands of dollars. 

Hardwired automation, on the other hand, is considered the more reliable of the two and more difficult to hack. A hardwired home automation system can actually increase the resale value of a home. However, they are more expensive and can cost tens of thousands of dollars to install.

Let’s look at some pros and cons of smart homes. 

Pros:

• Smart homes offer homeowners convenience by enabling a person to control everything through one device.
  • They provide energy efficiency savings by using devices at a reduced level of functionality.  
• They make life easier and safer for elderly people living alone by reminding them to take their medicines, alerting the hospital if they fall, and more. 

Cons:

• Security remains an issue.
• The system can be costly to set up.
• Your private information such as emails and social media could be accessed by cybercriminals.

Smart homes are part of the Internet of things (IoT)

Smart homes are part of the Internet of things, which is the network of physical objects that are connected and identifiable over the Internet. These things are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems on the Internet. 

(Curious about the Internet of Things? Click here to learn more about how it works!)

As this technology becomes more popular, expect prices to decrease. 

If you love the idea of living in a smarter home but don’t know where to start, we can help! Here are two affordable innovations that put you on the path to having your own smart home:

TikiTunes: The Smart Speakers That Add Cozy Ambience To Your Home – And Sound Amazing!

TikiTunes is a new smart speaker brand that’s exploding in popularity among smart homeowners. The tiki-themed speakers connect via Bluetooth to any device you normally play songs from, allowing you to set the mood no matter where you are in the house. They’re also built to withstand outdoor conditions, so they can be brought wherever you want to go!

Click HERE to make your home smarter with TikiTunes!

Kelvin Tools: The Compact “Do-It-All” Tool That Helps You Easily Install EVERYTHING

Alright, so you’re ready to make your home smarter… but is your toolbox up for the task?! Installing all those gadgets takes time, effort, and tools you may not have… unless you’ve got KelvinTools, that is! This small 17-in-1 multi-tool makes installations easy for the average person. It’s a must-have for anyone with a smart home (and IKEA addicts).

Click HERE to get the handiest tool a smart homeowner could have!