Smart homes or buildings, voice control, as well as Internet of Things, are all things we used to consider unknown and futuristic, and most of us were convinced that all this could only be achieved in the distant future. However, this “distant future” is already among us. Technology is advancing quickly and almost changes every day.
Connecting Everything to Everything
What if all the devices in your life could connect to the internet? Not just computers and smartphones, but literally everything: clocks, speakers, lights, bells, windows, cameras, water heaters, cooking utensils, and other appliances. And what if all those devices could communicate, send information, and work on your commands? In recent years we became aware that this is not impossible. Actually, the technology is available now, and is easy to use.
This technological innovation is known as the Internet of Things - IoT - a key component of smart homes and general home automation. IoT consists of all the devices that can be connected to the network and uses the integrated sensors to collect, send and exchange information. This automation and integrated management can be done with the click of a button.
Whether we are talking about a business building, a house, or another type of living space, the term Smart Home, is increasingly present in modern living. Although many people haven't heard of the smart home system, it's assumed that this form of modern management of smart appliances in our home has already come to life worldwide.
What is a Smart Home?
Smart Home is a house that has different types of sensors built-in that are connected to smart devices within the household to a special system. The system can be managed in different ways, all according to the needs and habits of users. Imagine arriving home from work, the garage door opens on its own, the lights come on when you enter, and the air conditioning is activated shortly before your arrival and the room temperature is pleasant. An important feature of the system is that it adapts to the user's habits, activities, moods, or lifestyle. As the smart home system rationally consumes energy and generally reduces the need for electricity production, it actively contributes to the overall care of the environment. Also, the Smart Home system enables easy management of connected devices, or the entire system, and thus makes life easier and automates certain activities and actions that we take care of every day.
What are Smart Devices?
Many people know that phones, televisions, and watches are labeled "smart" today. Besides these already known ones, there are many other smart household devices that can contribute in various ways to simplify and facilitate daily functioning. Wouldn't it be great to have a refrigerator that informs you via the system that certain groceries need to be restocked, or a water heater that will turn on at a certain time to give you hot water, or lighting that will be activated as soon as it starts to get dark?
There are many categories of smart home appliances, from lights and temperature thermostats to small home appliances to locks and security in your home. Some of the devices that can be controlled by this system include a water heater, a heater, a lamp, a coffee machine, and a security lock, all with the touch of a button. But how?
What does a smart home system consist of and how is it managed?
A Smart Home system consists of modules, or wireless components, which are independent and allow users to upgrade the system as needed. These components include:
Different types of sensors (poker sensor, temperature)
Detectors for doors, windows, water detectors, flooding
Management modules
Lighting control modules
Central modules
Alarms and various security packages
Their role is to react and provide optimal conditions according to the user's commands, or so-called "scenarios". Therefore, the scenario "Going to work" will mean, for example, activating the heating at 6 o'clock, turning on the alarm at 06.30, opening the blinds, turning on the coffee machine, maybe the stove, and so on. Scenarios can be numerous and users can choose and adjust the time schedule for each of the modules, or issue commands that can later be activated with one click.
How and from where is a Smart Home system operated?
The central controller is a module in charge of controlling the entire system, as well as automation. It integrates all system devices using a wireless connection and "communicates" with them. As for the user interface, the possibilities are numerous, so a universal remote control, telephone, tablet, PC, a special device intended for smart home systems, or even voice control can be used to control the system. And for those who ask if operating this kind of system is difficult, don't worry, using the Smart Home system is convenient and easy to use.
Smart Appliances
With the Smart Home system implemented into our daily life, it can also assist with daily chores. This includes household appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, air conditioners, washing machines and dishwashers, cooktops, coffee makers, freezers, heaters, and more. These appliances will allow you to check the refrigerator's contents away from home, be notified when the content runs out or is out of date, preheat your oven or warm-up meals, schedule washing cycles, control the temperature and other conveniences that a Smart Home system offers. At Town Appliance we carry a selection of over 5000 smart appliances, compatible with Smart Home apps and systems such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa. If you're in the process of making your home “smart”, or are just thinking about it, we are here to give you assistance and help you make the best purchase of a smart appliance that will enhance your everyday life.
