Smart home integration allows devices to communicate and work together. They can automate different functions and help homeowners save money.
Smart appliances can be programmed to run during off-peak hours, when electricity and water rates are lowest. They can also monitor utility usage.
Devices like smart light bulbs, switches and locks that work with the same ecosystem—like Amazon, Apple or Google—work best when they integrate.
Lighting
A smart home is a house that can communicate with you and control the lighting, heating, and electronic devices inside it remotely. The technology uses a central hub and internet connection to monitor the home, communicate with its appliances and automate tasks.
Smart devices that have been integrated into the home provide convenience, energy efficiency, improved security and cost savings for homeowners. Key devices include smart thermostats, smart lighting systems, and smart entertainment systems. Popular integration platforms are Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit.
A smart thermostat can learn your family’s habits, enabling it to automatically turn on or off devices based on your daily schedule. Smart lighting systems can be set to what’s called “away mode,” which turns on lights to make it appear as though the home is occupied, deterring burglars from breaking into your home. The same can be done with security cameras and video doorbells that allow you to see who is outside before answering the door.
Thermostats
A smart thermostat can help you save money on energy bills by adjusting the temperature based on your schedule or location, optimizing your use of off-peak electricity. Additionally, they can help you maximize your solar power utilization.
Smart home integration allows you to link and control multiple appliances such as a thermostat, lights, door locks, security cameras, etc. Using platforms such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as IFTTT, you can create automations that will work together seamlessly.
For example, if you are leaving for work, you can say “Alexa, turn off the lights” or “Alexa, prepare the house for bed”, and the system will automatically adjust the thermostat and set the lights to a pre-programmed level. This will make it a comfortable and welcoming environment for when you arrive. Some smart thermostats even have light indications to let you know when it’s time to change the filter or battery, and some offer an energy backup.
Security
Whether you live in a house, an apartment or a condominium, smart home systems can add value and convenience to your property. Smart systems can automate everything from lights to security cameras, and allow you to control them with just a tap of a finger or voice command via devices such as the Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
With a smart system, you can program your appliances to run at specific times, taking advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity or maximize solar power utilization, thus saving time and money while helping the environment. You can also monitor and adjust your smart home appliances even when you’re away from home.
Smart home integration relies on a stable Internet connection, and any interruption can leave your devices and appliances inoperable. However, manufacturers and alliances are working to make the technology more reliable.
Entertainment
Almost any appliance can become smart if it connects to the internet and uses mobile apps. It could be as simple as an off-the-shelf Philips Hue light bulb or as complex as a custom-built automated coffee machine. The technology in these devices can boost energy efficiency, security, comfort and even add style to a home.
A central control hub, or smart home hub, is used to manage a network of devices. It can be a physical device like an Amazon Echo or Google Assistant, or software like Apple HomeKit and Samsung SmartThings.
In addition to allowing remote access and customization, many smart appliances can also provide periodic notifications and alerts. For instance, a smart refrigerator can scan grocery lists and remind you to buy milk when it’s low. This can save you time and money and help you maintain a healthy diet.
