These days it feels like every aspect of our lives is becoming more integrated with technology-and smart home technology is no exception! Smart home technology refers to technology inside the home that is operated electronically and through applications and designated control centres, as opposed to its typical way of use. These can be lights, security cameras, radios, tv’s, and more.

One of the best examples of smart home technology is smart lighting systems. These are light bulbs that can be put into most ordinary lamps and lights. The lamp or light is plugged in as usual, however, it is controlled from a corresponding phone or tablet app to the brand of the smart light. This app can turn the lights on and off, change the colour, and even set a schedule of when they turn on! Smart lights can be used in a single lamp, or the entire lighting of the house.

Another popular aspect of smart home technology is smart home security. This includes cameras and monitoring systems that can all be controlled and viewed from your phone or tablet.

So now we know what smart home technology is, what are the benefits?

Security

Security and its flexibility are one of the biggest benefits of smart home technology. Traditional home security systems usually consist of cameras which can be viewed on a television or at a later date. With smart home security, you can view what is happening on the cameras in real time, wherever you are. This can be particularly useful if you are out of your home for the day and want to keep an eye on things. On top of this, many of these security systems also offer motion sensors. You will get an alert on your phone or device wherever you are, and you will be able to log in and view what is causing the sensors to go off.

Customisable lighting

The freedom of being able to turn on and off the lights in your home with a click on your phone has multiple benefits. This allows you to adjust the colour, warmth, and brightness of each individual light-which you usually wouldn’t be able to do. Maybe you’re watching television, and you’d like to dim some lights so that they aren’t too distracting. Smart home technology will allow you to do that!

Changing the colour and warmth of lights is also a great asset to have. Many smart home users use lighting to display art or collectables, and the ability to change the colour is a fantastic addition.

Lastly, smart home technology lighting comes with the ability to schedule the lights. This is perhaps the biggest benefit of them all. If you know that your home typically becomes dark around 5pm, you can schedule all lights to come on at that time. Alternatively, if you’re out during the day and you would like some outside lights to be on when you get home, this can also be done. This can be a great added security element, as you can pre-plan to have lights come on and off when you are not at home at night.

Energy efficiency

While smart home technology is handy and useful, it can also be energy efficient. The ability to customise your usage of lights, security, and other appliances around the home means you will only use them exactly when you need them. Some smart homes have every part of their home connected, meaning you can have certain appliances only turned on at the times you need them. This can greatly reduce your energy intake.

Alternatively, even homes that have one or two lights or devices connected to a smart system can benefit. Where you may have left certain lights on for longer than needed, the ability to control them and turn them off from whatever room you’re in will reduce excess energy usage.

Overall, smart home technology can be a great asset to any home. Whether it’s one light, or an entire system, it can provide numerous benefits- and can be pretty cool as well!