• Smart homes are a new, automated, and connected technology that can be operated with one device, saving energy and time
• U.K. adoption of smart homes has increased by 57%, estimated to reach 5.6 million homes in 2022.
• To build a smart home, decide what devices you want to control and choose an appropriate smart home ecosystem that works with the devices.
• Experiment and customize your settings to make it uniquely yours.
Smart technology has revolutionized how people’s lives function, from a smartphone that acts as a personal assistant to home appliances that can be controlled via your voice. In the U.K., it’s estimated that 23% of the population has a smart item. One of the most significant changes that have rocked the world is the invention of smart homes.
Smart homes have been dubbed as the future, with the ability to provide homeowners with a whole range of benefits. The U.K. stands to gain a lot from these homes, but the question is, are they the future? Here’s what you need to know.
What are Smart Homes?
A smart home is fully automated, connected, and has intuitive controls, making it possible to manage and monitor your home’s devices and utilities remotely. Smart home devices connect to the internet and can be operated from a single device or through voice control. They are also designed to learn your tastes, and over time they’ll work to save energy while still delivering a comfortable living experience.
The Advantages That Come with Smart Homes
The most significant advantage of owning a smart home is energy efficiency leading to lower utility bills. The streamlined automation ensures that devices operate on a predetermined schedule and better management to prevent the wastage of natural resources. Secondly, the ease of management of smart homes, be it managing security cameras or turning off the lights. It can all be done remotely via an application without needing to be in the house.
The Adoption of Smart Homes in the U.K.
Recent data shows smart home adoption has increased over the years. In the U.K., the number of smart homes has increased by 57% to reach 4.2 million homes in 2020. This number is expected to grow 34% to 5.6 million homes in 2022. Factors such as affordability, security, and the environment have been key in driving the growth.
How to Build a Smart Home
Now you know what a smart home is and its advantages, but how do you turn your house into a smart home? Here’s how you can get started.
Decide on What You Want to Control
The first step to building a smart home is deciding what you want to control. The most common devices people automate are lights, thermostats, and security cameras, but the list goes on. Everything can be controlled with your smartphone app or voice assistant, from doors to refrigerators. Make a list of devices you want to automate and prioritize them. This will help you determine the types of devices you need and make the buying process easier.
Smart Home Ecosystem
Next, you need to choose a smart home ecosystem. This platform will connect all your devices, allowing them to communicate with each other. One of the better home ecosystems in the market is the Control4 system, which allows you to control lights, thermostats, and more from one centralized dashboard. The best part is that the robust Control4 system installation is easy to follow. This is great if you don’t want to spend too much time reading or watching guides online.
Choose Your Devices
Choosing your devices can be both exciting and overwhelming. There are countless options in the market, from different brands, types, and models. When choosing your appliances, consider your priorities. Do you want energy-efficient devices or cameras with superior image quality? Research and compare different devices based on their features, cost, and compatibility. Be mindful of choosing devices that work with your chosen platform, or automating them may become arduous.
Experiment and customize
The final step is to experiment and customize your smart home settings. This is where you get creative with smart home automation. Depending on your household requirements, you can customize settings such as creating routines to help you automate your day.
For instance, you can create a bedtime routine that will put your house in “sleep mode,” which turns off all lights, reduces the temperature, and sets your alarm. You can also create a “movie night” routine that can dim the lights in the living room, switch on the TV and your sound system, and adjust the room temperature to ensure a perfect movie experience.
Smart homes are the future, and more U.K. households are slowly adapting to this trend. With so many advantages, it’s no wonder that smart homes are becoming increasingly popular. The process of building a smart home is straightforward if you follow the steps outlined above—so why not give it a go? You may be surprised at how easy and intuitive it is.