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As smart-home technology evolves, making homes more comfortable and convenient than ever, it’s hard to resist discovering the latest high-tech gadgets. Whether you’re new to home tech or were an early adopter, there are many adaptations and automation ideas you can implement for an eco-friendlier, safer, and contemporary property.
Meanwhile, if you’re planning to sell or are moving somewhere new, the variety of new products and innovative solutions on the market mean even the smallest smart home upgrades can also add value to your home. Let’s explore various updates that can transform your home in an instant.
With a wider knowledge of what tech gadgets are all about, homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to incorporate smart technology into their living spaces. Rather than having to extend, buy a larger residence, or move entirely, there are subtle and equally beneficial ways to upgrade your property regardless of the type of home you have.
Today, there are roughly 2.2 million homes in the UK classed as ‘smart homes’ and, while the majority of these are new builds, adapting historic homes with smart technology is being encouraged by the UK Government. This has led to more people looking to integrate smart- technology into everything, from period properties and rural conversions to high-end mansions and high-rise flats.
With the Government encouraging builders and homeowners to install solar panels and upgrade homes for greater energy efficiency, the demand for smart and sustainable solutions continues to grow. People are keener than ever to adopt eco-friendly options that can reduce their utility bills and lower environmental impact.
One of the most common ways to make a home more sustainable is via smart thermostats, which adjust temperatures automatically, potentially reducing your energy bills. You can then adjust your home's temperature from anywhere using your smartphone, as well as integrate your smart thermostats to work with other devices shared by you and your family.
Other quick-fixes might include energy-efficient lighting solutions and smart living devices across the home, from your new fridge or kettle to smart lawnmowers and even weighing scales. Most can be controlled from your phone, and offer convenience as well as improved energy efficiency. These eco-friendly switches also help you to manage energy consumption effectively, reducing costs while benefiting the environment.
In fact, many homeowners are adopting sustainable practices across other aspects of their lives, in response to a collective need to live in a more environmentally-conscious way. The electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing a similar surge in popularity with many eager to drive eco-friendly alternatives over traditional gas-guzzlers. With this in mind, installing an EV charging point at home is a natural step to make on your sustainable journey.
The high-tech home market has surged because of the range of benefits that minimal tech adjustments can bring to your property. Some of the other appealing benefits include:
Convenience - Managing home functions such as lighting, temperature, and security systems remotely, or through voice commands, enhances simplicity and offers a seamless living experience.
Security - Enhanced security features like intelligent cameras, sophisticated alarm systems, and automated locks offer homeowners reassurance by deterring potential intruders. Immediate notifications alert homeowners to any unusual activities, ensuring they are informed no matter their location.
Independence - For elderly people, smart technology offers tools to control their living environment easily and reach out for assistance with minimal physical effort, fostering greater independence.
Added Value - Installing smart home technology can increase a property’s market value, encouraging homeowners to consider these upgrades as profitable long-term investments, especially if resale is anticipated.
A core consideration for smart home upgrades is ensuring that your home has a robust and reliable Wi-Fi network. Without strong connectivity, even the most advanced smart devices can't function well. If you haven’t already improved your home's Wi-Fi coverage, you can quickly upgrade a router if it’s more than a few years old. Place a router in a central part of the home and invest in a budget-friendly Wi-Fi extender that will allow you to boost your existing signal to areas of your home that may previously have been out of range.
If your home is older, upgrading the electrical system may be necessary to meet the higher power demands of multiple smart devices. Many will require continuous power or specific electrical setups, so it’s important to ensure your home is equipped to support them before introducing any new technology.
This might include adding further power points in strategic locations, such as near windows for smart blinds or in hallways for motion sensors. You’ll also need to replace traditional light switches with smart switches. These will control your lighting via smartphone apps and voice commands even if you don't have smart bulbs.
Once your smart home is equipped with strong internet connectivity, a wide range of advanced security-focused digital devices are available, ready to make your home not only smarter but safer.
Installing sensors on doors and windows will alert you whenever they are opened or left ajar adding an extra layer of security. Adding smart, video enabled doorbells allow you to see and communicate with visitors even when you're not home. Similarly, smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can send alerts to your phone if they detect a problem.
Smart locks and sensors can significantly improve your home's security and energy efficiency. Upgrade traditional deadbolts with smart locks that can provide keyless entry and the ability to generate temporary access codes for guests. You can also check the status of your door remotely, once again ensuring peace of mind no matter where you are.
The popularity of making small smart-tech changes to your home might be thanks to the accessibility of the solutions on the market and how user-friendly the tech is. Whatever your age, you can have a lot of fun playing with voice recognition and dolling out instructions to any smart speakers dotted around your home.
According to recent statistics, the prevalence of smart speakers in households has steadily grown and are among homeowners' favourite electronic devices. Today’s homes are abuzz with an assortment of entertainment hubs that allow for hands-free control of various devices and easy access to information. Additionally, smart bulbs or fixtures, controlled via apps or voice commands, offer features like dimming and colour changes, adding further convenience and customisation options.
Whether transforming a home you’ve recently moved into or upgrading living spaces in an older property you’ve lived in for years, creating a smart home doesn't have to be an overwhelming or expensive process. By focusing on simple updates, from improving Wi-Fi coverage and updating your electrics to installing smart thermostats, you’ll soon have a home that is efficient, secure, and comfortable.
By embracing smart-tech solutions suited to your lifestyle, you will enhance your everyday living while adding significant value to your property. The future of high-tech living is more accessible and exciting than ever.
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