It is without a doubt that smart home technology has boomed in recent years and has no intention of slowing down. But what exactly does smart home technology mean and what can it do for you? In this blog, we discuss everything you need to know about smart home technology and the benefits it could bring to your home life. 

What is smart home technology? 

Smart home technology is a term given to home items/devices that are fitted with communication technology. It provides a degree of automation or remote control – this can include appliances, home entertainment systems, home security systems, and home environmental controls, such as heating and lighting. A good example is the Amazon Echo or Google home which can create shopping lists, play music, tell you about the weather and act as a hub controlling other smart products such as lights, televisions, cookers, and central heating systems almost many other things. 

Benefits

• Can run your devices while at work – for example, put a wash load on while at work or pop your tea on before you get home. 
• Can help you save on your energy bills – you are in control of how long each device is on regardless of whether you are home or not. For example, by having complete control of your heating system you can pop your heating on from your phone 15 minutes before you arrive home. 
• Provide a high level of customisation that can match the specific user’s preferences or needs for example a smart thermostat can modify your home temperature dependent upon local weather conditions. 
• Control your lights from a distance so you don't come home to a dark house.
• The inter-connective nature of smart home technology and real-time surveillance and monitoring means that homeowners can know exactly what’s happening to their home and receive real-time alerts on any questionable issues/occurrences.

Disadvantages/Shortfalls of smart home technology 

Despite smart home technology having a range of different advantages specifically in relation to making home life that little bit easier, there are some disadvantages and shortfalls that should be highlighted: 

• Lack of connectivity between home technologies and devices – unless your device provides the ability to connect to your home technology it cannot use it to its full potential – meaning that you may have to purchase a new device that has this level of connectivity which can often be more expensive to other non-connective alternatives
• Lack of security
• Lack of data protection

Despite these shortfalls – smart technology trends this year have been focusing upon these areas and will potentially be ironed out in the coming months and years. 

At Arc Design Services, we specialise in architectural design, dedicated to offering a fresh and exciting approach to every project. With this in mind, Arc Design Services could help you add smart technology to your home and reap all the benefits, whether this is in your existing home, renovation, or extension plans. Contact our experts today at Arc Design Services at www.arcdesignservices.net or 0161 928 4433.