Top 5 Smart Home Trends That You’ll Love
The way we build and design homes is changing. Thanks to new technology, we now have more options than ever when making our homes "smart." Even while on vacation to the other side of the world, we can control our homes using our smartphones.
Yet, for all the new technology that is out there, it can be hard to figure out what is worth investing in and what is not. That's why we've put together a list of five smart home trends that you'll love when it's time to build your new home.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the top five hottest smart home trends and help you decide if they’re right for you.
Smart Home Defined
When most people say "smart home," they’re referring to a home that has been upgraded with technology that allows the homeowner to control various aspects of their home using a smartphone or other internet-connected device. This could include turning on the lights, adjusting the thermostat, locking and unlocking doors, and even checking in on your home while you are away.
The power of smart homes comes from the Internet of Things (IoT) – the network of physical objects that are connected to the internet. This gives homeowners the ability to control their homes using devices that are connected to the internet.
1. Home Automation Hubs
One of the buzziest trends in smart home technology is the rise of home automation hubs. These devices act as a central control panel for all of your smart devices, making it easy to manage and monitor everything from your security system to your thermostat. Many popular hubs also come with built-in voice assistants, so you can use them to play music, set alarms, and even order groceries – hands-free!
Popular home automation hubs include the Amazon Echo, the Google Nest Hub, and the Apple Homepod. In most cases, an automation hub is required to use the rest of the devices on this list.
2. Smart Thermostats
Everyone is looking for ways to save on their energy bills. Whether it's pumping the heat during the winter or cranking the AC during the summer, our homes use a lot of energy to keep us comfortable. One way to save on your energy bills is to invest in a smart thermostat. These devices allow you to control your home's temperature using your smartphone. You can also set schedules and rules so that your thermostat is only working when you need it to.
In some cases, local energy companies will offer a free or discounted smart thermostat when you sign up for their services. In exchange, these companies offer the ability to track your energy usage and provide you with insights on how to save.
3. Smart Lighting
"Hey, Google, turn on the living room lights!" Gone are the days of fumbling for your keys in the dark. With smart lighting, you can control the lights in your home with just a few taps on your smartphone. Most smart lighting systems also come with motion sensors, so you never have to worry about leaving the lights on when nobody's home.
And because they're controlled by your phone, you can set schedules and timers to ensure your lights are always on when you need them. The best way to implement these systems is to connect them with home automation hubs, like the Amazon Echo or Google Home.
4. Smart Locks & Wireless Security
If you're looking for a way to increase the security of your home, then consider investing in a smart lock. These devices allow you to lock and unlock your doors using your smartphone or other internet-connected devices.
Most smart locks also come with built-in security features, such as tamper alerts and automatic lockouts. And because they're controlled by your phone, you can easily grant or revoke access to your home without having to worry about losing your keys. For an extra layer of security, consider investing in a video doorbell. These devices allow you to see who's at your door (and even talk to them) no matter where you are.
Some video doorbells even come with built-in alarms and motion sensors, so you can rest assured that your home is safe and secure. Plus, these doorbells make it easy to shoo away solicitors – or welcome the Amazon delivery driver when they drop off your latest package.
5. Smart Appliances
The kitchen is becoming one of the smartest places in the house. With smart appliances, you can now control your oven, fridge, and even your dishwasher using your smartphone or other internet-connected devices.
Most smart appliances come with built-in features that make them more efficient than their traditional counterparts. For example, some smart ovens come with sensors that adjust the cooking time and temperature based on the food you're cooking. And some smart dishwashers have filters that clean the water before it enters the machine.
The latest generation of smart appliances is also designed to be more energy-efficient, so you can save money on your utility bills. The smarter you are – the more you can save!
Are There Any Risks to Using Smart Home Devices?
While smart home devices offer a number of benefits, there are also some risks to consider. Fortunately, with the right tools and protections, you can make sure your privacy and data are safe.
1. Physical Risks
One of the biggest risks to using smart home devices is the physical security of your devices. If a burglar were to break into your home and steal your laptop, they could also gain access to all of your smart devices. And if they found your smartphone, they could use it to unlock your doors and disable your security system.
The best way to ensure this doesn't happen is to always keep your devices locked and secured. If you have a home automation hub, be sure to keep it in a safe place where only you have access to it. Keep passwords on your devices long and strong, and never store them in an insecure location.
2. Cybersecurity Risks
Another risk to consider is the cybersecurity of your smart devices. Because these devices are connected to the internet, they're vulnerable to hacking and other cyber threats. If a hacker were to gain access to your smart devices, they could potentially control them remotely. They could also access the data stored on your devices, including your personal information and passwords.
The best way to protect yourself from these risks is to make sure your devices are always up-to-date with the latest security patches. You should also never store sensitive information on your devices and always use a strong password to protect your accounts.
3. Privacy Risks
Another risk to consider is the privacy of your data. Because smart devices collect data about your daily routines, they can provide a detailed picture of your life. And if this data were to fall into the wrong hands, it could be used to exploit you.
Make sure to only use devices from companies you trust. You should also read the privacy policies of these companies to understand how they use and protect your data. Finally, you should always keep your devices up-to-date with the latest security patches.
The good news is that following the tips above can mitigate most of the risks associated with using smart home devices. And as the market for these devices continues to grow, so too will the security and privacy protections. So make sure to stay informed and always keep your devices up-to-date!
Start Building Your Home of the Future with Llano Real Estate
There you have it! Five of the latest and most significant trends in smart home technology. As these become increasingly popular, it's likely that even more advancements will be made in the near future.
If you're thinking about building your own home, then now is the time to start planning. At Llano Real Estate Group, we can help you find the perfect lot for your dream home. As the Amarillo region's top home builders, we can also build your home to your exact specifications.
We also offer a wide range of services to make the building process as smooth and stress-free as possible. When you work with us, we’ll take every step necessary to ensure you're 100% satisfied with your new home. So what are you waiting for? Contact us today, and let's get started on building your home of the future!
