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Modern life is busy and hectic which explains why we’re always looking for ways to make it easier. Smart home controls utilise ever-evolving technology to make the simplest of tasks available at the tap of a button. From managing heating and electricity usage around the home to keeping our cherished belongings safe, even when we’re not at home, the options are becoming increasingly endless. Here at MJH Electrical, we are proud to be installers of smart home controls and systems that make your homework for you. And, we’re also advocates for making sure homeowners understand the many benefits that come from these tailored devices.
What Are Smart Home Controls?
Also known as smart home technology or home automation is the process of automating many essential household activities. It is the ability to control nearly every aspect of your home through the internet. The concept that we could turn on the light switch or increase the heating in our home on smartphones felt like a myth just a few years ago. And yet, here we are today, with the ability to see who’s standing outside our front door – even if we are on the other side of the world.
The beauty of this technology is its versatility. Automated home systems can be used to control:
- Heating
- Electricity
- Lighting
- Security alarms
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Doorbells
- CCTV
- And more…
The smart home systems that help you to manage these act as a command centre. From here, you can control the different devices and aspects of home living. These include voice-activated systems, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. In June 2021, research from Ampere Analysis noted that 52% of internet households have a voice assistance device. And, that the ownership of these smart assistance has risen by 12% in the UK over the past 12 months. So, it’s fair to assume that many of us have seen or used these systems ourselves at some point.
How Do Smart Home Controls Work?
The technology that exists for smart home controls is largely based on Wi-Fi networks. Once installed, your device will connect to your home network and then to the server. You can then access it to manage the controls and make adjustments, normally through an app on your smartphone or tablet. Other automation technology works through Bluetooth, connecting to your phone and giving you the same flexibility with control.
With voice-activated devices, you simply speak to the assistant and ask it to perform a certain task. Perhaps you say, ‘Alexa, turn off the living room lights. Or, ‘Hey Google, set the heating to 25° in the living room’. Other smart devices with more complex adjustments can be controlled through apps. For example, smart thermostats allow you to turn off, turn up or turn down the heating with the tap of a button. You can set your home to warm up just as you’re walking through the door, or turn on the hot water for that bubble bath you have planned. These apps also provide a host of analytics about your energy use which can be used to reduce bills and better optimise your everyday use.
What Smart Home Controls Do We Recommend?
At MJH Electrical, we have over 11 years of experience providing electrical support to domestic households. In line with modern technology, we have installed many smart home controls for different sized properties and to fit the needs of various families. Here are just some that we have seen provide a host of benefits to our customers.
Smart Alarms
These wireless devices link to your home’s Wi-Fi system. Instead of needing wires, this makes them easier to install and less intrusive on your day-to-day life. Providing a level of protection for your property, they effectively reduce the chance of burglary by emitting a loud alarm in the event of intrusion. Some models pair alarms with high-spec security cameras that allow you to monitor the land around your property from a smart device. And, with the addition of night technology and motion detection, they are largely used by homeowners who prioritise the safety of their families and belongings.
Smart Doorbells
Offering another level of security for your property, smart doorbells have risen to popularity over the past few years. Connected to the internet, again by a Wi-fi connection, they send a notification to your smart device when someone walks onto your property. This streams to the device as a video, sent from the camera fitted into the doorbell. No matter where you are – both in the house or out and about – you can monitor who is on your property. Many feature speakers can be used to speak directly to the visitor and offer recorded footage which can come in handy for legal proceedings too.
Smart Plugs
Sometimes, it isn’t feasible to swap out all of the devices in your home for smarter models. However, smart plugs can convert many normal electrical items into ones that can be integrated into your home system. For example, lamps plugged in can be switched on and off using voice control or can be linked up to an automated system.
Smart Lights
Having control over the lights in your home is one of the best ways to manage electricity use. Smart lights work in two ways – either via a smart light switch or via a smart light bulb. If you’re looking to manage lighting from a smart device, you’ll want to invest in the latter. Then, you won’t need to get out of your seat to dim, turn on or turn off the light. And, some smart lights can be integrated into apps, meaning you can turn lights off and on even when you’re away from the home.
Smart Kitchen Appliances
This technology extends into all different rooms around the home – including the kitchen. You can purchase anything from smart washing machines and dishwashers to smart slow cookers and even smart ovens. With the right device, you’ll be able to switch on ovens to heat up as you walk back from the train station or set the dishwasher to finish just before dinner is served. You have greater control over temperature and can prioritise safety, checking back to ensure you’ve turned off appliances after leaving the house.
The right smart house control can help you to save money, utilise your devices more effectively and make the most of every corner of your home. At MJH Electrical, we have the experience and skills to help you in your journey. If you have any questions or want to find the right smart device to suit, get in contact with us here today.