Smart homes are no longer something futuristic and unattainable. Statistics show that by the end of 2021, there will be more than 258 million smart homes worldwide. Security and temperature control systems remain the most popular smart upgrades but they’re not the only choices.
A smart home can give you better living, more convenience and even utility bill savings. This is why you should definitely consider the addition of smart home technologies to your home during an upcoming home renovation.
With so many choices, however, it can be difficult to pick the smart upgrades that make the most sense for your living situation. To help you get inspired, we’ve come up with a number of practical choices that are fairly affordable and that will yield a high return on investment.
Lighting, being one of the most important features of a home, has fortunately been one of the first items to get a smart upgrade. When it comes to convenience, affordability and an excellent return, few improvements can beat smart lights.
Smart light solutions like the Philips Hue bulbs communicate via WIFI/Bluetooth with your smartphone or smart assistant device. Without needing a central hub, the lights can also interact with other smart elements to give you the perfect ambiance.
Via a phone app, you can control the lights effortlessly and make adjustments as needed. The lights can also work with smart switches and dimmers, giving you one more control option. These switches operate via a Wi-Fi network and are a much better choice than the old-school switches that are still the norm in so many Singaporean homes.
With smart lights, you can also come up with a daily schedule and automate the process of switching lights on/off/dimming them.
This is another pretty standard upgrade to consider during an upcoming home interior design improvement. Smart speakers give you lots of versatility and they can be used to accomplish a lot more than just listening to music.
The right models out there can serve as a command center for all other aspects of home automation.
Through a speaker and a digital assistant like Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant, you can use your voice to issue commands and change various aspects of the home environment. You can also seek information, review your home security footage and even “ask” your TV to play your favourite movie.
Many smart system manufacturers have already made their products compatible with smart speakers. This is why you should definitely make the purchase of such one of the very first investments to pursue.
The temperature inside your home is one of the most important variables when it comes to comfort.
Smart thermostats like the Ecobee system are voice-controlled and they also have built-in Amazon Echo Speaker compatibility. The system also benefits from room sensors that can be used to maintain uniform temperatures in all parts of the flat.
Many companies have already developed very inexpensive smart thermostats that completely automate heating and cooling. Do look into such opportunities, seeking a thermostat that allows you to control temperature settings remotely and that also offers energy-saving functionalities.
Don’t underestimate the power of smart automation when it comes to home security. Locks, alarms and camera systems have all become a part of the smart revolution, giving you a much safer home you can easily monitor from any location that has internet access.
Digital locks are really cool and personalised. You will no longer need a key but rather, a security code or even biometric data. Locks that work with your fingerprint or eye scan are readily available and they don’t cost a fortune.
There are numerous other smart home security possibilities. A video doorbell is a great first choice since it’s cheap, very easy to install and it does give you an added layer of safety. Smart cameras can be set up to record movements and send you alerts whenever such activities are being sensed. Some of these cameras are also equipped with two-way audio systems and they can also illuminate whatever is moving around your property. Night vision is another important feature that smart security cameras should have.
If you don’t want to go through separate elements, pick an entire smart security system for your home. While a lot costlier, these solutions will give you everything required to keep intruders and other dangers out of your house.
Finally, we need to discuss the amazing benefits of having smart kitchen appliances.
From fridges that speak and can help you organise your grocery shopping to intelligent tea and coffee makers that brew beverages just the way you like them – the market has a good range of amazing products.
Next generation smart appliances are one of the best ways to save money on your utility bills. In fact, this is one of the smart investments that will guarantee optimal returns. Surveys right now suggest that Singaporean home owners who opt for smart kitchen appliances will enjoy a return on investment as high as 11 per cent.
There are even smart kitchen appliances that can help out with cooking and food preparation. Intelligent countertops and ovens “learn” recipes and suggest the preparation method that gives you finger-licking results. You can even control such appliances from your phone, making remote cooking an actual possibility.
Needless to say, you can make many additional smart choices for your home – from smart toilets that conserve water to intelligent vacuum cleaners and even intelligent shades for the bedroom. And if you do feel overwhelmed by all of the possibilities, contact Home Guide. We will get acquainted with your lifestyle, recommending the smart home improvements that are in line with your preferences and routines.
