Home is where the heart is right? After the last couple of years we’ve had, we can safely say home really is our sanctuary. This has pushed people to look after their homes more and make their lives convenient and “smarter”. But how smart is your home exactly and could you be doing more? Let’s dive in to see how smart your home is, and if you’re really as up to date as you think you are.
What is a smart home?
A smart home usually uses internet-connected devices to control most things in your home. This can be done if you’re in another room, or another country. What is needed is a smartphone or tablet, a very reliable internet connection and some smart devices.
Do you have an ecosystem?
Before even considering or thinking you have a smart home, ask yourself do I have an ecosystem? Do I have a group of smart devices that work really well together (an ecosystem)? Am I reliant on Google Nest, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit? If you’ve answered yes to one of these ecosystems, then you are definitely on your way to having a smart home. Most ecosystems help you set up your home efficiently and now allow you to create your own profile and can even identify who in the household is speaking, for a more tailored experience.
Do you have a smart home device?
In order for your home to be seen as a ‘smart home’, you’ll need smart devices.These devices are connected to the internet and usually have a smartphone app or ecosystem, allowing you to monitor the device remotely over WiFi. These can include:
Smart speakers.
Smart TVs.
Smart thermostats (hint: this could cut the cost of your utility bills, by always monitoring your heating, water and electricity use).
Smart lighting.
Smart security – windows, doors, locks, cameras and motion detectors.
Smart kitchen appliances.
Smart washing machines.
Smart meter customers have their say.
See what our smart meter customers say about their experience with smart meters. Meet Elizabeth & David who call their smart meter a 'brain in a box' and they use it to better monitor how much they spend on their energy.
How can I have a smarter home?
Feel like your house just isn’t smart enough? We’ll let you in on a secret: you can do as much or as little home automation as you want. It may be best to think of tasks you already routinely do, then find a way to automate them. Or, if you want to go all out smart, you can connect almost any device in your home that uses electricity, and put it on your home network and at your command. Smart homes may make life easier and more convenient. The best thing about it? You can have as little or as many devices as you want. Each household varies, depending on what you need.