It took a while for man to invent the wheel. But once he hit that milestone, humans couldn’t stop inventing. Inventions over the years have given humans the ability to fly, walk on the moon, talk to people we can’t see, replicate life, and more.
In 1936, the first computer was born. It was huge and impractical for a person to own. But that didn’t last. By 1979, a little over 40 years after the first computer, the first laptop was available. Not only could anyone now own a computer, but they could also travel with it and use it while on the go.
By 2010, almost everyone had a mini-computer in their pocket in the form of a BlackBerry or an iPhone.
The last decade has seen humans accomplish amazing technological feats that surpass many of the predictions of 90s science fiction movies. A lot of that technological advancement is evident in not only how we communicate, work, and travel, but also how our homes work.
Home automation technology is becoming widespread in the US and in other advanced countries with more people owning smart appliances that control their security, entertainment, cooking, and more. Current forecasts predict that the average North American home will have at least 13 smart devices installed by 2021.
Is this a good thing, and are smart home devices actually useful?
Technology and the smart home
There are several types of smart products for the home, and each one offers a unique benefit. For instance, smart thermostats, like Nest, help homeowners keep their bills from electric providers to a minimum by making a home’s heating and cooling system perform more energy-efficiently.
Even if you are getting great rates from your electric suppliers, installing a smart thermostat will keep your energy expenses even lower. It also provides homeowners with greater comfort and control over their cooling and heating.
Smart technology is also helping seniors age in place by enabling them to live comfortably and safely at home, with or without the assistance of a caregiver. An example of such smart technology is assistive domotics like the Constellation Connect that assists with aging parent care and improving home safety for the elderly.
Similar technology is also useful for assisting people with disabilities to live fuller lives in the comfort of their homes. It helps by assisting with daily tasks that a disabled person may struggle with doing on their own.
Other benefits of smart technology in the home include:
· The comfort of being able to manage all of your home’s devices remotely from your smartphone.
· Enhancing your home’s security. A good example is the Ring doorbell that lets you monitor who is at your door via your phone, even when you aren’t home.
· Increased energy and cost-efficiency. Smart appliances can provide insights regarding their use and what you can do to increase their output, energy-efficiency, and cost-efficiency.
There are various types of smart home systems available that you can install to suit your unique needs and those of your home. It’s just a question of whether you are ready to take advantage of the technology that’s available to make your home a better place.