You’ve likely got a smart phone, a smart TV, and now, you’re considering a smart home. But what exactly makes a home “smart”, and where should you start with this new technology?
A smart home allows the owner to control internet-connected appliances and devices, such as security access, temperature and lighting, remotely using a smartphone or tablet. The smart home market has been a fast-growing trend in the past few years, and for good reason. Smart home devices allow you to easily control and monitor your home from anywhere, anytime.
Picture this: the sun pours in at 6am as your blinds open right on schedule. Shortly after, your coffee machine begins to warm up and your smart speaker runs through your schedule, the top headlines and weather. Then, as you head out of the house, your heating switches off and the robot vacuum begins to hum – beginning its morning rounds.
But the benefits of smart home devices go beyond just convenience. They also give you greater control over your energy use, allowing you to reduce your environmental impact and bills. Sound appealing? Here are the most common pieces of smart home technology we’re seeing.
Virtual assistants
Alexa and Google Assistant are two of the most popular voice-activated virtual assistants. They can be used to control a range of smart home devices, including lights, thermostats, and security cameras. You can also use them to play music, make calls, answer questions, and manage your calendar – all completely hands-free.
Virtual assistants like Alexa and Google are usually built into an intelligent home control system, housed in a speaker or tablet, such as a Google Nest Hub. These systems are used to connect your smart home system, allowing you to interact with all your devices in one place. And luckily for renters, all you need to get these systems up and running is a power point and internet connection.
Lighting
Smart lighting systems are as easy as screwing in a smart lightbulb – no rewiring required! This makes them a great option for renters and owners alike, who may want to turn off excess lighting without peeling themselves off the couch, set the mood for a dinner or schedule when lights should turn on and off. This means lights are less likely to be accidentally left on all day, reducing energy consumption.
Smart home security
Smart home security cameras allow you to keep an eye on your home from anywhere, at any time. They are a great tool for safeguarding property and attracting tech-loving tenants.
You can use them to access live footage or recorded videos, receive notifications when there is movement detected, or provide keyless access. This means you can let trades in without being onsite – or that family member who always locks their keys inside.
Solar panels and batteries
Solar panels and batteries offer a clean and sustainable way to generate electricity for your home – and save hundreds of dollars a year on your energy bills. At a time when the cost of living is skyrocketing, this can provide much-needed relief to owners and tenants.
When connected with a smart metre, you can actively monitor your usage and adapt your habits to reduce your energy consumption, for example by making sure your appliances are running during the middle of the day when your solar panels are producing the most energy. Solar panels and batteries help boost the appeal and value of your home, regardless of if you’re selling, or looking to rent. There’s a good reason why you can refine your search on realestate.com.au to properties with solar panels, or high energy efficiency.
Smart home technology is revolutionising the way we live and manage our homes. Whether you’re a homeowner or a tenant, these devices can help make your life easier, reduce your power bills and improve the desirability, security and sustainability of your home.
Prudential Real Estate Campbelltown | (02) 4628 0033 | campbelltown@prudential.com.au
Prudential Real Estate Liverpool | (02) 9822 5999 | liverpool@prudential.com.au
Prudential Real Estate Macquarie Fields | (02) 9605 5333 | macquariefields@prudential.com.au
Prudential Real Estate Narellan | (02) 4624 4400 | narellan@prudential.com.au
