Tomorrow’s future home is here today

TECHNOLOGY is changing the way we interact with our homes.

The idea of a smart home is no longer a dream for the future.

Today, you can automate your lights and other electrical devices all from your phone.

Your fridge can tell you when something needs replacing, while your heater can automatically come on 15 minutes before you arrive home.

Not only do these ‘smart’ technology developments make things more efficient in a home, but they can also help a home owner significantly reduce their electricity and energy consumption.

Regardless of your needs, there is probably a suitable app on the market that can help you achieve your goals.

Think ahead

If you’re building a house — and can afford to do so — consider implementing smart tech from the beginning.

This will help you reduce installation and wiring costs down the line.

Talk to a professional

Home automation can be a costly endeavour, particularly if you plan on installing wiring throughout your house.

Any internal wiring you decide to do should be done by a certified electrician who will guarantee the workmanship and provide you with a warranty.

Here are just some of the ways you can automate your home today:

Security

Cameras and motion sensors can be set up throughout your home and accessed through your mobile devices.

These systems will send you an alert if there is ever a security breach, with some devices actually programmed to take photos and/or videos of your intruders.

You can set up door and garage locks to open or close as you and your phone approach.

You can also set up your fire alarms so that they sync with your security system.

That way, if ever there is a fire while you are away from the dwelling, the security alarm will send you a notification.

Lighting

Trying to ward off thieves?

Most systems will allow you turn on lights remotely to give the impression that you’re home of an evening.

In addition, these systems can allow you to see whether or not you left the lights on after you leave for work.

You can also install sensor lights that switch on automatically as and when they detect activity in a space.

On a budget?

There are several options out there for those of you with a limited budget.

Your local electronics store sells devices that will allow you to automate and control any appliance that is connected to a power socket from your phone app.

These cost effective measures will ensure you don’t panic if you realise you have accidentally left the iron on.

The homes of the future are here, and regardless of whether you want a state-of-the art smart home, or small powerpoint plug-ins that won’t break the bank, you can rest assured that there is a perfect product out there for you.

Automating your home will cost anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand.

It will depend entirely on your budget and what is most important to you.

The convenience and comfort these features bring to the family home could not only improve your day to day life, they are also likely to increase the value of your home if and when you decide to sell.