Security & accessibility
Discover how a smart home system can offer you peace of mind that your dwelling – and its inhabitants – are safe and well
Explore ways smart tech can support independent living and a safer home
Integrating security with the rest of your smart home means that you can benefit from all your systems working in tandem. Stick your property on holiday mode, for example, and watch as the lights turn on and off in the evenings to simulate occupancy. There are benefits for safety, wellbeing and inclusivity, too.
Smart security
Design your system with this element in mind from the outset to ensure you’re making the most of its functionality. “Outside, automated lighting solutions can provide security by setting lights to turn on when motion is detected, or welcome guests as they approach,” says Steve Detmer from Lutron. Even better, you can monitor everything remotely, integrating alarms, lights, cameras, video entry systems and door locks, so that you know exactly who is coming and going at your property, and when.
While you can opt for standalone devices, the magic happens when you hit the ‘goodbye’ key as you leave for work. This is when your door and garage lock, windows close, lights turn off and alarm is armed at the touch of a button. The same can happen in reverse when you enter.
Suppliers such as RK Door Systems can offer keyless entry in favour of your fingerprints – handy if you’re carrying a ton of shopping or a crying child. Yale also offers a product that uses your phone to lock and unlock your home’s entrance remotely. If your smart windows have glass-break sensors, or you have an automated open/close system, this could alert you if someone has tried to gain access while you’re out.
Safety & wellbeing
Concealed sensors can measure your indoor air quality, detecting and warning you of high levels of CO2 and other toxins, and even increasing ventilation to deal with them.
“As well as alarms and deterrents for home invaders, we can connect your smart system to smoke alarms, keeping you informed at all times, even if you’re out of the house,” says Darren Palmer from Baulogic. The house could even be set up to light up exit routes and automatically inform emergency services in case of a fire or break-in.
If you’re setting up the system for an elderly relative, this could be programmed to recognise certain triggers and alert blue lights services if needed. For instance, if the kettle hasn’t been turned on one morning – when mum would normally have made a cuppa by 6am. Or if the motion sensors haven’t detected movement for a while, despite granddad being in the house – this could ping a trusted relative’s phone with an alert to check in with the occupant.
Inclusive design
A good smart home will cater to your lifestyle needs both now and in the future. For instance, if you become less mobile, the ability to have motorised curtains self-opening in the morning and closing at night will mean you’re not struggling to use them every day. And if they open too early on an impromptu day off, a voice assistant can signal them to close again with a short command from you.
We’re becoming far more aware of how smart homes can help differently abled people live independently. For instance, a doorbell that signals the homeowner with a series of flashing lights will be particularly useful if the occupant is deaf. Smoke alarms that work in a similar manner can be lifesaving. While standalone devices exist, having something that integrates with the other systems will offer simplicity for users. “Easily controllable smart homes can be really helpful in assisted living situations,” says Darren.