The Smart Home Technology


 
Internet of Things (IoT) that had been an intriguing topic and a concept since a decade is now real and applied. Starting from electrical appliances to locks, alarm systems to home energy equipment, it is anticipated to ease lives in multiple ways. Although there is a huge market for IoT devices, it has found its most prominent application in Smart Homes. By 2020 the number of smart home devices shipped is projected to be at 193 million according to Business Insider. Now let’s take a look at how IoT will change the dimensions of life.

One famous home which uses the most cutting-edge smart home technology is the home of Bill Gates just outside of Seattle, WA. It is interesting to note that Bill Gates used it more than 20 years ago when those technologies were completely out of reach of common people and comprehensively alien to some. Now, however, most of those technologies are far widely available at prices affordable by most.

How to go about it?

Starters


 
While designing your home you can get as much or as little automation as you want. You can get most of your home appliances to function as per your needs. You can begin with starters and add on later. In case you are looking for future expansion then you may want to plan the design in advance where you strategically place nodes of the wireless networks so that they fit well into the planned augmentation well.

Professional Help


 
About 60% of smart homeowners hire professional help. But before you plan on hiring them, make sure they are certified and have the required experience of installing, maintaining and troubleshooting home networking equipment in order to avoid getting stuck at a dead end.

Make your Budget


 
Be sure to check out the prices of the home automation equipments you have planned to install. Some come at fairly affordable prices whereas some might burn a hole in your pocket. Sophisticated systems can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $250,000 whereas, a more sophisticated system like home theater can cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

Some Badass Examples


 
Imagine a security system that alerts you for a fire mishap, unlock your doors and dial the fire department of its own. Other examples may include feeding your pets on schedule, turning on the coffee maker as soon as you get up from the bed and make espresso automatically instead of cappuccino if the sleep wasn’t good. It can unlock your doors as soon as you approach it and instantly create mood lighting for any occasion.

Smart home promises enormous help to elderly people living alone. It can notify when to take medicines, alert the hospital in case of emergency, keep a track of their eating habits, etc. It can also help children living at distance take care of their old parents remotely and monitor their health and needs.

Drawbacks


 
Like everything else, IoT technology has its disadvantages too. Not everyone can use IoT without proper training as it requires some level of technical knowledge, not while installing but while changing commands and future re-configurations. The complexity of the system may appear to be defeating its very purpose and usability if the user is not a tech savvy. In such cases instead of making your life easier, it might end up increasing your dilemma.

So one has to keep in mind all the points discussed above before venturing out into the wild. The advantages, price factors, where to get help and the drawbacks. Otherwise, the inventions of Smart Home technology are pretty cool and should be opted for if feasible.