Knowing how to create a smart home can provide you with numerous surprising benefits. Not only can building a smart home from scratch represent one of the most cost-effective ways to enjoy a host of modern conveniences, but this type of configuration paces much less strain on the environment. As a result, the carbon footprint of your property will be dramatically reduced.
However, creating a smart home can be challenging. What steps need to be taken? Are there any specific approaches to consider? How does modern technology play a crucial role? These are some of the questions that we will address throughout this article. Whether you are hoping to increase the overall efficiency of your property, or you simply desire a change, the team at JK Services is here to help.
Get Smart Internet
First, most smart home gadgets will rely on an Internet connection to function properly. Wireless communications are essential for devices such as thermostats, mains electricity meters, remote lighting, and kitchen appliances. It is therefore prudent to choose the best service provider in your area.
Shop around so that you can appreciate unique bundle offers (telephone, television and Internet). You might choose to speak with your neighbours to learn about their personal experiences. In terms of speed, smaller smart homes will require a minimum of 100 megabytes per second. As the size of your property increases, you may need between 500 and 1,000 megabytes per second to ensure that no connectivity problems occur.
Get a “Smart Hub”
Many professional electrical contractors will cite the benefits of a smart hub. As the name suggests, a smart hub connects all devices to a single source. These user-friendly options offer two main advantages:
- They are compatible with most smart devices.
- They can provide you with better control over the functions throughout your home.
Google Home and Amazon Echo are two well-known examples of smart hubs. These models are equipped with the capability to recognise voice commands; simplifying the programming process. Any worthwhile smart hub must also be able to connect to your mobile phone; most likely in the form of a dedicated application.
Choosing the right hub to connect smart devices at home will depend on user preferences, the number of gadgets present and connectivity. So, be sure to carefully read the technical specifications of the system in question. You can then make an informed decision. The good news is that a professional electrician will often be able to assist if you happen to encounter any problems.
Get Smart Plugs
Many consumers are not yet familiar with smart plugs. Simply stated, these gadgets are small adapters that can be connected between a standard mains electricity outlet and a specific device. They also contain built-in wireless capabilities. This enables them to communicate with your smart hub.
The main reason why smart plugs are handy is that they will provide your home with a much greater degree of automation. They are easy to set up and simple commands such as “turn off my kitchen microwave” can help to reduce the energy consumption of common appliances when they are not in use. There are even some smart plugs that can determine if a device is not functioning properly. As any PAT testing specialist will observe, this is crucial in terms of safety.
Get Smart Lights
Smart home energy savings are often the direct result of choosing modern lighting fixtures. If your home has not undergone any type of professional electrical maintenance in recent times, the chances are high that your lights could require an upgrade.
Smart lighting solutions are indeed the wave of the future. Once again, the fixtures and bulbs will be wirelessly connected to your central hub. You can therefore control various functions such as illumination, intensity and which rooms should remain lit. These lights can also be programmed to turn on and off at specific intervals. This can help to deter burglaries, as potential intruders will believe that the home is occupied.
Use Renewable Energy Solutions
A growing number of homes are choosing to install solar panels. These panels can dramatically reduce your mains energy consumption and they represent entirely sustainable long-term solutions. Are solar panels worth it in Ireland? They most certainly are. According to no waste blogger Antonia, ”the one sure path to the future is renewable energy”.
Additionally, the number of electric vehicles (EVs) is on the rise. Because Ireland is planning to ban the sale of all fuel-powered vehicles by the year 2030, it makes perfect sense to remain one step ahead of the curve. Domestic EV charger installations are beginning to become commonplace. Electric vehicle chargers are convenient, economical, and provide a long-term return on investment (ROI). Contact one of our qualified specialists to learn more about your options. Maybe you are wondering how much it costs to charge an electric car? It’s much cheaper than running a fuel-based vehicle.
Have Security Systems
Appreciating how to create a smart home should also involve cutting-edge security solutions. It is possible to create a bespoke security system based on the unique needs of your property. Their wireless nature ensures that you will be immediately notified in the event of a fault or breach.
While some equipment will need to be manually installed, peel-and-stick options are becoming more widely available (ensuring that no nails or screws are needed). Here are some unique security gadgets to consider:
- CCTV networks
- Remote cameras
- Wireless key fobs
- Biometric scanners
A qualified electrical contractor from JKS can provide you with more information.
Frequently Asked Questions On How to Create A Smart Home
Now that we know how to create a smart home from a basic point of view, let’s look at some common questions.
How much does a smart home system cost?
The price of a smart home will be based on the number of devices that you wish to use. Some can be created for less than €1,000 while others could require more.
How can I turn my home into a smart home?
Knowing how to create a smart home often involves wireless Internet capabilities. As modern appliances will communicate with a central monitoring hub, you will always be provided with a greater degree of control. As each home is different, it is wise to seek advice from one of our experts.
What is a smart home?
A smart home is any type of dwelling which employs the latest technology to reduce energy consumption while increasing your quality of life. Common elements include smart lighting systems, renewable sources of energy and smartphone integration.
Do I need a smart home hub?
Smart home hubs are used to connect multiple devices to a single point of control. If only a handful of devices are present, a hub may not always be necessary. However, monitoring numerous fixtures and appliances can be vastly simplified using a smart hub.
Do smart home devices slow down wireless Internet?
This will depend on Internet speed. Connections with lower bandwidth (such as below 100 megabytes per second) may be impacted by smart home systems. The number of connected devices will also play a role. Therefore, choosing a fast service provider is essential.
How do smart homes work?
Smart homes work by automating many systems so that users can enjoy a more personalised sense of control. As an ancillary benefit, this efficiency limits energy consumption and helps to reduce your carbon footprint.
Learn How To Create a Smart Home Today!
Do you wish to learn more about how to create a smart home? Are you hoping to implement sustainable changes? Perhaps you wish to discover appliances that may require an upgrade to lower your energy bills. These are only a handful of topics that our team can address. Please take a moment to Contact JKS. We can schedule an appointment at your convenience.
We have more interesting blogs on similar topics such as ‘how to reduce electric bills in the winter‘, ‘how much does it cost to get a house rewired‘, or maybe you want to know ‘do solar panels work when it’s cloudy‘, ‘are solar panels worth it in Ireland‘, ‘are all electric car chargers the same‘ or ‘how much does it cost to charge an electric car‘. If so, read the blogs and find out from our experts at JK Services.