Posted: 2016.08.11

By: Kevin Williams

Categories: Cool Tech

Imagine what living in the home of the future would be like. You don’t have to think too hard, because the Smart Grid and the Internet of Things (IoT) are making it possible to have Smart Homes that are more comfortable and connected than ever before. In fact, by 2020 there will be nearly 25 billion internet-connected devices, many of which will be used to automate homes. Here are some of the reasons why you should make your home a Smart Home.

It’s cool, convenient, comfortable, and safe

First off, it’s just cool to have a home with features that automate and augment your lifestyle. One example is a home energy storage and distribution system that you can monitor and adjust from your smart phone or tablet. This enables you to be a more intelligent energy user and lets you control the flow of electricity throughout your home. You can also decide how much electricity to use for each appliance, and not send any electricity to appliances at times when you know you won’t be using them. Suffice to say, you’ll never have to worry about whether you left the oven on again.

Here are some other examples of “must have” Smart Home technology:

• Programmable thermostats that automatically heat and cool your home depending on your preferred temperatures.
• Home security systems that you can monitor from your mobile device to ensure that no one is breaking in, as well as locks that only open and close with signals from your smart phone.
• Lightbulbs that allow you to adjust their brightness and color from your smartphone.
• Active carbon monoxide and smoke detectors that seek out potential dangers and alert you on your smart phone in case of an emergency.
• Speakers that allow you to stream music on demand as well as make purchases online.
• Self-guiding vacuums that will patrol your home at specific times you determine in order to suck up all the dust they can find.

You give yourself a competitive advantage

Smart Home and IoT technology is still in its nascent stages of consumer adoption, meaning that it’s still very possible to be the “first one on the block” with these cool new gadgets and features for your home. Imagine showing off all of your IoT gadgets to your friends and family – you’ll be the one that everyone in your neighborhood is trying to keep up with. Having an automated Smart Home also differentiates it from other homes on the market, so when it’s time to sell your house you have a natural advantage over your competition.

As technology advances, so does the potential for our way of life to improve. Having a Smart Home lets you live a lifestyle of comfort and control that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. Even the Jetsons’ house won’t compare to your fully automated Smart Home of the future.