Call 800-343-2250
Editor’s Note: This blog post was originally published in January 2019 and has been revised to reflect industry updates.
Smart technologies are being utilized more and more within homes, for a number of reasons. Whether just one device or an entire network, consumers are taking advantage of its many features and capabilities to protect homes, properties, and loved ones. Whether you’re adding this automated technology for the first time or upgrading a current solution, it’s best to enlist a reputable provider with relevant partnerships.
Designed with added conveniences, smart home technologies can remotely perform daily tasks such as setting thermostat levels and lighting; checking-in on children, elderly loved ones, and pets; monitoring water and other utilities usage; and more.
When synced with activity levels, smart technologies can also track health and wellness goals concerning exercise, nutrition, and medication adherence among others.
What Is a Smart Home?
Smart technologies are becoming more common. At last count, 63.43 million U.S. households have added these automated devices, up 10.2 percent from 2022.
Designed to save time and money for security and safety, smart homes can remotely automate everyday tasks via internet connection. Imagine closing and locking garage doors, dimming lights, or adjusting interior temperatures from any mobile device, regardless of your location!
You can even remotely power down electronic devices to manage usage, or if you forgot when rushing out the door.
Smart home technology is being utilized more and more within homes, for various reasons.
Smart Technology Advantages & Efficiencies
Smart technologies boast myriad daily benefits, such as lowering carbon footprints and expenses—along with additional perks like improved quality of life and safety. To help avoid costly damages leading to increased premiums, some homeowners’ insurance companies will offer up to 20 percent discounts on yearly policies. Consult your insurance representative for specific programs.
What’s more, smart technologies can assist with lowering utility usage and costs. Monitoring water, HVAC, and household lighting can result in significant savings. Many service providers such as General Security also offer Energy Star-rated products with rebates through most utility companies.
Learn more about some of the most common smart home technology benefits, such as remote monitoring, customization, wellness and safety check-ins, motion detection and video analytics—all of which can be remotely managed through most mobile apps.
1. Easy Interconnectivity
From smart security systems and speakers to lighting and TVs, linking these connected devices can improve a home’s productivity. Integrating smart home products and systems can also monitor various in-home systems. Such interconnectivity lets users remotely manage and monitor thermostats, review security camera footage, program indoor and outdoor lights, and more. This saves money on utility bills and other household expenses.
2. Remote Monitoring & Check-Ins
Smart homes can be managed from any mobile device through remote monitoring. This enables real-time check-ins on various elements of your home and property. Knowing your property and loved ones are safe from threats—such as burglars, vandals, fire, and carbon monoxide—is invaluable.
Designed to save time and money for home security and safety, smart homes can remotely automate everyday tasks via internet connection.
3. Customized Preferences & Settings
Depending on the device, smart products are adjustable to match a specific user’s customized preferences or needs. A smart thermostat modifies your home’s temperature based on local weather conditions, making the space more comfortable for its occupants. You can even set “rules,” such as turning on lights or music as you arrive home, or for other automated conveniences.
Smart sprinklers are another good example. Some models have distinguished zones spanning a property. Customized activation based on available sunlight and plant types ensures a more effective watering schedule.
4. Increased Safety & Real-Time Monitoring
Through the interconnectivity of smart home technology, and real-time monitoring, homeowners can know exactly what’s happening and receive real-time alerts on any questionable occurrences. This encompasses features like alarm systems and security cameras, which can be programmed to arm/disarm devices, confirm the safe arrival of children at home, or even monitor the behavior of a frisky pet!
You’ll also have access to 24/7 Central Station Monitoring providing immediate alerts to your mobile device, and local first responders and emergency personnel.
5. Health & Wellness Tracking
Checking in on elderly loved ones when you can’t be there goes a long way in supporting their safe, independent lifestyle. Adding smart wellness technologies facilitate real-time, two-way audio and video communication. Adhering smart contact sensors to kitchen and bathroom cabinets and drawers can also help confirm your loved one is adhering to medications and maintaining healthy eating habits. These can also be integrated with Alarm.com Wellness Personal Emergency Response Pendants and wristbands for further protection.
6. Energy & Utilities Management
As previously mentioned, managing utilities such as heating, cooling, and lighting can save on energy costs. Pre-programming your thermostat to a specific temperature during certain times ensures comfort, while cutting usage.
Consider smart outlets to manage auto shut-off for electronic devices such as TVs and gaming systems. Smart LED bulbs enable users to remotely turn lights on and off for security and convenience.
Solar panels are also proven to reduce monthly electric bills, as well as generate renewable energy credits. Offered through Solar Smarter Home in conjunction with Alarm.com, you can calculate important efficiency and usage insights.
7. Video Motion Detection
Activating only when when motion is detected, this technology saves time, battery life, memory, storage, and energy. Regardless of whether you’re home or away, it notifies you of possible suspicious activity within your home or around outdoor areas.
Adding security cameras with video motion detection (VMD) technology captures customized movement to reduce false positives. You can either program this yourself or enlist a reputable smart technologies provider such as General Security.
8. Video Analytics Technologies
Perhaps one of the most standout features of smart home automation are video analytics. This advanced technology can be added as another security layer in line with motion detection. Intelligent enough to differentiate among images of animals, humans, or vehicles, it deciphers movement to help prevent false notifications and alarms. Pre-programmed tripwires and activity zones enable real-time alert triggers, such as automatically activated indoor/outdoor lights, to ward off potential intruders.
Consider also adding Alarm.com Perimeter Guard™ with loud whistles; beeps; red, flashing LED lights; and speakers via compatible security cameras.
9. Appliance Safety & Automatic Shutoffs
Consider implementing smart stove and grill guards for automatic appliance shutoff. This grants real-time monitoring for dangers leading to fires, gas leaks, and propane loss, and injuries caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.
Placing contact sensors on refrigerators and freezers will set off immediate alerts should someone accidentally leave these open or ajar.
10. Leak Detection & Flood Sensors
Protecting your home from leaks and flooding is another smart feature. Receive real-time mobile alerts through your system’s leak detection and flood sensors to avoid costly damages before they happen.
Adding the Alarm.com Smart Water Valve + Meter delivers quick leak and moisture identification ensuring automatic shutoff, along with daily usage insights.
Get Smarter & Safer
Whenupgrading or adding smart home technologies, it’s recommended to decide what’s best for your home and family. A reputable service provider such as General Security can assist with suitable solutions.
General Security provides smart home systems for homeowners throughout the U.S. East Coast. Request a free quote today!
