Nest Realty

Smart Home Technology

What is your Home’s IQ?

When we hear the term IQ (intelligence quotient) we usually think of the test that measures a person’s cognitive and intellectual abilities. But can our homes have an IQ? Can our homes themselves be smart? Alexa sure thinks so!

Like it or not, technology has permeated into nearly every facet of our lives—so why not our homes? We dig into some of these new technologies to find out how they are attempting to make our homes smarter and our lives easier.

Let’s start at the beginning. What is smart home technology? A system or device is defined as “smart” if it possess the ability to be monitored and/or controlled from a computer or mobile device. These systems aim to improve the comfort, convenience, safety, and energy usage of a home.

What are some of the capabilities of smart home technology? We created this illustration to better explain some common uses:

Homeowners utilize these systems for different reasons, but security and energy management are among the most significant. According to a recent study from Houzz, “New smart systems or devices are most likely to appear as part of home security or safety upgrades, followed by entertainment, climate, and lighting upgrades. That said, smart thermostats are the single most popular smart device in a renovated home.” In the same study, which was conducted in collaboration with CEDIA (an international association whose members design, manufacture and install technology for the home), 45 percent of homeowners who are in the midst of renovating their homes opt to integrate smart features.

All of this technology can feel overwhelming and leave you wondering where to begin. We’ve broken down some of the most popular systems into categories.

READY TO BOOST YOUR HOME’S IQ? HERE’S A BREAKDOWN OF SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR SYSTEMS:

Integration

To put it simply, this is the software that allows you to “talk” to your devices. Amazon has Alexa, Google has Google Assistant, and Apple has Siri. These three popular integration programs allow you to use voice commands to operate your smart systems. Speaking to these, you can perform web-based queries, play media, and control smart home devices. If This, Then That, or IFTTT, is a free web-based service that connects to your smart devices and creates commands or “recipes.” For example, if the front door opens, then the hallway light turns on. When purchasing the smart systems explained below, you’ll often see “compatible with Alexa, IFTTT, etc.” Keep an eye on this to ensure that your system will connect with your hub/controller.

Hubs and Controllers

These are the speakers that receive your voice commands, and work with your integration system (Alexa, Siri) to complete your task or query. Others not listed include the Control4 and WinkHub.

Amazon’s original bluetooth speaker that utilizes Alexa. You are able to play music, podcasts, etc. from Amazon media through this speaker.

Echo Dot is another gateway to Amazon’s Alexa system. This is the cheaper and smaller version of the Echo. It can be connected to your home speakers, which is great since the sound quality of the Echo Dot is poor.

This allows you to utilize the Google Assistant system.

This hub links to an array of devices and is PC Mag’s current Editors’ Choice for home automation hubs. “It’s the most reliable, widely supported hub we’ve tested.”

  • APPLE HOMEPOD (not pictured)

Coming to the market this winter, the HomePod is slated to take the listening experience to a new level with its powerful speaker, compatibility with Apple Music, and Siri voice command.

Security Cameras

While these cameras offer a high level of security for your home, they can also be used to monitor pets and children.

This 24/7 live video camera has a 130 degree wide-angle view and night vision that allows you to look after your home day and night. When the Nest Cam detects activity, it can send a phone alert or email with a photo of the event. A built-in speaker and microphone let’s you talk and listen—tell Fiddo you’ll be home soon, and to get off the couch!

This outdoor version is essentially the same camera as the indoor Nest model, but with a weatherproof enclosure and power cord.

This camera also has two-way audio, motion detection and instant alerts. Intelligent facial recognition software to choose who your camera recognizes. Night vision allows monitoring in complete darkness.

Locks and Security Systems

This lock works with your existing deadbolt and installs quickly to the inside of your door, allowing you to control your front door with your smartphone or voice command. You can grant or restrict access to visitors anytime. You can set it to automatically lock your door as you leave, and unlock as you return.

Thermostats

The popular Nest Thermostat is now in its third generation with sharp display, and energy efficiency improvements. Use the thermostat for one week, and it will program itself to automatically adapt to your life and the change in season.

Kits

These kits allow you to enter into the smart home technology world on your own (without professional installation.)

This kit includes a gateway (hub), two door/window sensors, one remote keyfob, and one motion sensing camera. This set up supports up to 160 connected devices, allowing you to easily expand your range of tasks. Additional items can be bought separately.

This kit includes a hub, two door/ window sensors, one motion sensor, and one outlet control. Monitoring service connects with Affirm, and starts at $22/month. Compatible with hundreds of smart devices. Additional items can be bought separately.

Smart Appliances/Accessories

This fan can detect when you enter and exit the room and automatically turn on/off. Exceeds Energy Star requirements for ceiling fans.

A singular bulb that can be set to any color in the rainbow including white, from a warm 1900 Kelvin to a vibrant 6500 Kelvin. Controlled by your smart phone or hub, you can even set lighting schemes for a bright craft night or dim romantic dinner.

Three cameras inside allow you to peek inside your refrigerator from anywhere. Use the touchscreen on the door to create a shopping list that you can access remotely, and get expiration notifications.

We shared this story with you in our Fall/Winter 2017 Issue of NEST Magazine. To view the full issue, click here.

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Posted in Asheville, Charlottesville, Fall/Winter 2017, Fredericksburg, Lake Norman, NEST Magazine, New River Valley, Raleigh-Durham, Richmond, Shenandoah Valley, Wilmington
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