Like all other technologies, Wi-Fi can be very frustrating when it does not work. But when it does work, it can be wonderful. One amazing use of Wi-Fi is it enables your home to be “smart.” All you need is Wi-Fi and a smart phone or tablet, and you can do things to make your life safer, more comfortable and easier. And you can save money in the process. Let’s see how.
Safety
“Smart” smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors will let you know whether you are home or away if there is a problem in your house. They can even turn on lights and open shades to make your exit easier. Additionally, “smart” cameras can detect motion and noise and alert you if they sense something suspicious inside or outside your home. And “smart” security systems can alert you and the police if there is a break in.
Comfort
“Smart” thermostats can control the temperature in your home. You can easily pre-set the thermostat to adjust the temperature at specific times. Or you can adjust the temperature on the fly through your smart phone or tablet. Some thermostats even “learn” your habits, and can make adjustments themselves. Similarly, “smart” lighting and shades allow you to pre-set when lights go on and off, and shades open or close. Or via your phone or tablet, you can adjust the settings on the fly.
Ease
All of these features save you time. These and other items such as “smart” garage door openers and sump pumps can be pre-programmed and controlled from almost anywhere via your smart phone or tablet. They also can interface with technologies such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Xfinity Home.
Save Money
Many of these applications can save you money.
- “Smart” thermostats, lighting and shade controls can cut down your utility bills.
- “Smart” thermostats will alert you if the temperature in your home gets too hot or cold, possibly signaling a problem with your system. This is especially important in cold weather, as falling temperatures in your house can cause pipes to freeze and burst, causing substantial damage.
- ”Smart” sump pumps also alert you when there are problems, so you can make repairs and avoid an expensive flood.
These items are all very easy to install, and frequently do not even require rewiring.
Here is a summary of “smart” applications, and their benefits.
|
|
Increased Safety |
Cost Savings |
Increased Comfort |
Increased Convenience |
|
Smoke alarms |
X |
|
|
|
|
Carbon monoxide detectors |
X |
|
|
|
|
Thermostats |
|
X |
X |
X |
|
Lighting controls |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Shades |
|
X |
X |
X |
|
Garage door openers |
X |
|
|
X |
|
Indoor cameras |
X |
|
|
|
|
Outdoor cameras |
X |
|
|
|
|
Doorbell cameras |
X |
|
|
|
|
Electronic door locks |
X |
|
|
X |
|
Security systems |
X |
|
|
|
|
Sump pumps |
|
X |
|
X |
