Smart Homes Soon to Be The Majority

​​Nearly 35 years ago, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) created the term “smart home” to describe a group advocating for the integration of technology into the process of home building. However, back then, the idea of controlling the lights, security system, or thermostat inside a residence via smartphone was something out of a science fiction novel. But as technology has grown, so has its uses.

What Is a Smart Home?
A smart home is a house that can provide its owners with security, energy efficiency, convenience, and comfort quickly and easily. All of the systems are integrated with technology, so they can be operated whether or not someone is inside. Appliances, heating and air conditioning, lights, security systems, and even computers and entertainment systems can communicate with one another and be controlled by internet or phone, either immediately or scheduled on a specific day.

Important Features and Benefits
This technology offers homeowners the benefit of convenience and the ability to save money, energy, and time. While older homes must be retrofitted with these systems, new homes can have everything built into them during the construction process. As a family's needs alter, these systems can grow and change with them.

A fundamental feature of smart homes is the focus on conserving the limited resources of our planet. Many Appleton home builders and homeowners are becoming sensitive to making their homes more-efficient and green by integrating systems which monitor energy usage. They can control HVAC, water irrigation, lighting, and more. This technology gives residents the knowledge and awareness to adjust them when necessary. For example, if homeowners decide to take an extra day of vacation and will now be away for a more extended period, they can use a laptop or smartphone from anywhere in the world to change the date when their home's air conditioning is adjusted.

The coming years offer even greater expansion for smart home building and technology. Consumers can expect more as devices like Alexa, Amazon Echo, and Google Home become increasingly sophisticated and commonplace.

The Future of Smart Homes
Technology will soon connect all personal devices with an ability to make life easier and monitor information. For example, in the near future, a car will keep track of how many miles it has been driven and how the tire treads are wearing. It will report to the driver when it's time to rotate the tires or have the oil changed. Monitors inside the house will alert the homeowner when lights have been left on, or the front door was opened. Interior temperatures will be adjusted if a room is unoccupied; family members will be notified if an elderly relative hasn't moved in a few hours; the refrigerator will order the food you've run out of, etc.

As technology grows and develops, it will be integrated into smart homes, giving more people the ability to use their resources efficiently and effectively. This will ultimately change how people live and work inside their homes.                  
 
Copyright 2018 - Berhoff Homes as featured on the #1 Appleton Home Builders Television and Digital Show.

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