What is smart home technology?
Smart home technology allows homeowners to control gadgets, devices, and home appliances using a smartphone or tablet through an internet connection. This can help with home security, convenience, and even cost savings.
Home automation has been around for a long time, but the advent of smartphones and Wi-Fi has made this technology more convenient and affordable. Easily control your home devices and receive notifications from anywhere using a connected device such as your smartphone. (1)
Types of smart home devices
1. Smart home security system
Even when you're away from home, a smart home security system allows you to receive security alerts, access camera footage, lock your doors, adjust your lighting, and more with home security controls.
If it is assumed that no one is home during a family vacation, many home security systems have the ability to send calls, texts, or There is a function to notify you by email.
Additionally, more advanced home security systems can control “non-security” devices such as smart plugs, allowing you to remotely control many home appliances. The system also works with smart thermostats to automatically reduce your energy bills. (2)
2. Water leak detection system
Another category of smart home devices that homeowners are adopting falls under water leak detection. Consider this. Let's say you're away on vacation in the winter and a pipe bursts in your house due to sub-zero temperatures. If no one checks on your home while you're out, you might come home to find a wetland mess.
Water-related accidents occur very frequently and cause significant damage to homes every year. (2a)
Smart home water leak detection systems may include water leak sensors that are placed near high-risk areas in the home or devices that are placed on the main water supply to detect subtle or sudden changes in water pressure. . These sensors and inline devices can also notify you of changes in water pressure and shut off water to your home if a significant leak is detected. Learn how to make your home safer while saving on home insurance with our nationwide smart home program.
3. Video doorbell camera
Doorbells have come a long way since the 1930s, when electric doorbells first hit the market, to 2012, when the first smart doorbell system was invented. Since then, smart video doorbells have become increasingly popular.
By 2020, 16% of U.S. homes had video doorbells installed. A video doorbell gives you increased access and visibility to what's happening right outside your home. Receive important deliveries (even when you're not there), easily ward off unwanted visitors, and when combined with a smart lock, welcome visitors from anywhere in your home. Doorbell cameras can also be used to deter would-be criminals, protect packages left on your doorstep, and even communicate with strangers without exposing yourself or the inside of your home. . (3)
4. Smart plugs and smart outlets
A smart plug or smart outlet lets you control your lights with your smartphone or other connected device using your home's Wi-Fi network. This home automation technology lets you see how much power and energy your electronics use, giving you valuable insight into which electronics and appliances are costing you the most each month. To reduce energy consumption for electronics and more, check out our summer energy savings guide. (Four)
4. Smart thermostat
Forgetting to adjust your thermostat when you leave the house can be a big waste of money. Smart thermostats give you easy control of your home's thermostat at your fingertips. Sophisticated automation technology learns how to preheat/cool your home based on your habits, ensuring you're always comfortable. Of course, you can also find simpler devices that allow you to manually set your thermostat on your smartphone. A Wi-Fi enabled thermostat gives you full control over your home's temperature settings.
Thermostats are just one of many home appliances that can be controlled from smart home apps. Here is a list of smart home appliances that will help you modernize your home. (Five)
6. Smart irrigation controller
When you go on vacation, it's easy to forget to find someone to water your plants. Fortunately, there is home automation technology that has your garden covered. Whether you're looking for a complete Wi-Fi watering system, moisture sensor, smart gardening app and cloud platform, or a DIY gardening or open source system, a plant watering sensor system can help. (6)
7. Smart smoke, carbon monoxide and electrical fire detectors
Fire and carbon monoxide are two of the biggest safety hazards in your home, so you can rest assured knowing you can monitor them from anywhere with a smart home app. Smart smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors can alert you to dangers such as smoke, fire, or malfunctioning appliances, even when you're not home. These can not only save your life, but also protect perhaps your biggest financial investment. (7)
National insurance claims data for 2022 shows a significant increase in the number of home electrical fires and the average cost to repair homes damaged by electrical fires. But now there are devices that monitor your home's electrical system and alert you to potential dangers, giving you time to address problems before they become serious. (7a)
8. Smart light bulbs
Smart light bulbs not only offer hands-free convenience, but they also use less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs, reducing your energy bills. With the Smart His app, you can link your lights to motion sensors so they only turn on when you want them, scaring away anyone who might try to break into your home while you're away. It's also nice to be able to program smart light bulbs to turn on on a timer or when you enter a room. (8)
9. Smart lock
A smart lock gives you a virtual spare key so you can leave your keys behind without having to hide anything under your doormat. This home automation technology allows you to control your lock from anywhere using your mobile device. Many smart lock apps allow you to send virtual “keys” to friends, family, visitors, or service personnel for a specified period of time, allowing them to gain entry without you being around. The app can also notify you of who is coming and going and keep a history of who has come and gone. (9)
10. Control your smart home devices from a single app
The best way to control your smart home is with a single device. A single smart home app gives you the ability to handle your entire home automation system. Apps like Home Assistant, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home turn your phone into a handy pocket-sized control center, prompting you when certain things need your attention around your home. It has functions. (Ten)
Learn more about Nationwide's smart home insurance program
Discover new and innovative ways to better protect your home from water damage, break-ins, fire, and more with our national smart home program. Adding this program will give you additional peace of mind with discounts on property insurance and the potential for damage mitigation through early detection. Please note that this program is only available in certain regions.
protect your home
While smart home apps can help make your home safer and more efficient, they can't protect your property or belongings if the unexpected happens. To enjoy constant peace of mind, you need to purchase quality home insurance.
source:
(1) “What is Smart Home Technology? A Complete Beginner’s Guide,” makeuseof.com/what-is-smart-home-technology (accessed January 9, 2022).
(2) “Best Smart Home Security Systems of 2022,” security.org/home-security-systems/best/smart-home (accessed June 29, 2022).
(2a) “Facts + Statistics: Homeowners and Renters Insurance,” National, .iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-homeowners-and-renters-insurance/ (accessed April 3, 2023) .
(3) “Doorbell Cameras in the United States – Statistics and Facts, 2021,” safehome.org/doorbell-cameras/statistics (accessed July 26, 2021).
(4) “Smart Plugs: What They Do and How to Best Use Them,” asurion.com/connect/tech-tips/smart-plugs-what-they-do-and-how-to-best-use-them-home In (accessed 11 August 2022).
(5) “What is a smart thermostat?” digitaltrends.com/home/what-is-a-smart-thermostat/#dt-Heading-what-exactly-is-a-smart-thermostat (December 2019 (accessed on 2nd).
(6) “What is Smart Irrigation?” Hydropoint.com/what-is-smart-irrigation (accessed August 11, 2022).
(7) “Best Smart Smoke Detector to Keep Your Home Safe,” techhive.com/article/583050/best-smart-smoke-detector.html (accessed February 28, 2022).
(7a) “Home electrical fires on the rise” news.nationwide.com/home-electrical-fires-on-the-rise/ (accessed April 3, 2023).
(8) “9 Things You Could Do with Smart Lights” tomsguide.com/how-to/9-things-you-never-knew-you-could-do-with-smart-lights (June 16 (Accessed on ), 2022).
(9) “What is a smart door lock – do I need one?” hometips.com/buying-guides/smart-door-lock.html (accessed October 22, 2020).
(10) “The Best Apps to Control All Your Smart Home Devices,” myintelligenthouse.com/the-best-apps-to-control-all-your-smart-home-devices (August 11, 2022) access).
Disclaimer:
Availability varies by state, coverage selection, and evaluation factors. Discount applies to fire, theft and water coverage. Program standards differ between California and Washington. Smart home monitoring systems and related support are provided by third-party system providers. Nationwide is not responsible for monitoring your system or home.
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