Three Ways IoT Makes Homes Smarter & Safer
Image source: Tumitu Design
The Internet of Things, or IoT, seems to be all about convenience. Fitness wearables track our steps, making getting enough exercise seem that much more within reach. Amazon buttons allow us to reorder household goods like laundry detergent or toilet paper at the touch of a button. And Wi-fi-equipped thermostats enable us to monitor and change the temperature of our connected home via smartphone, giving the house time to warm or cool before we finish our commute. However, much of this technology is going beyond perks and conveniences to increasingly meaningful improvements in home safety.
Wireless monitoring enables us to keep tabs on our smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, finally allowing us to decipher that obnoxious beeping so we know when to change the batteries, if the alarm itself is on its last leg. We can even see if there is an emergency at home whether we are there or not. It enables us to check whether we left the stove on, the door unlocked, the lights on, or the garage open.
This article highlights some of the ways IoT improvements are making homes safer, easier to protect, and are available to make even older buildings smarter.
Smart Smoke Detectors
Most of us have been guilty of accidentally setting off the smoke detector as the result of an untended batch of cookies or a stuffed-up chimney flue. Most of these accidents are likely to take place while were at home in the next room, or out in the yard. However, what about those times that we are just leaving the house or out for a walk? What do we do then?
For unexpected emergencies, smart smoke detectors make the most sense. Imagine being alerted via an app on your smartphone, just as youre pulling your car out of the driveway, that there is smoke in your kitchen. A smart smoke detector could mean the difference between a close call and a disastrous electrical fire.
Though there are a number of factors to consider when selecting a new smoke detector, we at ImproveDepot recommend the brands Kidde and , due to their high quality.
Smart Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Although smoke detectors are practically ubiquitous, in many homes, carbon monoxide alarms are a bit less common and unfamiliar to many people. But as with smoke detectors, they are required by law. Unlike smoke, however, is odorless and colorless and can produce flu-like symptoms or even prove lethal in as little as 30 minutes (depending on the amount/concentration), so without the aid of a good alarm detector, you would have no way of knowing if youve been exposed to the gas.
Like smart smoke detectors, smart carbon monoxide alarms like the have wireless connectivity; this particular model can interconnect to up to 17 different alarmsfor example, a smart home security alarm systemso as to be able to alert you if you are not at home.
Smart Home Security Systems
Some people become interested in researching home security systems upon moving into a new home, while others may be compelled by an upcoming summer vacation or long hours at the office. Regardless, a smart home security system is an intelligent investment, for several reasons.
The main reason many homeowners invest in a smart security system is increased peace of mind. You can see with your own eyes, in an instant, whether there is an intruder in the backyard or merely the neighbors dog.
In addition to being utilized for home security, a system with a number of cameras would allow you to monitor a pet in failing health, for example, or the babysitter on her first night on the jobdid she make sure to get the kids to bed on time?
Additional Smart Home Features
There are other smart features that can be added to the home, for additional peace of mind. For example, can save you money by consuming less energywhich is helpful for the environment, as well! The same can be said for a programmable, Wi-fi-enabled thermostat, for example, which can be controlled through like the Caseta Wireless Smart Bridgeall via an app on your smartphone.
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The future of home technology is here, now, and its improving by the minute. If youre not sure where to start on your smart home journey, give the customer service agents at ImproveDepot a call. Wed be happy to help.