Edmonton Electrician: What Is Smart Home Technology?

Over one-fourth of Canadian homes contain at least one smart home technology device. If the word smart in front of the name of an appliance sounds confusing to you, here is some information to help you understand this growing technological trend. If you decide to upgrade your house with a smart device or two, look no further for an electrician in Edmonton than Handyman Connection.

What Is Smart Home Technology?

The term smart was once an acronym that stood for self-monitoring, analysis and reporting technology. Launched by IBM in 1992, it described a feature of their computer servers that allowed them to detect errors. Today, however, the term has come to mean any device that sends and receives messages or that owners can control remotely.

Here are the three main categories of appliances that fall into the category of smart technology:

• Programmable appliances – This technology is not new, and you are probably already familiar with the most basic devices. For example, a DVD player that you program to record a tv show at a certain time is a smart appliance.

• Connected appliances – These devices take the programming feature up a notch by allowing you to turn them on or adjust their settings remotely. Most operate through an app on your cell phone.

• Internet of things appliances – The internet of things is a new term that refers to the electronic connections between inanimate objects. Self-driving cars that communicate with satellites to navigate are one example.

What Are Some Examples of Smart Home Technology?

If you are still having trouble picturing what these appliances do inside the home, here are some everyday examples:

• Thermostat – You can keep the temperature low while you are away on vacation, and then turn it up shortly before you arrive home.

• Showerhead – Modern showerheads have customizable temperature controls, and let you know when you have used a set amount of water.

• Blinds – Programmable window blinds help prevent oversleeping by opening shortly before time to wake up. They also let themselves down at night, even when you are not home.

• Refrigerator – A smart refrigerator really seems intelligent because it alerts you when you are out of certain items and when your milk is about to expire.

Should I Use Smart Home Technology?

There are some downsides to using smart home technology. Many of the appliances are costly and require some technical expertise to install and manage. Some people also worry that some devices might listen to their conversations and collect information about them. However, these types of appliances usually offer the choice of opting out of certain features that could potentially threaten privacy.

Before ruling them out, consider the money-saving benefits of using smart home technology. For example, homeowners who use a smart thermostat save up to 8% on their heating bills. By programming your other appliances to come on during times of low usage, you can also save money on water and electricity. Furthermore, smart doorbells equipped with cameras improve community security by deterring burglars and unwanted solicitors.

Does Handyman Connection Help With Smart Home Technology?

Our electricians at Handyman Connection of Edmonton are experts in their field. With at least 10 years of electrical experience, each of them knows how to wire homes as well as how to install the latest devices. Our employees are members of the community, so you know you can trust them inside your house. Electricity is too dangerous to work with on your own, so contact us today to schedule any needed electrical repair services. We are also happy to answer any questions you have about the latest smart home technology.