As the winter season approaches, many of us will face colder and wetter weather conditions. Smart home applications, especially smart thermostats, plugs and appliances, can offer a convenient way to warm our homes and reduce our energy bills. These smart devices can be accessed by anyone who has a smartphone, tablet, or computer with an internet connection, and can be controlled remotely or through voice commands. Some smart devices can also work with other smart devices to create a seamless and integrated smart home system.
One of the benefits of smart home applications is that they can help offset the energy consumption of larger devices, such as gaming consoles and televisions. One example of how this is possible is by adding a smart device, such as smart lighting, that can automatically adjust the brightness according to ambient light level. This can save electricity and also create a more comfortable and relaxing environment. Smart lighting can also be programmed to turn on and off at specific times.
Another smart device that can help save energy is the smart plug, which can monitor the energy usage of connected appliances and turn them off when they are not in use. This can prevent energy wastage and also protect the appliances from overheating or short-circuiting. Smart plugs can also be used to schedule the operation of appliances, such as coffee makers, air conditioners, or heaters, to optimize their efficiency and convenience.
A smart thermostat can also be efficient for heating the home, as it can learn the preferences and habits of the occupants and adjust the temperature accordingly. A smart thermostat can also detect the presence or absence of people in the home, and adjust the heating or cooling accordingly. This can save energy and also provide a more comfortable and personalized temperature for each individual. However, I think it is important to also consider the insulation quality of the home, as it can affect the performance of the smart thermostat. For instance, a poorly insulated home will require more heating to maintain a comfortable temperature, which may reduce the energy savings of the smart thermostat compared to a traditional one.
Noteworthy vendors in these segments are Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell, Emerson and Carrier. Devices offered by these vendors have compatibility with Amazon, Google Assistant, HomeKit, IFTTT, and SmartThings – to name a few. This makes the product/software ecosystem very expansive.
One less explored benefit of smart technology is the predictive maintenance capability. As the article points out, “through predictive analytics, smart tech can predict when energy systems or appliances may fail or require maintenance, ensuring they operate efficiently and prevent costly repairs or energy wastage.” This can also extend the lifespan of the appliances and improve their reliability and safety. In SAR’s device service, we cover the main markets for smart devices, looking at shipment volumes, key vendors, and technology analyses. We also provide insights and recommendations on how to leverage the potential of smart home applications for various purposes and scenarios.
