Use Smart Home Automation Technology to Stay Secure
Smart home automation systems offer home and business owners a host of benefits. People love using smart home technology to add convenience, increase efficiency, and expand joy in daily life. Some electrical contractors help homeowners install an incredibly complex home automation system that can control everything from the thermostat and outdoor sprinklers to interior lights and electronic blinds. You can even control these automated home features with digital assistants on your smartphone, like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
Beyond offering comfort and convenience to your residence, smart home automation can also simplify safety and home protection.
Read on to learn how to automate your home with the help of the licensed and certified team of electricians at Watson’s Charging Stations & Electric. We can handle all your electrical project needs and offer stellar smart home installation services to help simplify your move to home automation safety. Give us a call for your free consultation today.
What is Home Automation?
Home automation is technology that automatically controls various household electronics, appliances, systems, and features. More advanced home automation systems can even learn your behavior and create automation based on your daily routine. For example, a smart thermostat can recognize when you are not home and adjust the temperature to save energy.
Home automation works through various sensors, actuators, and controllers. Sensors work by monitoring motion, sunlight, changes in temperature, etc. Actuators are just items like switches, motors, valves, etc. Controllers refer to your smartphone or a control panel used to program various automation technology in your home.
How Smart Home Automation Systems Increase Safety
As you can imagine, being able to control various functions in your home opens the door to increased safety and security. Some smart home automation technology is designed with safety in mind, while others require a little more creativity. In a recent survey, 90% of millennials (the widest adaptors of new technology) believe smart technology keeps them safe when alone.
Smart Security Systems
Companies like Ring, August, and SimpliSafe, among others, offer smart security systems that offer more than traditional security systems provide. Here are just some of the things you can do with the right smart home security gear:
Connect security cameras to monitor areas of your home and automatically record when motion or contact sensors provide alerts.
Remotely and automatically lock your doors.
Smart motion and exterior lights can be programmed to activate on a timer or when motion is detected.
Doorbell cameras can record video and audio or take pictures of visitors, even if they do not ring the actual doorbell.
Garage door openers that automatically close at a particular time or provide alerts when left open for too long.
Smart lights can be programmed to turn on and off on a schedule to create the appearance that someone is home.
Smart electrical panels can monitor and delegate electrical usage, often identifying problems in electrical lines and appliances before they turn into real hazards.
Tracking tokens can help you keep an eye on young children or people with disabilities who may wander away from home.
Smart Sensors Offer an Extra Set of Eyes
Some smart home technology is meant to monitor various elements of your home and take action if something happens. For example, a smart thermostat can send alerts if your home loses power or the temperate is too low/high.
You can also add smart sensors to your pipes or water equipment to detect leaks near washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters. Your smart hub can also connect to your smoke, carbon monoxide, and heat detectors to provide monitoring and control beyond a typical alarm system.
Play It Safe With Smart Home Automation Safety
Before you call your local electrician in Gilroy to complete your smart home installation, take a few things into consideration to keep yourself safe. While new technologies come with amazingly advanced features, they are not without potential faults.
Secure Your Network
Safety and security features can vary depending on the product and manufacturer. Before buying, make sure you research the products you want for potential safety concerns. Do not be afraid to contact a commercial or residential electrician in Santa Clara County for advice on the most secure products.
Hard-wired devices are more secure than those that rely on Wi-Fi to operate. If you have devices connected to your Wi-Fi network, ensure the connection is secure. Always create strong passwords for each device and enable two-factor authorization when possible.
Read the Fine Print
Personal information is a big topic in security discussions these days. Many smart products come with privacy policies that outline what the company can do with your personal data. It is up to you to understand the agreement you sign when you activate a smart device, especially regarding how data is stored, protected, or shared.
Watch Out for Scams and Hackers
With most smart technology connected to the internet, the playground is ripe for those looking to take advantage of others. It only takes a single hacker to break into your security system to access your cameras, baby monitors, and lights. Some may also try to sell advanced smart security devices that are not worth the material they are made of. Some people even report shoddy smart home installation companies looking to make a quick buck for poor work.
Let Watson’s Charging Stations & Electric Add the “Safety” to Smart Home Automation
While new technology has its risks and potential security issues are scary, you do not need to worry about the security of your home automation system when you work with a reputable team. Your internet provider, smart tech manufacturers, and installation experts offer plenty of security procedures.
Instead of trying to design a home automation system on your own, let the team at Watson’s Charging Stations & Electric lend you a hand. We can help you with every stage of the process, from planning to installation. Our certified team is licensed and insured to guarantee your home automation system works as it should. Learn more about all of our electrical services when you give us a call today.