It may be a while until that becomes the norm, but something that’s already here is home automation. There are several devices already on the market that can turn your house into a smart home.
What is a smart home?
Do you sometimes forget to switch the heating off before heading out for the day or a long weekend? Maybe you forgot to put some food down for your pet?
With a smart home, such issues are a thing of the past. Smart homes use Wi-Fi and interconnected devices to automate myriad household tasks.
How to make your own smart home
Living in a smart home doesn’t have to be expensive. You can build your own systems from scratch for a fraction of the price; all you need is some basic computing knowledge, a Beagleboard and a few other relevant bits of hardware.
Some examples of projects you could undertake include:
· Programme your grill: For meat eaters, there’s nothing quite like the smell of bacon. Wake up to the aroma by hooking your grill up to a smart plug and setting it to turn on just before your morning alarm.
· Keep your plants fed: Houseplants grew in popularity during the pandemic as people looked for ways to bring the outside in. If you sometimes forget to water them or you’re worried about flooding them, you can set up a moisture detector to let you know when they need your attention.
· Reduce energy wastage:With the price of energy skyrocketing in the UK, it’s more important than ever to be as efficient as possible. By installing sensors around the house, your thermostat could be switched off when there’s no one home – potentially saving you a significant sum over the winter.
· Smart lights: Whether you want every light to turn on at a particular time or would prefer they automatically turn off when you leave the room, it’s easy with some basic equipment.
· Feed your pet: If you worry about your pet running out of food while you’re away from home, a smart feeding system could take a weight off your mind. Programme a container to release food at a certain time to keep your furry friend happy. You could even add a camera so you know they’re eating!
What is the first home automation project you will try? Let us know in the comments – you may even find some more inspiration!
