Certain smart technologies are still at the beginning of their development, but they already bring a futuristic feel to homes. The home automation market is growing every day and a big part of this growth is increasing through the tablet market. There are smart home DIYers out there that are making good use of their tablets, turning it into a remote control. As long as people can come to realize that Smart Homes are an investment into the future, the smart home market will continue to grow, while more users will be able to enjoy potential savings.
As the Internet of Things is making way into the homes of many, most of us already understand the basics of a Smart Home. The Smart Home is an automated home system and appliances that can be controlled remotely through a WiFi connection. This sophisticated system allows the homeowner to monitor and control the home’s functions. There are many products on the market that can be installed in an ordinary home enabling a certain function to work as a smart system. Homes that are fully smart consist of a main automated control hub that controls all the other systems in the house. Smart Homes are considered to be very sustainable and can bring comfort and a sense of security. Lighting, heating and electronic devices are just a few examples of what can be controlled remotely by a smartphone or computer.
The development of Smart Homes
Smart home devices and technology are developing rapidly along with computer controls and sensors. Drivers that are connecting all the different devices are developed to ensure compatibility between different devices. Whichever technology, Smart Homes are bringing new opportunities in our daily lives.
By 2020, the world will have 50 billion devices connected to the internet. We can already see the development of smart cities, connected factories, care facilities and of course, our homes connected to the Internet of Things (IOT). With further development, we can accept that certain “things” would get cheaper, applications will increase, and connectivity problems will become a thing of the past.
Smart Home Market Size
Research by Strategy Analytics predicts that the smart home market will grow to $62 billion by 2020. North America makes up a great proportion of the smart home market.
Smart Home Market Drivers
The ability to manage home energy is one of the biggest market drivers of smart homes worldwide. Security devices are also a major market driver of smart homes. Security devices are predicted to be shipped over 709 million in 2019.
Benefits of Smart Homes
Control
Smart appliances allow you to control those specific appliances by making use of an app on your mobile device no matter where you are. An example of these appliances is the Nest learning thermostat that allows you to work with it from a distance.
No limitations
Apps have been created for almost any feature in your home like home stereos, lighting, water, door opening, refilling your pet’s food dish. Even the monthly grocery shopping can be ordered automatically through apps.
Life quality
Children, the elderly, or people with disabilities can benefit from smart technology as smart homes can work on voice commands and are easy to use. Automatically switching off lights or water taps when they are not in use ensure reduced waste. Automated systems can be personalized according to the individual to make an everyday task easier. Keeping the home in order is made easier through smart technology as automated cleaning can be set up, providing extra time for yourself and less stress.
Energy efficiency
Smart home technology is specially designed to be green, allowing appliances to use little energy. Intelligent heating systems, cooking systems, and sensor detectors allow minimal waste. Stove tops will not burn by itself when no pan is detected and managing the correct boil can be automated, saving plenty of energy. Shower faucets, for example, can provide droplets of water that give a full shower experience while using minimum water.
Cost effective
Smart technology might seem intimidating, and therefore most people have the misconception that these appliances and systems are too expensive for them. Appliances that are smart might have higher prices, but in the long run, they save more on energy which at the end turns out to be indirectly less expensive. Thermostat control can save 10%-30% on the energy bill. Less waste accrues throughout the home that also helps you save on energy and water. Smart homes are also considered to be great investments as they increase the resale value of your home with each additional piece of smart technology that gets installed.
Self-sufficient
Making use of solar power or wind power and water harvesting systems can help one become more self-reliant. Even gardens can make use of smart technology, enabling one to make the most out of your garden, saving you a trip to the market and money in your pocket.
The Future of Smart Homes
The Internet of Things will not only make our lives more comfortable but will help us in saving as well. For example, it will help us save at least 15% on food and drinks by 2020.
It is predicted that by 2019, 1.9 billion connected homes devices will be shipped by companies. Today, North America is at the top when it comes to homes that are connected to the internet, with security systems taking the lead. The Asia Pacific region might overtake North America in the next few years when it comes to the number of connected homes if you look at the increasing demand of connected devices in China, India and Japan. Europe is seen as the world’s second most important market for smart homes with the main focus being energy savings and comfort.