As technology and artificial intelligence become more advanced, the dream of having a house that can do chores automatically is no longer science fiction. From robotic vacuum cleaners to voice-activated coffeemakers, these must-have smart home devices take the drudgery and tedium out of many of the tasks we do every day.
Automation is now a key element in many new homes. However, it’s often expensive to integrate during construction and may include features you don’t need. The good news is that do-it-yourself (or DIY) smart home automation is relatively easy, and it can fit your needs and budget.
Why Automate Your Home?
Beyond the obvious “wow” factor of having a property that obeys your every command, there are a number of reasons why automating makes sense for homeowners. These include:
- Quality of life: When you don’t have to worry about keeping an eye on the thermostat or finding the perfect light settings for movie night, you can relax and enjoy yourself more.
- Utility bills: With smart devices, you won’t waste energy by leaving lights on or letting the air conditioner run when no one’s home.
- Sustainability: By cutting down on your electricity consumption, you’ll also reduce your environmental footprint.
Your Smart Home Starter Kit
In the early days of this technology, homeowners had to do a lot of research. Now, however, it’s simpler to put together a network of automated devices and appliances by buying off the shelf. Just confirm the smart home compatibility of each item with your platform first.
- Step 1: Decide What You Want Automated — Few things are more disappointing than spending a lot of money on some high-tech toy only to realize later that you don’t really use it. Spend some time upfront determining what you actually want out of your setup. Look beyond the novelty to identify ways it could make life easier.
- Step 2: Choose Your Hub — Virtual assistants such as Google Home and Amazon Echo connect with a broad range of appliances and other equipment. They enable you to schedule automated routines or utilize voice control. Connecting them is often as simple as finding a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. For those with more programming savvy, inexpensive single-board computers such as the Raspberry Pi have operating systems that can transform them into the brains of the house.
- Step 3: Connect Your Devices — From thermostats and light bulbs to slow cookers and security cameras, a huge selection of compatible devices is out there. After the initial setup process, you will be able to enjoy hands-free convenience throughout the house.
The Next Step: Turn to Pivotal Home Solutions for Protection
Now that you have your technology in place, protect it with a home warranty plan from Pivotal Home Solutions. We offer an extensive range of programs that can help you repair or replace key appliances, electronics and other systems in the event of an electrical surge or even regular wear and tear. We can provide peace of mind and keep you from having to pay so much out of pocket in the event of an emergency — your repair or replacement may even be covered completely by your plan. To learn more about what coverage we have to offer in your area, enter your ZIP code on our website, or get in touch with us today.