At a Glance:
Throughout the years, it seemed like, more often than not, the only times you actually saw a smart home was in your favorite sci-fi and action movies. Being able to seamlessly instruct your house to do essentially whatever you need it to do seemed like something far out in the future and unattainable ― well, we’re here to tell you that futuristic idea is very much an achievable reality today. But what is a smart home?
Now that smart devices are more affordable and easier to install than ever before, you may want to expand your home's horizons with integrated smart home technology. Check out our latest guide as we discuss the countless benefits of home automation and how to make your home a smart home.
What is a Smart Home?
Smart home systems, in general, refers to any space where a series of different installed electronic devices and sensors are controlled over an internet connection with a phone, computer, tablet, or another device. A smart home device will also often have a dedicated app that can be used to control all of the smart tech within a home’s ecosystem of devices to make things more simple. Examples of smart home devices include lighting systems, Wi-Fi-connected thermostats, smart fridges, and so much more to make your life as relaxing and convenient as possible.
How Does a Smart Home Work?
The idea behind smart home automation is that you can utilize intelligent devices to work together on the same home network based on feedback shared between each other. So, what does automation mean? Simply put, home automation is when all of your smart home devices are set up to interact with one another on the same home network.
This usually begins with a specific smart home system that connects various smart devices and receives signals from them based on specific situations. From that point, the home automation can tell the other smart devices what to do based on the type of action it receives. The primary goal behind home automation is to quite literally automate specific actions and tasks around your home for the most simplified and convenient user experience.
Making Your Home Smart
In order to make your home as intelligent as it can be, there are several smart devices that we highly recommend implementing in your space that are guaranteed to help you kick back and live your best life.
Smart Home Audio & Video
If you’ve ever wanted to hit pause on your favorite song or TV show without grabbing the remote or getting out your phone, smart home and audio features are just what you’re looking for. You’ll be able to play music, audiobooks, podcasts, movies, and so much more throughout your home, all by using your voice alone. Plus, smart speakers will let you control other connected devices in your smart home network hands-free and can even double as a timer or clock.
Smart Home Security
If there’s one thing that we know you take seriously, it’s your home’s security. When it comes to your personal safety, there’s no compromise, and with a smart home security system, you’ll get enhanced functionality and complete transparency of your home. Modern-day home security systems have come a long way and now include the functionality to mix with your current smart home integration such as lighting control, thermostats, smart locks, and other smart devices, to work together to enhance your home’s security and overall convenience.
With smart home video surveillance technology, situations like motion from an unknown person walking to your door or on your property can trigger automatic actions to happen like locking your doors or alerting you over text to ensure your safety. Wherever you are in the world, you’ll be able to view the video cameras directly from your smart home app in your smartphone and have complete awareness of your home.
Smart Home Lighting
Smart home lighting automation systems allow you to manage any interior and exterior light in your home from the palm of your hand or from a single keypad ― as opposed to a bunch of light switches. Having an intelligent lighting control system can instantly set the mood for any occasion around the home, whether it’s indoors or even outside. It also provides the ultimate convenience, allowing you to push a single button to turn everything on or off at the end of the night. You can set different smart light levels for different situations like cooking, reading, watching TV, or entertaining some friends and family.
Smart Home Climate Control
Can you actually envision living in a home where you hardly have to touch the thermostat because it’s always set at the ideal temperature? With automated climate control as a part of your smart home, this can be easily achieved. Automated climate control allows you to harness your inner Goldilocks to create a comfortable environment that’s just right ― with minimal effort. Your smart home climate control systems can be operated remotely from your smart home control panel and ensure your favorite climate throughout the day, no matter the time or season.
Motorized Shades for Windows
To round out our list of smart home ideas, we couldn’t fail to mention what adding motorized shades can do to your smart home’s integrity. With motorized shades, you can control the natural light coming in that protects valuable furnishings from damaging sunlight, ensure your privacy, and reduce energy usage while bringing a unique elegance to your décor when you integrate them into your smart home automation system.
Motorized shades come in thousands of fabrics, styles, and other materials, making them one of the most flexible and design-friendly additions. Even better, motorized smart shades can be integrated with your existing smart home lighting, climate, audio or video, and can be controlled from the convenience of your smartphone, keypad, or even by simply using your voice.
Smart Home Installation
Smart home setups should be professionally installed and personalized through a custom program, which will allow you to adjust preferences directly to your wants and needs. As one of the most highly-certified and awarded electronics integrators in the state, we at Bekins know how to diagnose a simple problem with your complex system.
Let us break down the installation process for you:
Consultation
We have experts readily available to visit your home and evaluate your proposed systems and make recommendations on home automation products or custom installation solutions. We’ll also work with you to come up with a date and time that works with your individual schedule.
System Design and Engineering
After meeting with one of our consultants, we’ll go to work designing your smart home ideas to address your needs. During this step, we create a comprehensive design that includes a scope of work, detailed proposal, rough-in plan, and other schematics needed to complete the job.
Installation and Programming
Making sophisticated technology easy and simple to use for any user requires advanced work on the back end. Putting all the parts and pieces together for smart technology and integrated systems need to be executed with skill, precision, and some finesse. Each system speaks a different language, but our installers translate everything together so it speaks one language and can be controlled easily. Our installation team balances the technical know-how with the human element, so it's easy to use ― no matter who has the remote.
Delivery & Final Install
Once you make your purchase, our delivery and installation teams set the standard in the appliance and electronics industry. Our extensively trained, insured, in-house career professionals will test your product in the home to ensure it is working before we leave. When finished, our team leaves their work area so clean you would never know we visited.
With today’s technology changing so rapidly, it’s important to not just choose a provider that can help you effectively identify your smart home needs today, but a provider that will be there to offer the best service and support for the life of your home automation system. Our team at Bekins values your business and will be here to help answer any questions you have about what is a smart home, as well as take care of any other home appliance or electronic needs you may have.
Discover Smart Home Solutions at Bekins
Smart Home SolutionsSmart Home FAQs
To help wrap up this quick guide on what is a smart home, let’s examine a couple of frequently asked questions when it comes to smart technology in our humble abodes.
Q: Are smart homes affordable?
A: Yes! There was a time when smart homes were considered a luxury; however, smart technology is much more attainable now for all homes, making it much easier to implement.
Q: Does home automation increase home value?
A: Home automation does, in-fact, increase home value. More and more people want smart home functionality in their next homes, so if your house is equipped with smart tech, you can most likely raise your asking price.
Why Trust Bekins Appliances and Electronics?
Bekins is a local, family-owned, internationally acclaimed appliance and electronics company in West Michigan. It started as a service company in 1975 when Harvey and Barbara Bekins started their own appliance repair business out of their home in Grand Haven. We still view ourselves as a service company today, but now we also sell, install and service both appliances and electronics across West Michigan.
Scott, started in the business as an 8-year-old holding the flashlight for his father. Scott rolled in the first appliances when Harvey and Barb opened our Grand Haven showroom in 1982. After Scott bought the company from his parents, Bekins started offering custom electronic services then expanded with another state-of-the-art, interactive showroom in Grand Rapids.
In all, Bekins has earned more than 21 national and international honors. That does not include their Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics or their Grand Haven Tribune People’s Choice Award for Best Appliances (17 years and counting!).
Shop Smart Home Solutions at Bekins
Stop by Bekins Grand Haven location to see what a difference buying local with an experienced staff can make. Or shop smart home solutions online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you discover what is a smart home — whether you call us at 616-288-1020, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
Learn More: Why Should I Choose Bekins To Install My Home Automation System?