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Home automation technology has improved by leaps and bounds over the years. And you can now control almost every system in your house through an app on your smartphone, tablet or computer. But if you want to control all those systems in one place using voice commands, then you need a smart hub on your side. With this device, the sky is the limit in what you can do from the comfort of your couch. Here’s a look at why new home builders are adding these systems to more homes than ever before.
What is a Smart Hub?
Smart hubs are set up to connect to all your high-tech, WiFi-enabled appliances and other devices, such as:
- Video doorbells
- Programmable thermostats
- Lighting systems
- Refrigerators
- Ovens
- Washing machine
- Irrigation controls
Once those devices are linked, you can use voice controls to operate and turn off your various systems. If you want to turn up the heat, for example, you just tell the hub to interface with the thermostat and change the current temperature.
You can also have a hub in each room to act as a go-to resource for everyone in your household. They can use the system to run their own devices, speak to people in other rooms and look up information online. Since the hubs have a speaker inside, they can also play music or boost the audio from the videos you’re watching.
Smart Hub Benefits
Whether you have a smart hub in one room or many, you can enjoy all of these awesome benefits.
Control All Your Devices
Without a smart hub, you have to click through individual apps for each device in your home. If you want to control the lights and music, you have to navigate through your device to find each app and input your preferences one at a time. The hub, however, streamlines that process by allowing you to issue quick voice commands to each device. You just have to say, “Dim the lights,” and then “Play a different song” to quickly set the mood in the room.
Improve Home Security
If you have your door locks, roll shades and cameras linked to your smart hub, it can help improve your home security considerably. You can ask it to show you the view from your doorbell or outdoor cam on demand. And then, lock the doors and roll down the shades if you feel like something is amiss. Some smart hubs can even call for law enforcement or an ambulance if instructed to do so.
Save Money on Utilities
When you use your smart hub to turn off lights no one is using or change the water irrigation settings, it can help you save money on utilities. Even just using it to keep your thermostat to 68 degrees can reduce your energy bills by 10% or more per year. Certain systems can even tell you where you’re using the most energy, so you can reduce your usage and keep more money in the bank.
Minimize Your Carbon Footprint
As you reduce your usage of electricity, gas and water, the carbon footprint for your household decreases in kind. You can then feel good about decreasing your impact on the environment without having to lift a finger.
Although incredible, this is just a glimpse of the possible benefits. As you find new ways to use your smart hub, the benefits will keep coming your way.
Tips for Using Your Smart Hub
Since every smart hub is a bit different, you’ll want to use the owner’s manual to see how to link each device. Then, go all out in linking all the WiFi connected devices in your home. Once you have a few hooked up, practice giving the hub commands to see what happens. You’ll undoubtedly dream up new ways to use your hub after you get a taste of what it can do.
