Smart home technology: evolving how we live

If you’ve ever had a messy home (or watched The Jetsons), chances are you’ve fantasised about a home that takes care of itself. Finally, that fantasy is becoming a reality as we transition to a thing of science fiction—the smart home.

With the rapid advancement of technology, homes in Australia are becoming smarter and more connected than ever before, doing more than most of us had dreamed of. But what exactly is the state of smart home technology in Australia? Is it beneficial? Is it challenging? What exactly are the possibilities for homeowners? As it turns out, there’s a bit to learn before you dive right in.

The rise of smart homes in Australia

Smart home technology, often referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT), is gaining traction right across Australia. It encompasses a wide range of devices and systems that are interconnected and can be controlled remotely to make our lives more simple. These include smart thermostats, lighting, security cameras, door locks, and even appliances. Though it’s easy to think we’re adopting this change so we can do more relaxing, there’s a little more to it than that. Smart home technology offers:

Convenience: Smart homes offer unparalleled convenience. Homeowners can control various aspects of their home with a simple voice command or a tap on their smartphone, making daily tasks more efficient and enjoyable.
Energy efficiency: Smart thermostats and lighting systems allow homeowners to optimise energy consumption, reducing both their carbon footprint and utility bills.
Security: Smart security systems provide real-time monitoring and alerts, enhancing the safety of homes and neighbourhoods.
Support: When it comes to those who need living support, smart home technology can enable independence with devices that assist senior citizens and people living with disabilities.

Smart home devices gaining popularity in Australia

The term ‘smart home’ is usually reserved for a home that has multiple devices on the go at once, often working interconnectedly. Within the realm of smart homes, smart lighting has become increasingly popular, with bulbs and switches that can be controlled remotely to allow homeowners to adjust brightness and colour, create lighting schedules, and, best of all, save energy (and money!). Meanwhile, smart thermostats are often set up to control a home to a precise temperature, which not only creates comfort but optimises heating and cooling to a more efficient level.

Looking for something a little more sci-fi than a temperature-controlled room and mood lighting? Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant should do the trick, two overarching smart home devices becoming more and more common in Australian homes. These devices allow users to control various aspects of their home through voice commands, meaning you can bark orders into thin air and get results. Real-time monitoring security systems, keyless entry systems and hyper-intelligent kitchen appliances are just some of the other features of your typical smart home.

Challenges and considerations

There’s no doubt about it: smart home technology has numerous benefits and is very appealing to busy modern households. But there are still a few challenges worth considering. The first deterrent for most people is cost. Although a smart home can save you money in the end with energy efficiency, the initial investment in smart home technology can be significant.

Another concern some have is security and privacy data breaches. As homes become more connected, they also become potential targets for cyberattacks. Proper security measures, such as strong passwords and regular software updates, can keep these kinds of concerns at bay. Before investing in smart home technology, it’s worth reviewing privacy policies and settings to make sure your data is protected from being mishandled or misused. After all, these devices will know you quite intimately once set up and running in your home for a while.

Lastly, you’ll want to think about maintenance and compatibility. Smart devices require regular updates and maintenance to ensure they function correctly and will need to be compatible with any new devices you buy. Stick with one brand where you can and stay on top of any suggested servicing of your devices. If you find a set-up that’s within your budget, safe and well-connected, you can go about establishing your smart home without too much concern.

The future of smart homes in Australia

Just like movies have led us to believe, a future where our homes are powered by robotic technology is filled with exciting possibilities. Here are some trends sure to grow in popularity across the country in the years ahead:

Increased integration between devices: Smart homes will become more integrated, with devices and systems seamlessly communicating with each other through advanced connective platforms.
Sustainability: Australia has a lot of work to do in terms of reducing our carbon emissions. As we move forward, smart homes will play a significant role in energy-efficient living.
Health and wellbeing: Modern lives can be frantic and challenging. To keep up, most of us have rigorous health goals we’d like to achieve. Smart homes will move to incorporate health and wellness features such as air quality monitoring and home healthcare devices.
Ageing in place: Australians are living better and longer, meaning we have an ageing population on our hands. Smart home technology will continue to evolve to support elderly individuals in their desire to live independently, staying out of care facilities for as long as possible.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Pet robot? It’s not out of the question. AI-powered smart home systems will become more intelligent and capable of learning our life preferences and adapting to changing circumstances.

Smart home technology is revolutionising the way Australians live, but what we’ve seen so far is only the beginning. While there are challenges to overcome, the future promises exciting possibilities that deliver convenience, energy efficiency, security, and entertainment. As smart homes become increasingly integrated and sustainable, they’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the way we live and how we interact with our homes. Watch this space.

Energy-saving tips for Brisbane and surrounds: A sustainable future starts at home

There’s no denying how fortunate we are here in Southeast Queensland. Phenomenal beaches, endless things to do, and most importantly of all, year-round pleasant weather.

The downside? This great weather brings with it a great need for energy consumption to cool us down. To ensure a sustainable future for this beautiful region, it’s crucial to adopt energy-saving practices at home and make up for our high energy consumption. Here, we explore practical tips for saving energy and reducing your carbon footprint in our beautiful home of Southeast Queensland

Use your air-conditioning wisely

Queensland’s climate can be scorching, making air conditioning a necessity for even the most determined environmentalist. To use your air-con efficiently, you need to apply some smarts. Set your ACs to a comfortable yet manageable temperature, usually around 24-26°C, and regularly clean or replace their filters to maintain optimal power. You could also consider investing in a programmable thermostat to avoid overcooling the place when no one’s home.

Invest in home solar

Queensland is lucky to be drenched in sunshine every month of the year, making it an ideal location for solar panels. By investing in a solar energy system for your home, you can harness the power of the sun and slash your ever-growing power bill. Government incentives and rebates can also make this eco-friendly choice an affordable one (yep, those ads you see about government solar deals are genuine!).

Switch to energy-efficient lighting

LED or CFL bulbs use significantly less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. If you haven’t switched your home on to them, it’s time to consider doing so. Then remember the common sense idea of always turning off lights when they’re not in use and make the most of natural daylight during the hours of sunlight.

Seal and insulate your home

Got the air-conditioning blasting but still not feeling that uncomfortable? You could have an insulation issue on your hands. Properly sealing your home along any gaps or cracks in windows and doors will help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and make the most of any heating or cooling systems you have inside.

Check your appliances

There’s nothing eco-friendly about ditching perfectly good appliances. But when it is time to replace them, look for models with high energy efficiency ratings. The more stars, the better! Energy-efficient appliances not only reduce your carbon footprint but will also lower your electricity bills—it might seem like a marginal amount, but it all adds up over time.

Consider smart home technologies

Investing in smart home technology is a great way to automate and optimise your energy use. Smart thermostats, lighting systems, and even smart plugs can help you control your energy consumption more efficiently. You could put items that don’t get used overnight (like your Wi-Fi router) on a timer so it switches off during hours you know you’ll be asleep.

Make the most of natural ventilation

Take advantage of Queensland’s pleasant evenings by using natural ventilation. Open windows and doors to let in the cool breeze, reducing the need for air conditioning and consider installing ceiling fans if you don’t have them already. Fans and open windows are typically better for air quality than artificial cooling, too.

Reduce your water heater temperature

Have you ever thought to check what temperature your water heater is at? You may find it’s unnecessarily high! Your thermostat is best set to around 50-55°C. This will not only save energy but also prevent scalding accidents, which is particularly helpful if you have young children at home.

Do a stock take of your pool’s energy use

Many of us Queenslanders are blessed with a backyard pool to keep us cool. But keeping it running and clean can be an energy drain. Consider using a variable-speed or energy-efficient pool pump. These pumps consume less energy but still maintain a great water quality.

Give thought to your windows

If you’re building a new home or renovating an old one, chances are you’ll be in the market for new windows or window-panelled doors. In this case, we suggest opting for double-glazed or low-E windows and glass. These options provide better insulation, reducing the need for heating and cooling inside.

Unplug your chargers and devices

Even when not in use, chargers and electronic devices continue to draw energy if left plugged in. Unplug them or use power strips to easily disconnect multiple devices at once. Don’t think you’ll remember? Consider self-timers that will automatically shut things down at hours you set, such as through the night.

Support renewable energy initiatives

Consider supporting renewable energy initiatives and local green programs in your area. Not only will you be contributing to a greener future for Southeast Queensland, but you’ll be connecting with your community in a new, meaningful way.

And finally, educate yourself and your family

Finally, educate yourself and your family about the importance of energy conservation. Small changes in behaviour can really add up over time, meaning significant energy savings for the planet and your pocket.