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Embrace the future of living with AI-powered smart homes
Article submitted by BrandRank.Ai and edited by BBB.
Smart homes have become increasingly popular, transforming the way that homeowners live by leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create a more efficient, secure, and comfortable environment. With these new systems, you can know exactly what’s going on in your home, even when you’re away.
What is a smart home?
A smart home harnesses internet-connected devices to automate and manage systems like lighting, heating, security, and entertainment from anywhere. By learning your routines and preferences, these devices create a cozy, personalized living experience that adapts to your lifestyle. While there are individual devices on the market that control one aspect of your home at a time, getting a full smart home system professionally installed ensures all components work seamlessly together, and the contractor can provide a walkthrough on how to use your new smart home system.
How AI powers smart homes
AI technology is the backbone of smart homes, enabling devices to learn from user behavior and make intelligent decisions. Here are five key areas where AI is transforming smart homes:
- Voice assistants: Many devices on the market use AI to understand and respond to voice commands, allowing users to control things like lights, music, temperature, and more, all hands-free.
- Smart thermostats: AI-powered thermostats learn your schedule and preferences to optimize heating and cooling, thereby saving energy and reducing utility bills. If you leave your house during the day and return in the evening, a smart HVAC system that deactivates while you're away and reactivates before you arrive can significantly reduce your energy bills.
- Security systems: AI enhances home security through smart cameras and sensors that can detect unusual activities and alert homeowners in real time. Some systems can even recognize familiar faces and differentiate between family members and strangers.
- Lighting control: AI-driven lighting systems adjust the lighting based on the time of day, occupancy, and user preferences, creating a comfortable and energy-efficient environment. They can also be controlled by voice or from your phone, so you don’t have to get up to turn off your lights.
- Home automation: AI integrates various home systems, such as entertainment, appliances, and climate control, to work together seamlessly. For example, you can set a "Good Night" routine that locks doors, turns off lights, and adjusts the thermostat, all with a single command.
Installing smart home technology
Having a smart home increases convenience and energy efficiency, all while saving you money in the long run! However, when considering upgrading your home with smart technology, it's essential to choose reputable and reliable businesses. Here are four tips to help you with your search process:
- Check BBB Accreditation: Look for BBB Accredited home automation businesses near you that specialize in smart home solutions and have a track record of customer satisfaction.
BBB Pro tip: Look for the BBB Seal: It’s the Sign of a Better Business℠! - Read reviews and complaints: Before making a purchase, read customer reviews and complaints on the BBB website to gauge the company's reliability and service quality.
- Understand the technology: Educate yourself about the smart home technology you plan to install. You can always ask the contractor installing your equipment for tips, as they’ll know the system inside and out. Knowing how the devices work and their compatibility with your existing systems can prevent future issues.
- Keep security in mind: The FTC offers guidance on protecting your internet-connected devices from hackers. BBB issued a scam alert about doing a voice search with auto-dial; sometimes, the number your smart device chooses might be an impostor.
Smart homes represent the future of comfortable, efficient, and secure living. By incorporating AI-powered technology, you can create a personalized environment that adapts to your lifestyle, optimizes energy use, and enhances security. You can get a system that is perfect for your home and family installed by a BBB Accredited, reputable professional to make the process smooth and hassle-free. With the right smart home setup, you'll have a more convenient and comfortable at-home experience– making a smart home system the smart choice for a better future.
For more information
Check out these tips on security and smart home devices from FTC.gov. In Canada, check out these consumer affairs tips.
To learn more about scams, go to BBB.org/ScamTips. If you’ve been targeted by a scam, help others avoid the same problem by reporting your experience on BBB.org/ScamTracker
Stay one step ahead of scammers by subscribing to BBB's weekly Scam Alert emails.