Todd Grey

Equity Smart Home Loans

Looking For Something?

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • First Time Home Buyer Tips
    • First Time Home Seller Tips
    • Closing Costs
    • Home Appraisal
    • Home Inspection
    • Loan Checklist
    • Loan Process
    • Loan Programs
    • Mortgage Glossary
    • Mortgage FAQ
  • Apply
    • Short Application
  • Reviews
    • Read my Reviews
    • Leave a Review
  • Contact

May 24, 2018 by support

Smart Technology or Home Automation: What’s the Difference?

Smart Technology or Home Automation: What's the Difference?Is it worth it to add smart appliances or automated features if you’re selling a home? Just how much connectivity do buyers want? And what exactly do the terms refer to in terms of home updates.

Although smart homes and home automation are sometimes used interchangeably, they actually refer to two basically different concepts about how appliances and home systems can operate. Then there is the need for “connectivity,” adding another dimension to any discussion of futuristic home features.

Home Automation

According to a Texas-based Direct Energy blog, home automation has a long history, beginning with the first labor-saving devices that operated with electrical current. “Automatic” washing machines and hot water heaters certainly made life easier at the time, a time long before wireless technology and integrated home entertainment systems.That may be simplistic, but the truth is that any device that operates without human intervention can be termed automatic. 

Today, however, automation commonly refers to home features that are controlled by computer, or that can be set to operate in specific ways: motion-detected lighting, robotic floor cleaners, dishwashers and ovens with delay settings, and the wide range of room monitors, security cameras and voice or motion-controlled devices.

Smart Technology

Computers introduced American homes to smart technology and the Internet of Things. Today, almost every home has several “smart” devices, even if they are simple ones.  

Case in point: A programmable thermostat, common sensor-operated smoke detectors, and a backyard irrigation system with a timer control can be termed smart devices, albeit maybe only “elementary” smart.

Today, most smart technology is also controllable by wireless remote device. But the true definition of smart is any product that incorporates sensors or data storage, microprocessors or controls that allow autonomous operation. An internal operating system is employed to assure that the product operates as programmed, either through user interface or initial setup. Modern smart technology allows for broad integration of devices, in effect creating a “genius” network.

Connectivity

The third piece of the technology puzzle is connectivity. Both home automation and smart technology can be “connected,” for greater flexibility and integration, but it’s not necessary. And, just because homeowners can change a setting via smart phone or battery-operated remote doesn’t necessarily make an automatic appliance or home product smart. 

Connected products interact with one another over a network; the network collects and shares data, and is designed to monitor and allow some degree of control over the functioning of network-connected products or systems. 

For instance, a smart home with sophisticated lighting controls might automatically sense lower light levels at dusk, triggering an adjustment to window shades and turning on both interior and exterior lighting.

Confused? Actually, there’s no real need to be. No matter what you call them, the home features that make living better are all desirable!

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Automation, Improvements, Real Estate

Contact Todd

Equity Smart Home Loans
Mortgage Loan Officer
tgrey@equitysmartloans.com
Call (818) 435-6560
NMLS #1594405

Follow Me on Social Media!

How can I help?

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Categories

Archives

Recent Posts

  • Understanding Mortgage Pre-Approvals and How to Avoid Being Declined for One
  • What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 20, 2023
  • Is A VA Loan The Best Option For Your Needs?
  • Should You Pay Discount Points When You Get Your Mortgage?
nmlsconsumeraccess.org
Equity Smart Home Loans NMLS ID: 856170
CA Bur of Real Estate - Real Estate Broker - DRE#01906808

Equal Housing Lender

Location


1499 Huntington Dr Ste 500
South Pasadena, CA 91030

Copyright © 2023 · Generate Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in