When it comes to hi-tech devices and living in a smart home, the future is definitely here. The Internet of Things (IoT) has begun upgrading the way we live and think, and it is projected to rapidly develop within the next few years.

Simply put, IoT refers to the interconnection of devices and the Internet. From home security systems to smart power grids and from automated thermostats to intelligent lighting, the IoT phenomenon is estimated to connect 50 billion devices by 2020. Are you ready for an upgrade?

While many people are already acquainted with the Internet, the fast-changing tech landscape can be overwhelming even for the younger generation. IoT is quickly taking off, and if you’re unprepared, you will likely be left behind by emerging trends. Because technological advancements will affect all of us one way or another, it’s important to learn how IoT will impact our lives and home living.

A medley of smart automated devices

Imagine coming home on a hot summer day. But rather than having to manually turn on the air conditioner and wait for your home to cool, you simply make a few clicks on your smartphone to tell your smart thermostat to set the ideal temperature in advance. Sounds like science fiction? With home automation technology, IoT is making a higher standard of home living a reality.

The projected technology will not simply end with remote controlling. According to Business Insider, smart home devices are currently numbered at around 83 million, but this will balloon to 193 million in 2020. These Internet-ready devices include smart appliances and equipment such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, thermostats, and lighting. In fact, manufacturers have already created learning devices that can automatically adjust based on environment and preferences.  With the latest smart thermostats, for example, you may no longer even have to worry about home temperature because the device can work on its own based on location, time, and environmental conditions. Thanks to smart devices, managing your home is easier than ever.

Robust home security systems

What good are fancy devices if your home is not safe and secure? The importance of home security in smart living cannot be underestimated. In the US alone, violent crimes have increased according to recent data from the FBI. While property crimes such as burglary and theft have slightly declined, the potential loss when burglars attack can be too much. The alarming crime situation makes home security systems urgent and necessary.

With advances in home security systems, you can reinforce home safety with devices that are effective against burglars and other criminals. Currently, you can already optimize your home with alarm monitoring, intelligent sensors, and automatic locks. What’s exciting about home security systems is how the importance of security is complemented with convenience and ease of use.

The Honeywell Total Connect is one concrete example of a device that maximizes available Internet technology to bolster home security. A smart home with Honeywell Total Connect allows you to effectively manage your home remotely with real-time alerts and live video that you can access through your smartphone. Indeed, with your smartphone, you can ensure that your home and loved ones are safe wherever you may be in the world.

Productively work from home

Our daily lives are often conflicted between going to the office to work or staying at home to relax. The Internet of Things allows you to maintain an ideal work-life balance right in the comfort of your home. With multiple devices connected to the same network, the IoT has opened up many possibilities for remote work. You can accomplish work by tapping into devices linked to your office or factory floor. While working from home isn’t for everyone, the IoT is widening opportunities for people such as career-oriented single parents and homebodies to be happy and productive with remote work.

The heightened speed of technological evolution tends to favor workers who want to work from home and accomplish large-scale tasks faster and better. Because the IoT improves data analysis and management, you can be confident in performing complex tasks with greater precision. Those who run their business from home will benefit from the way the IoT is revolutionizing tracking and managing inventory. You can use remote scanners and similar smart devices to accurately keep track of inventory and supervise workers. Who says that your smart home cannot double up as a smart office?

Cost-efficient gizmos help you save money

Cost is remains a major IoT issue. The good news is that the IoT is making processes and gizmos cost-efficient. Smart home living doesn’t have to break the bank. Take power consumption as an example. Today, power grids supply power even when you don’t need it. They are also extremely vulnerable to sudden consumption spikes. This is one of the main reasons why a plugged yet unused device still consumes energy. To make things efficient, engineers inspired by the IoT are designing a smart grid that supplies power based on need. Information is transmitted to your smart home devices so that power is supplied efficiently.

While the smart grid is set for implementation in the US in 2030, you can already use available smart technology to reduce your utility bill. Smart power strips, for example, prevent electric overuse of devices, making your home energy-efficient and safe from hazards caused by overheating. Smart power strips are applicable to energy-hungry devices like computers, televisions, and microwaves. Another great addition to any home is smart lighting. Using motion and occupancy sensors, smart lights automatically turn on if you’re in the room and turn off once you leave. The device is great indoors and outdoors, and they can be effective at scaring off shenanigans who may think your home is unguarded.  

The golden era of the Internet of Things will soon be upon us, carrying with it the compelling features of convenience, security, and efficiency. Orienting yourself to the idea of smart home living prepares you to the many benefits of devices and processes that will fill up the market in the next few years. Understanding how IoT impacts our home living means taking an active role in directing new technology. Remember that the future can only be bright and promising if the technological advancements are under our control rather passively accepted as a given reality.

Author's Bio: 

Roger Gallager is a communications Specialist with expertise in marketing. He is also a freelance writer. He has written about a range of topics including saving, money tips, home improvement, and the construction industry. He has been writing articles advising homeowners on how to secure homes, and deal with home-related problems that will inevitably arise.