When Your Home Gets Smart, Your Life Gets Easier
The variety of smart home devices to choose from and the pace at which features and innovations are introduced can make anyone feel overwhelmed by home automation. At Canadian Tire, we believe that, like any technology, the better you understand it, the better you can customize it to your needs. Here’s everything you need to know about how a smart home works – and how it can help simplify your life, reduce energy expenditure, save you money on the long run, and even get healthier.
Everything You Do, It Can Do Faster
Home automation allows you to program everyday tasks and control a variety of WiFi-enabled gadgets using your phone or connected device. Connect your appliances and electrical systems, such as lighting, heating, and security, and you can automate everyday tasks. From voice-enabled speakers to smart thermostats, comfortable and practical day-to-day is at the tip of your finger and your tongue.
Upgrade your workouts
With lifestyles getting ever more hectic, finding time to the gym can be a problem. Luckily for every smart homeowner, the fitness sector has all sorts of smart home devices and gadgets. Offering live and on-demand instructor-led workouts, these connected devices, such as elliptical bikes, stationary bikes, rowers and treadmills can help you stay motivated thanks to their ever-growing workout libraries. You can even stream your favourite Netflix, Amazon Prime Video or Disney+ show while working out! Smart home gym equipment comes at a cost, and you should expect to pay a monthly subscription to stream classes on top of that (JRNY or iFit are the most popular platforms), but these devices offer the most state-of-the-art and immersive home fitness experiences.
What to Know Before You Upgrade Your Home
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• Smart home ecosystem Setting up a smart home is easier than ever, but before you start your home upgrade, consider what ecosystem you want to build off. A smart home ecosystem connects your devices together and ensures they communicate effectively. Not all smart products are designed to work on the same platform, so compatibility is vital. Our “SHOP BY COMPATIBILITY” section makes it easy to find products that will work with your system, whether that’s Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT, Google Nest, or Samsung SmartThings. By choosing products designed to work together, you can enjoy quick and easy setup, as well as create “scenes” – a feature where multiple gadgets spring into action at once. For example, commanding a “movie” scene could cause your blinds to be drawn, the lights dimmed, and the popcorn maker to turn on.
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• WiFi You’ll need a stable internet connection to keep your smart home products working properly and ensure you receive real-time alerts. Install your smart devices in a place with a strong signal, such as near the WiFi hub, or use a WiFi extender to broaden your range.
The Essentials to a Smart Home
There’s a variety of smart products available to turn your home into a convenient, automated space. From entertainment devices like smart TVs and voice-enabled speakers to the latest in-home security, here are a few smart gadgets to get you started:
Easier Done When Said
Smart voice assistants and wireless speakers offer a great way to manage your devices, and your day, hands-free. These high-tech assistants play songs, give you personalized help with your schedule, and much more. Another easy way to introduce smart technology into your home is with a smart thermostat. These handy devices let you control the temperature of your home using your smartphone, tablet, or PC. WiFi thermostats from brands like ecobee, Google Nest and Honeywell go one step further: they learn your climate habits, adapt to your schedule, and even help reduce energy bills. Coupled with smart sensors, smart thermostats can also adjust the temperature from one room to the next, giving you ultimate comfort control. In addition to making your home more convenient, smart home technology can also make it safer. Smart detectors and sensors send real-time alerts whenever smoke, carbon monoxide, or flooding is detected. False alarm? Hush it from anywhere with a swipe of your smartphone. Smart plugs and power bars allow you to make almost any electric device "smart." Plugs by brands like Geeni let you control connected appliances from your phone, so you never have to worry again about whether you turned something off.
Lights That Speak To Your Moods
Wireless smart lighting systems bring your home to life by creating the right ambience for every moment. Bulbs, dimmer switches, and starter kits let you control your lights remotely – but that’s just the beginning. Develop a pre-set lighting schedule to make it look like you’re home when you’re not, or set your lights to change colour for reading or watching a movie. Bulbs by brands like Philips Hue feature millions of colours and shades to choose from and can be easily adjusted using voice control. Plus, smart lighting can help you save on energy bills thanks to efficient, long-lasting LED technology.
Security Tailored To Your Needs
The best smart security systems offer front door solutions that allow you to check, grant, and restrict access to your home, even when you’re away. From key-free deadbolts you can lock from your phone to video doorbells that let you see and speak to visitors; there’s a multitude of options available. Smart security cameras by brands like Google Nest are another great way to monitor and protect your property. Check-in from anywhere, day or night, and watch live stream video on your connected device. Plus, you’ll receive phone or email alerts whenever suspicious activity is detected.
Run Your Home Your Way
Once you establish your needs, finding the right ecosystem, and smart devices for your home will be much easier. There’s always a learning curve, but there’s a vast amount of resources available directly from the brands or from savvy users. Once you get past the learning curve, you’ll not only save time and energy daily; you’ll also feel more at home than ever. Remember, a “smart home” is one that runs just the way you want.