Why You Shouldn’t Leave Home Without Mobile Connectivity
Chances are your eyes have opened up a little bit wider to the possibilities that come with managing your life from afar, via a mobile device. Maybe you’re even preparing to launch your company’s mobile app, or thinking about how much easier your team’s lives would be if they could collaborate from anywhere. What you didn’t realize was that the challenges of managing connectivity while on the go are still stopping you in your tracks.
But what if there were a way to plan ahead for things like doors and windows that you left unlocked or appliances that you left on? And what if you could control all of them from a phone app?
The Internet of Things
Internet of Things (IoT) is a term that’s been thrown around a lot lately. So here’s a quick definition: the Internet of Things is simply connecting everyday objects to your home WiFi network so they can communicate with you and each other, regardless of size or location. The applications are endless and their usefulness is growing as smart devices enter the marketplace.
Manage electricity usage
Electricity usage can account for a big chunk of your monthly utility bill. By 2020, it’s estimated that over 50 billion devices will be connected wirelessly to the Internet. The prediction is IoT – which allows us to connect these objects digitally – will help lower our global energy consumption by 15 percent. That’s a huge saving.
Connected devices can be used to manage electricity usage, as well as turn appliances on and off from afar. Save time and money by knowing exactly when you need to switch your air conditioning unit on or turn the laundry machine off before leaving for work.
Improve home security
Speaking of monitoring things when you leave, one of the most common things people forget to do before they leave is secure their doors and windows. IoT devices can be installed in your home to monitor doors, windows, and even appliances so you know whether or not they are turned on when you’re away.
How does this work? Let’s say you have a smart lock that can be controlled through your mobile device. When it’s time to leave the house, just use the app to turn the lock. You’ll be able to see in real-time when the door was locked and whether it’s been unlocked since then. In fact, the best home security companies all feature many smart home automation tools as part of their plans and some even have that as their whole model.
Detect water leaks
Just like with electricity, wireless sensors can help homeowners detect dangerous water leaks before they do major damage to a home. Water sensors can also alert you when appliances – such as dishwashers or washing machines – are scheduled to run so you can take preventative measures, such as unplugging appliances or placing a pan under the leak.
These are just a few reasons why you should consider a smart home. Of course, you should always do more research to find out which type of IoT device works best for your needs. But the cost of a smart home is always going to come in cheaper than fixing or upgrading from extensive damage from water leaks, electricity usage, or a break-in.
We hope this article has made clear to you the importance of maintaining connectivity.
