The Benefits of Smart Home Technology for New Home Builds with Clipsal Wiser™
We are all busy people, so using the benefits of smart home technology in our new home builds is an obvious choice. Someone to think for us instead of being the brain of the house. This works for us.
Smart technology is fixed into our everyday life. It makes sense that it is throughout our home too. You are probably already using plenty of smart technology individually – security cameras, Bluetooth speakers, a smart television.
A smart home allows you to streamline how you live and allows more time to enjoy more of the things you love. Along with being more environmentally friendly and knowing you are safe and secure.
The basics of smart home technology
When we talk ‘smart home technology’ we are specifically talking about an app that can control your electrical devices remotely via Wi-Fi. Alternatively, through your voice assistant device – Amazon Alexa or Google Home – when at home. Lights, appliances, security systems and some devices are connected and controlled from wherever you are.
You oversee your smart home setup anticipating what you need and when. Think dimming the lights in the living room when the kids are winding down for the night. Or the heater turning on when the room temperature gets low. Ultimately, automating everyday systems to make your home more comfortable, convenient and secure. Best yet, the correct set up can lead to improved energy efficiency, security and quality of life.
If you are like me, there are plenty of times I have made it to my desk and panicked that I left the heater on. Or been on holiday and wished I could have created a schedule for my lights to turn on and off. Or, first world problem, wished I could dim the lights without getting off the couch. Smart home technology is there to save the day.
Meet Clipsal Wiser
We are lucky enough to enjoy a Clipsal Wiser™ Smart Home at our Bridgehampton Display Home. The Wiser is a smart home system that is incredibly easy to use through a dedicated app on any smart device.
Fortunately, there isn’t any special wiring required. Meaning it can be installed in new builds and existing homes, like we have done at our display home thanks to our Electricians at Wired Electrical. This system grows with your needs, and you can start with as little as one or two rooms. Great for growing families and the ever-changing technology capabilities.
Wiser integrates with the Clipsal Iconic light switches and power points, which are standard in all our new home builds. They also integrate with additional electrical products – blinds, smart sensors, smart smoke alarms, audio systems and heat pumps, just to name a few.
Installing during the building process
As we mentioned, the Clipsal Wiser™ Smart Home can be easily added to your new home after construction. Like most home features, if you can add it in during the building process, it will make it a little smoother. And potentially a little cheaper.
While there isn’t any special wiring required, adding it during construction means you can select the ideal location of the control hub. Allowing your electrician the chance to fit out, test and sync the system before you move in, means you have automations from handover day. Plus, it saves a little retrofitting work for your electrician.
Smart home safety integrations for your whole family
A smart home provides safety for your family around the clock. The options are almost limitless. If you are new to the benefits of the smart home technology world, you are going to be wowed. If you already have some type of smart home setup in your home, here are some new ideas to build on your existing system.
The possibilities:
- Temperature/Humidity Sensor to notify you when your home is at a certain temperature. You can turn on/off or change your air conditioner/heater setting remotely. These sensors can also turn on/off an extractor fan in your wet rooms to remove moist air.
- Smart Smoke Alarms that alert you if smoke is detected. They can be programmed to turn evacuation lighting on to help everyone get out safely. Plus give you reminders when it is time to test it or to be replaced.
- Blind Controllers allow you to raise/lower your blinds to change a rooms temperature, work with the sun or provide additional security.
- Water Leakage Sensors in your wet areas to notify of any leaks found.
- Proximity Sensing to unlock your gate and front door when you arrive home.
- Home Security integrations from sensor lights to gate cameras, door locks and your smart doorbell.
- Door and Window Sensors signal if anything is opened without warning or left open unnecessarily.
- General Power Point settings – anything that you use in a power point. Think lamp, coffee machine and electric blanket timing. Or leaving a straighter or iron on and turning it off from anywhere.
If you are using a Clipsal Wiser™ Smart Home, these features are programmable in the Wiser by SE app. Referred to as ‘Moments’, it allows you create them around the home that you live in. You might set an ‘Evening Moment’ that happens at 7pm every night. The blinds close, lights dim, lamps turn on and your ideal temperature is set for the night.
Watch your energy usage
A smart home can allow you to monitor and control your energy usage, all through your app. Doing so allows you to reduce your energy costs by planning more efficient usage. All by scheduling lights and appliances to turn off when not required, or running your washing machine and dishwasher in off-peak times. The savings and efficiency will start to pay off for your bills.
Efficient EV charging
If you have a smart home, it is likely you have an Electrical Vehicle (EV) or are thinking of purchasing one. A smart home will allow you check the most energy efficient time to charge your EV so you can plan your day.
If you are on board with a Clipsal Wiser™ Smart Home, they integrate with Schneider Charge. A weatherproof EV charger that charges faster than a standard domestic outlet. And you can check it all from the app too. Efficient and easy.
Experience smart home technology for yourself
You can see a smart home in action at our much loved Bridgehampton Display Home. As much as it is a ‘fun toy’, it is incredibly practical for every home.
When it comes time, our electrician can discuss all the options for your own home in your electrical consult. Then you can watch it come to life as you schedule your ‘moments’ and streamline your home.
Looking for more inspiration beyond the benefits of smart home technology in your new home? Read about 12 Things to Know Before Building a Home or check out Our Blogs for more ideas.
By Amy Rosendale
