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Installing sensors in our homes is nothing new: home security alarms and digital outdoor thermometers have been around for decades. However, with the development of the smart home, the use of sensors has become more widespread. These days, there is a wide variety of sensors covering all kinds of uses and functions. Also, many of these sensor systems can interact using basic automation functions.
The fact is, there are so many sensors available, it can be challenging to figure out where you should be putting sensors in your home. The following is a short list of the most effective ways to way home sensors.
Energy Sensors
Your refrigerator, computer, mobile phone chargers, lights, and television all consume energy, and any budget-conscious owner is concerned with limiting the amount of energy waste from these electronic devices.
An energy sensor, which is attached to a main breaker box, can provide all kinds of information on which appliances and devices are consuming the most energy. The homeowner could use information provided by an energy sensor to figure out where energy might be conserved, if devices have been left on accidentally, or if an appliance looks like it is on the verge of malfunction.
An energy sensor only provides information: Taking action is up to the homeowner. As soon as the sensor has found an issue, it’s up to the user to fix the situation or ignore it.
Water Sensors
In the United States, flooding costs insurance companies over $10 billion annually. While some of that damage comes from inescapable natural disasters, a significant amount comes from burst pipes, leakages, and negligence.
A water sensor costs about as much as a smart speaker, but it can save a homeowner 100 times that amount or more by preventing major water damage. Some water sensors include an automation feature that switches off the main water supply to the house after detecting flooding, which can help keep a minor incident from becoming catastrophic.
Temperature Sensors
Temperature sensors have been around for a long time, but with the rise of the smart home – the latest temperature sensors are able to communicate with other devices both inside and outside the home.
For instance, an outside temperature sensor can active garden sprinklers when it gets too hot. An indoor temperature sensor can activate an air conditioning unit 10 minutes before the homeowner returns from work on a hot day or activate a furnace on a cold day.
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Weather Sensors
Like temperature sensors, weather sensors have been around for some time, but the latest models are designed to be integrated into a smart home. For instance, a weather sensor that detects an impending rainstorm can alert a homeowner if any windows are open. A weather sensor can also be connected to any display device to alert a user about high levels of air pollution, pollen or UV rays.
Motion Sensors
Motion sensors are typically associated with home security systems, but they can also be used for convenience and safety. For example, a motion sensor might be used to activate a light whenever someone enters a room and switch off a light whenever someone leaves.
A motion sensor could also be used to monitor potentially dangerous areas. For instance, it might be used to alert a homeowner that a dog or small child is near a swimming pool.
Door Sensors
With Amazon package deliveries, food deliveries and utility workers regularly knocking on doors, most people have a regular amount of unexpected people approaching the door to their house. Part motion sensor, part communication device – a doorbell sensor allows a homeowner to see who is near their front door and communicate with them from almost anywhere using an internet connection.
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