These days, technology lies at the heart of everything we do. We use our smartphones to organize practically every aspect of our 21st century lives and whether we want to chat with friends, arrange the weekly shopping or keep up with the news, we use the internet to do so.
Of course, while the smartphone might lie at the center of our technological world, the Internet of Things and the rise of smart technology means that it is increasingly connected with other devices. The idea of a smart home might sound like the height of futuristic luxury, but its applications are highly practical and can be deadly serious.
Reducing Energy Consumption Through Smart Lighting
Smart lighting that knows when a room is occupied is one example of how smart tech can reduce a household’s energy costs. It might sound like a drop in the ocean, but data from the International Energy Agency shows that almost 20 percent the world’s electricity is used for lighting. Dimmers have a 1:1 impact on energy consumption, too. That is to say, if you dim the lights by 25 percent, they use 25 percent less power. Smart systems that automatically adjust ambient lighting can therefore make a significant difference.
Combatting the World’s Water Shortage
Water is our most precious resource, and as the global population increases and the temperature rises, its scarcity will become one of our biggest challenges, both in Costa Rica and the wider world. While some struggle to get enough water to survive, others use thousands of gallons every week on garden sprinkler systems. This is one area in which technology can make a big difference. Smart irrigation systems use solenoid valves such as the ones at https://tameson.co.uk to control the flow of water depending on the ambient temperature, the time of day and even online information regarding expected rainfall.
Killing the Power Vampires
When you switch off the lights at night, you invariably see a range of LED lights winking at you from the various devices in standby mode. The power used by these electronic vampires can add up – it costs US consumers an estimated $3 billion every year. Unplugging your televisions, microwave oven, cellphone chargers and so on sounds fine but is impractical and inconvenient. A smart power strip is a clever device that detects when specified electronic devices enter standby mode and automatically shuts them right down.
Smart Home Security
Smart tech isn’t just about saving money and resources. It can also keep our property and loved ones safer. Crime in Costa Rica is a reality with which we all have to live, and an unoccupied home can be an irresistible target for housebreakers. A smart doorbell allows occupiers to see who is there and speak to the visitor without having to open the door. Better still, they can do so from a smartphone from any location, thereby giving the impression that the house is occupied even if it is not. It is one of the strongest crime deterrents imaginable.
