Smart houses have gone a long way – from futuristic concepts and expensive gadgets to systems available to a growing consumer group. What are smart houses capable of?

The systems of smart houses or apartments are more than just individual components that can be controlled by a phone. They are integrated systems that optimize functioning of the building and control devices which adapt to the lifestyle of the household members and provide them with comfort. Among the producers of such systems there is no shortage of Polish enterprises, including some from Małopolska such as Grenton, and implementation companies like DLJM System. Moreover, more and more telephone and cable television operators are expanding their offer to include smart house apps.
Despite this trend, in 2016 and 2017, the focus was put on research concerning voice control devices for highly technically advanced buildings. According to the forecasts, companies offering smart house systems and producers of house appliances will start cooperation in this scope over the next few years. The potential is also seen in the synchronization of devices with artificial intelligence technologies that can receive signals e.g. from security systems.

Under control

There are several systems available on the market, which differ mainly in terms of price and installation. Depending on the number of components, the simplest systems can be installed unaided for a few or several thousand złoty. The more complicated systems require help from an installer and can cost even over 100 thousand złoty. The basic function of smart home systems is remote control of individual elements – electricity, blinds, windows or entrance gates. Current solutions, however, are not limited only to the function of turning on and off lights or AC.The system created by Grenton, a company located in Kraków, can also control the lights and adjust their intensity to the time of day, thus providing comfort during work or a pleasant evening atmosphere. Moreover, sensors installed in high-tech buildings can control the right temperature and humidity, and adjust them not only to the home-dwellers’ needs but also their presence at home, as the system notices if we are present in a particular room or not. The software can turn off heating while you are away, and turn it on before you return.

Effective comfort and security

A smart house also changes the way people use Smart TV or audio system functions. It makes it possible to control these devices from any place at home through your phone. In addition, the system can automatically close the blinds and turn off the lights, thus creating the right atmosphere for movie screening. Security cameras and anti-theft systems protect the house from robbers, whereas smoke or flood sensors will help to avoid fire or the consequences of plumbing failure. Thanks to complete security systems like DLJM System, which is a device integrator for smart houses made in Kraków, it is possible to remotely observe what is happing at home, e.g. when on a longer vacation.

Caring about ecology

Smart houses are adjusted to the needs and lifestyle of their dwellers, e.g. by regulating temperature it is possible to save 30% of energy needed to heat a house. This not only results in home budget savings, but also positively effects the environment. Effective and controlled energy consumption is the foundation of a highly technically advanced and ecological building, which on a larger scale – in the case of implementation of such systems in housing estates or cities – can be of great importance for environmental protection. Although nowadays the installation of a smart home system is still a big investment, this technology will certainly gain popularity over the next couple of years.