From smart homes to smart watches to smart cars, it seems everything is wise these days, including apartments. Smart apartments are connected to the internet, allowing them to be managed remotely via an app. With smart apartment technology, residents of a smart apartment can always feel like their home is with them.
Defining Smart Apartments
Smart apartments may sound futuristic or even some marketing gimmick. However, the modern beginning of the technology dates back to 1975, according to Family Handyman magazine. At that time, technology came out which allowed users to “…remotely control devices in their homes using a command console and modules.”
Since the internet, which became widespread in the late 1990s is the key to smart technology, smart apartment technology is light years ahead of its beta version in 1975.
Today smart apartments can be defined as, “A home that is equipped with network-connected products (aka “smart products,” connected via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or similar protocols) for controlling, automating and optimizing functions such as temperature, lighting, security, safety or entertainment, either remotely by a phone, tablet, computer or a separate system within the home itself.”
While there’s no limit to what can be included in smart apartment technology, connected apartments typically are defined by three key characteristics, according to Homebase:
- Smart Amenities. Amenities include devices like smart lights and smart locks, as well as integrated services like home cleaning and package delivery.
- Connectivity. Buildings are wired from the inside out to connect devices, building systems, residents, and management.
- Community Management. Create a better living experience for residents by incorporating services that save time, money, and hassle.
Benefits of Living in a Smart Apartment
Living in a smart apartment may sound appropriate for tech geeks and gadget lovers. However, there are benefits to living in a smart apartment that everyone can appreciate.
Increased convenience and comfort Have you ever wished you could get dinner started before you get home? After a long day, who wants to wait around for hours while dinner is cooking?
You can have your home-cooked meal and not wait around for hours with automated appliances, a typical feature of smart apartments.
With smart apartment technology, your apartment is always at your preferred temperature. You can even adjust the temperature when you are in another location.
No more sweating or chills.
Enhanced security and safety Have you ever left your home and wondered if you left locked the door? Instead of going back home or asking a neighbor to check the locks, you can ensure the door is locked from a remote location with smart apartment technology.
A connected apartment can even have smoke detector alerts and water leak detectors. With these examples of smart apartment technology, residents can feel confident their apartment is safe and secure.
Energy savings and sustainability In addition to being energy efficient, smart apartments help residents limit their use of energy to what they intend to use. With automated appliances, smart lighting, smart heating and cooling systems, smart blinds, etc., energy is conserved.
Examples of Smart Apartment Technologies
Smart apartments may contain a variety of smart apartment technology. The key is that they are connected apartments. Some common technologies found in a smart apartment include:
Smart Locks
Smart locks which are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. With a smart lock, users can lock and unlock their doors via an app from a remote location.
Smart Lighting
Smart lighting allows residents to adjust the lights via their voice. The lights can also be controlled remotely. Finally, they can make decisions (since no one is in the room and turn the lights down) and follow schedules.
Smart Heating and Cooling
Smart heating and cooling systems or smart thermostats can recognize residents’ preferred temperatures and self-regulate to keep rooms at that temperature. Smart heating and cooling systems can also be controlled remotely and are more energy efficient.
Automated Appliances
Automated appliances include dishwashers, stoves, refrigerators, coffee makers, and more. Like other smart technology, it’s connected to a smart home system, makes decisions, and can be adjusted remotely.
Smart Home Entertainment
Home entertainment systems center around a television. However, a smart entertainment system includes all media devices. The devices are synced to the sound and colors on the smart tv. In addition, smart devices can help arrange speakers to get optimal sound distribution.
Choosing the Right Smart Apartment
Selecting the apartment that works for you is challenging. Between budget, convenience, neighborhood, etc, there are many factors to consider. But how do you distinguish between smart apartments?
A smart apartment is only smart with internet connectivity. So, when considering where to live, consider the connectivity. Intermittent wi-fi will lead to an inability to take advantage of all a smart apartment offers.
A smart apartment generates data. And when there’s floating around, cybersecurity becomes an issue. Before signing the lease, prospective renters should review with management what steps they take to protect data and how it’s stored.
Maybe you like classic architecture, or you’re on a tight budget. Therefore, an older apartment would seem to be the right choice. A refurbished building can be updated to include the necessary technology that a smart apartment requires. A newer structure, however, may be constructed with the required technology needed for smart apartments, making it more reliable.
Conclusion
Smart apartments offer residents more luxury and are better for the environment. The conveniences impact everyday living in a multitude of ways.
This form of modern living is in great demand, particularly by younger generations. A study cited by Multi-Housing News found that “62 percent of Gen Z renters think that apartment technology is extremely important in their apartment and community.”
So, expect smart apartments to become the norm in the future. Is your new building smart?
