According to the latest statistics, there are an estimated 300 million smart homes around the world! Whether it's full-fledged ecosystems that automate your entire day or the occasional device you use to play music and set timers, smart home devices have completely changed the way we live. The most common smart home devices you see on the market and in people's homes are security cameras, smart displays, and video doorbells. But one thing that is often overlooked but can make a big difference to the safety and security of your home is a smart sensor. With the latest news about Philips Hue expanding into security and introducing the new Hue Secure contact sensor, I predict more and more people will look to smart sensors to tighten up their current décor or add a first layer of security to their home. Here's everything you need to know about smart home sensors, including what they are, the different types, and why you should have one in your home.

What is a smart home sensor?

There are many different types of smart home sensors (which I list below) but generally speaking, smart sensors detect motion in one part of your home. When it detects motion, sounds or activity, the sensor will send you an alert or tell your other smart devices how to respond. For example, if it hears an intruder trying to enter through the front door, it can tell your exterior lights to respond. switch. Most smart sensors available today are wireless or battery powered, so you can place them anywhere in your home. Choosing the right position is important because you want him to be close to any possible action so that he can properly hear and detect anything that is unusual. If you're not sure, you can hire a professional to install your smart sensor, or you can place it in commonly used places where intruders might try to break in, such as doors and windows. Once you've decided where to place your smart sensor, you'll need to set it up using a smartphone app. Which app you use depends on the compatibility of your smart sensor, but most models on the market can connect to platforms like Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings. Setting up your sensor this way will ensure that you are well connected to your home and alerted if something is going on, as well as giving you access to your other smart devices.

Different types of smart sensors

A smart sensor next to other smart hub devices

As mentioned, there are different types of smart sensors to choose from. The main type are sensors that detect motion and are appropriately called motion detectors. Good examples of this are the Ring Alarm Motion Detector and the Eve Motion Sensor. A newer version of this is sound recognition devices such as the Earzz Smart Home Monitor, which listens for important sounds in your home. Other smart sensors you can find are water leak detectors and temperature sensors. The first monitors the flow of water through a pipeline or the water point that enters your home. If the detector detects leaks or disturbances, it will interrupt the flow of water to the home and notify you of any problems to help prevent water damage or flooding. The latter monitors and records the temperature in your home. It can be used alongside the best smart thermostats to keep your home at the perfect temperature, and can be used to detect changes due to damaged systems or burst water tanks.

Why you need a smart sensor in your home

Smart sensors are, in my opinion, hugely underestimated. There are so many different smart home devices that have a plethora of features and can 'double up' like other things. For example, your video doorbell can function as a security camera, so you can always see who is at your door. I think this is the main reason why smart sensors are often forgotten, as their functionality is often built into other devices. But having a dedicated smart home sensor can improve your security and automation and make your entire home run more smoothly. In terms of security, smart sensors pick up unusual movements and by placing them next to doors and windows, you are alerted to possible break-ins. You can also use your smart sensor to stay informed about what's happening in your home when you're not there. For example, if you are at work and your child has just got home from school, your smart sensor can give you that peace of mind. If you place a smart sensor in your baby's room, it can alert you if your baby starts to cry or tries to get out of his crib. Automation is another important reason to invest in a smart sensor. Once you've set up your smart sensor with an app, you can customize how you want your other devices to respond. If someone tries to enter through your back door, your smart sensor can activate your lights and music to give the impression that someone is home and turn on your outdoor siren (such as the Yale Floodlight Camera) to scare them away. Smart Home sensors have impressive credentials and I would highly recommend them for better security and improving the power of your other Smart Home devices.