Rising energy prices and colder winters in the UK, call for a stronger need for fast broadband especially those with smart homes. This allows for great convenience such as being able to control heating systems, effectively monitor energy consumption and more. So that this technology functions at optimal capacity, a strong and reliable internet connection is essential.
Smart Homes Taking Over The UK
As technology advances, so does the need for more comfortable living.
Smart homes are taking the UK by storm, with Statistica predicting more than 34 million smart homes to be present by 2028. Smart devices like energy-efficient heating devices and those like Alexa are not only making home lives more comfortable but much more eco-friendly. With a strong broadband connection, residents can connect to their homes to adjust not just the ambience, but also heating, lighting and much more.
Smart Thermostats in Smart Homes
Smart thermostats have transformed how UK households manage to keep warm in cold winters. Fast broadband allows this technology to learn your heating preferences by integrating with other devices. Furthermore, geofencing allows your smart thermostat to recognise and set your preferred temperature to be set before you even walk through the front door.
Real-Time Monitoring and Energy Efficiency
Broadband technology can offer incredible features, one of which is the capacity to track energy utilisation in real time through applications and smart devices. There is a large number of smart meters that can now be linked with broadband to produce accurate reports on how much energy you use. With this information at your fingertips, you can make smarter decisions about when to heat your home or identify areas where you might be wasting energy.
Smart Homes Demand Reliable Broadband
There is also an increasing pool of devices designed for smart homes that make use of broadband other than just heating such as:
Smart Radiator Valves
Thermostatic radiator valves are a great way to reduce energy waste and ensure optimal comfort in your home. These can be programmed to control individual rooms’ temperatures and require a good internet connection network to be fully effective.
CCTV Security Systems
Many smart homes are also equipped with security cameras for high protection. Smart security cameras and alarms interact with broadband networks to send live alerts and notifications.
Entertainment
The modern smart home is likely connected to online entertainment, for example streaming networks like Netflix and Amazon Prime. It is preferable to have a good internet connection when streaming movies, music, or games during long winter evenings.
How Fast Should My Broadband Be?
Ensuring your smart home is equipped with strong, stable and quick broadband will allow for optimal device usage. Understanding how fast your broadband connection should be for your home depends on a few factors, like:
- How many people live in your house
- Is there online gaming?
- Do you or anyone else work or study from home?
- How often do you stream or download large documents, files or videos?
Generally speaking, a smart home in the UK will suffice with 500Mbps. This will allow for quick 4k streaming and great upload and download speeds. A quick broadband connection will give you the certainty that your smart home devices are working as intended, without disruption or lag.
Smart Home Technologies That Are Here To Stay
The need for faster restated will only increase as smart home technologies become more advanced and come to exist. AI-enabled heating systems and smart energy saving will need more data to perform optimally. By wiring your home with a range of connections ahead of time, you are ensuring not only ease and access to these technologies when they come to market but also that you will be both comfortable and energy efficient during winter.
