The reason smart homes have become so popular in recent years is because of the many benefits they bring. The reason why smart technology is able to add so much to a home is because of a combination of elements that make up its foundation; this is where motion sensors come in. 

Motion sensors are one of the most basic parts of a smart home. They are essentially what makes your home “smart”, because without them, the automatic operation of your gadgets would not be possible. These sensors make a lot of your tasks easier by performing them for you, such as detecting suspicious activity. Rather than actively having to keep an eye on things, you can rely on sensors notifying you whenever something happens.

There are many different types of sensors used in various smart gadgets in your home; some gadgets may even have multiple sensors for greater efficiency. The following is a list of these, with a description of their basic functions.

Temperature Sensors

A home’s HVAC system holds a lot of significance; without proper temperature control, your home may become uncomfortable and a difficult space to be productive in. Components in your system, such as the Google Nest temperature sensor are there to ensure that your home’s temperature remains how you prefer it to be throughout the year.

Temperature sensors are the reason your thermostat is able to detect the ambient temperature to adjust its level within your home. This is arguably the most practical use for it, since it affects your entire home. Smart thermostats are one of the most utilized gadgets in your entire home, and most of its features would not be possible without a temperature sensor.

Motion Sensors

Motions sensors are present in an abundance of smart gadgets, often alongside other types of sensors. A popular application of this type of sensor is for the purpose of lighting; motion sensors in lights add to your home’s security and practicality. A room lighting up when you enter it ensures that you’ll never have to navigate your way around in the dark. Moreover, activated motion sensors at night can tell you when a room wthat is supposed to be empty is occupied. 

Motion sensors are also used in gadgets such as floodlights. They can detect people within up to 30 feet of distance, which can be a source of relief for homeowners. These sensors work by scanning a particular area through an infrared beam, and then notifying you when change is detected. Their high sensitivity allows accurate results, which increases the quality of monitoring in your home. 

Leak Detectors

Leak detectors have a relatively less frequent usage in your home, but they are important nonetheless. They are activated when they come into contact with water, and often notify you with a loud alarm-like sound so that you can do damage control before things get out of hand.

Since leak detectors work when they come into contact with water, some of them shouldn’t be placed on metal surfaces. Regardless of how they must be installed in your home, this device can save your home from a lot of damage. Water damage can be deadly to your home and belongings. It can damage your walls, get over your furniture and give your home an unpleasant look. This can also have a negative impact on your home’s value.

Light Sensors

While their working is similar to temperature sensors, this device, as the name suggests, reads the intensity of light in the surrounding area. It then converts the detected photons into electrical signals, which is how you are notified. 

Light sensors also have a number of different applications, but possibly their most significant use is for security reasons. They can detect the change caused by intrusions. Furthermore, if you want to control the brightness of your lights, these sensors are the way to do it. This even applies to the level of brightness in your smartphone, laptop or tablet. These are the most common smart home applications of light sensors, although, they also have uses as diverse as the agriculture sector.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are a necessity in your home’s security system. There are many potential sources of fires in your home, and leaving it vulnerable is not an option. A smoke detector ensures that as soon as a fire is about to break out, you learn of it before any real damage is caused.

Smoke detectors can catch the slightest bit of smoke before a proper fire starts. This allows you to be notified in advance, which can be a life-saver in most situations. Your property, valuables and life can be saved by the use of this gadget, which makes this type of sensor an absolute necessity to have as a fully-functional part of your home. Smoke detectors should also be tested once every few months for increased security.

The Building Blocks of Smart Technology

Every complex system requires something powering its main features. For smart homes, sensors seem to be at the core of their most prominent activity. They allow you to sit back and watch your gadgets take care of not only your home, but even themselves. You get updates regarding the activity around your home, as well as the status of your gadgets in case of something out-of-the-ordinary. None of this would be possible without sensors, which makes it a homeowner’s duty to understand them and get the most out of their capabilities.