Getting to know and understand smart homes and the internet of things (IOT) can transform your space.
The concept of smart homes is becoming increasingly familiar to us, marking a significant shift in how we interact with our home and work environments. While some of us have already adopted this tech-savvy lifestyle, others may still be on the fence, unsure of the benefits or wary of the perceived complexity. But don’t be scared – it’s definitely the smart way to go…
At the core of the smart home revolution are smart devices. These are internet-connected gadgets that allow remote management through an app. This technology enables us to control various aspects of our homes, such as lighting, geysers, timers and even plug points from anywhere in the world. Imagine adjusting your geyser’s temperature while on holiday or logging on to turn off a forgotten light in your office. The convenience is undeniable and the applications are virtually endless.
If you’re wondering how these CBI Astute products connect to the internet – great question. They need to be placed within range of your home or work Wi-Fi network. You’ll also need the CBI App on your phone – download it from Google Play or the App Store. Registration is free and setting up the devices is a breeze. That said, these devices only make use of your 2.4 Ghz wifi network, so when setting up make sure you are connected to a 2.4 Ghz network and not a 5 Ghz network. They can also be integrated with systems like Google Nest, which makes them even more versatile and useful.
Astute Smart Controller: For the large home appliances
Does your geyser need to be on 24/7? No, of course not! This is one of the best, most efficient uses for smart technology – managing your geyser’s energy consumption. A traditional geyser timer works to a set schedule, but it lacks the flexibility of remote control or the ability to monitor energy usage. The CBI Astute Smart Controller changes this, offering detailed insights into your geyser’s power consumption and allowing you to adjust its operation on the go, potentially saving a significant portion of your energy bill. You can log onto the app and see how much power your geyser is using at any moment, how much it has used that day, week or month. From the app, you can also switch the geyser off from anywhere in the world, so if you’re away on holiday and have forgotten to switch it off, no problem.
The CBI Astute Smart Controller isn’t just for geysers – you can also use one to monitor and control your pool filter pump, for example. Installing the CBI Astute Smart Controller is a job for a registered electrician, as it needs to be fitted to the DB board.
Astute Smart Plug: Versatile power!
The CBI Astute Smart Plug is a really versatile step towards a smarter home. This device can control any appliance plugged into it, providing an easy way to save energy. It features a standard South African three-pin plug as well as the new Eurostyle three-in socket (which is the new socket being rolled out across SA!), so you can plug just about anything into it. Whether it’s turning off a chest freezer at night or ensuring the office aircon isn’t running unnecessarily, the Astute Smart Plug offers a simple solution to reduce power consumption and save money.
The Astute Smart Isolator: Master control for larger loads
For those with more extensive needs, like controlling lighting in a warehouse or managing a water pump, the CBI Astute Smart Isolator is perfect. Capable of handling up to 30 Amps (which equates to around 7000 W!), this device can act as a master switch for multiple power points, bringing smart control to larger-scale operations.
Moving to smart home technology is more than just a convenience – it’s a smart investment. Because smart devices like those from the CBI Astute range give you precise control over your home’s energy consumption, they can lead to significant savings every month. The ability to monitor and adjust your appliances remotely is an added benefit.
Whether you’re building a new home or looking to upgrade your current one, installing smart devices is a step towards a more efficient, controlled and comfortable living environment. With options like the CBI Astute range available at Builders, both in-store and online at builders.co.za, making the switch has never been easier.
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