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«Siri, turn everything on,» is what Simeon Mächler says to his iPhone when he gets home. A moment later, all the lights in the cozy top-floor one-bedroom apartment are blazing, Bruno Mars is singing from the speakers and Simeon’s making himself comfortable in his white armchair. The 34-year-old architect has been enjoying the advantages of a smart home for just under a year. What this means is that the electrical devices in his home are connected to an app, so he can turn them on or off using his smartphone or tablet – if he wants to. Of course, all the switches can still be operated by hand in the traditional way, which Simeon very much appreciates. The devices don’t necessarily have to be connected to the Internet, since the app works both offline and online.
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At home, Simeon Mächler likes comfort and style.
Everything is controlled via a single app
Simeon arranged for the Swiss company nomos System AG to install his smart home – because it offers a simple and cost-effective smart-home solution. The sockets and switches in his apartment are connected to a small black device, the controller. This receives instructions via an app that it then transmits to the connected devices. «The special thing about the nomos system is that it not only allows me to connect my digital devices, such as the Sonos Soundbar or the Philips Hue lights, but also all non-smart devices like the ceiling spotlights that came with the apartment,» explains Simeon. He also truly enjoys no longer needing a variety of apps to control his smart devices – now he just uses one.
«When I’m at home, I enjoy comfort,» says the architect. And even when he’s not at home, he can turn his smart-home devices on and off or program them to be on when he gets home.
A smart home helps save electricity
Simeon remembers that the smart-home installation was simple. An electrician came to his apartment and connected all the required components. «Except for the small controller in my living room, there are no visible changes in my apartment.» What has changed since then though is that power shortages have become a major topic. Simeon finds it helpful that he can view his detailed power consumption in the app: «My smart home helps me save electricity!»
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The smartphone app shows how much electricity is being used.
Frequently asked questions about smart homes
| What is a smart home? | We call it a smart home when the devices and switches used in the house or apartment are connected to a network. It enables remote control of household appliances, lighting, home technology and consumer electronics. |
| What is the goal of a smart home? | The advantages of a smart home include an increase in living quality and security, as well as efficient use of energy. |
| How much does a smart-home installation cost? | Basic smart-home packages start at CHF 500.–. However, the total price depends on a number of factors and what the customer wants. In cooperation with the company nomos, Sunrise offers a smart-home solution for a monthly fee – excluding installation costs. |
| How do I set up a smart home? | A specialist should be commissioned to set up a smart home. |
| Can you save electricity with a smart home? | Yes, you can save up to 30% on your electricity bill. This is because a smart home allows you to use and control the electrical devices in your home more precisely. |