You’ve probably heard the term “smart home” by now, but some still question what exactly that means. Any device in a home that is connected to the internet and can be easily controlled remotely through another centrally connected device, commonly a mobile phone or tablet, is considered a smart home device. The connection to the internet can be either wired or wireless.
Smart home devices can be located both in and outside the home
Smart devices that have become popular on the exterior of the home include: doorbells, lights, door locks, security cameras, heat tape sensors, garage door openers, landscape watering optimizers, lawn mowers, and hot tub monitoring systems.
Smart home technology used inside the home is plentiful. From small appliances like crock pots, coffee makers, robot vacuums, and mops to large appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, and even washers and dryers. And let’s not forget home monitoring systems such as motion sensors, pet cams, security cameras, lights, plumbing leak detectors, and smart thermostats. Smart outlets and smart assistants commonly referred to as Alexa have also become quite common.
What are the PERKS of owning a smart home?
Convenience - When you have that feeling of, “Did I turn the oven off”, instead of sitting at work and having to worry about it all day you can simply check the app on your phone. If you did happen to leave it on, no need to return home to remedy the problem, simply turn it off remotely. When you’re expecting a late night visitor or your teenagers have yet to make it home you can simply turn the exterior lights on from your phone or set a timer, so they turn on at a certain time and off again at whatever time you choose. At the store and don’t recall if you need eggs or milk? Just check with your smart fridge.
Peace of Mind - Home security no matter how small or complex of a system you have can certainly put a worried mind at ease. Whether you’re concerned about how your pet is doing that just had surgery or suffers from anxiety or curious if your mindless teenager remembered to lock the door and close the garage upon their departure, all of these potential “problems” are no longer big issues because they can be solved easily from the palm of your hand.
Avoid Costly Damages - Coming home to find major damages caused by a leak, backed up sewer line, or frozen hot tub can be avoided or at least limited with various smart devices that monitor and alert you when things are not functioning as they should. Your insurance company may also discount your property insurance rates if certain aspects of your home have incorporated smart technology.
Energy Savings - A great deal of energy AND money can be saved when a home has smart devices that help manage the various utility systems. Appliances, heating and cooling systems, and electronics can be used more efficiently, therefore lowering your costs.
Increased Home Value - According to the National Association of Realtors®, home buyers are willing to pay more for smart home features such as home appliances, home security, and climate control. Hardwired systems are considered more reliable and may increase the value of your home, but are also most costly to install. Value is dictated by the quality and complexity of the system as well as the property’s location due to the knowledge and desire of consumers to own a smart home varying greatly.
What are the DOWNFALLS of owning a smart home?
Cost - This is the main component keeping homeowners from converting their home to a smart home. New builds typically try to find balance and integrate smart home features where it makes the most sense for the budget. Keep in mind that a home with only a handful of smart features may only cost a few thousand dollars, but a large home that is “fully smart” with a hardwired system can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We all know that technology is always changing, so aside from the start-up cost, there will also always be future software and hardware upgrade and replacement costs that are also important to consider.
Compatibility - A smart home not only takes time to learn, but also tends to coincide with tech compatibility issues. It’s recommended you hire a professional to be sure each aspect of your system is designed to be compatible with the next in order to limit the headache and frustration that is bound to come with trying to do it on your own.
Security Concerns - Hackers can gain access to internet connected devices so security definitely should be a concern, since each and every smart device requires an internet connection. There are precautions homeowners can and should take to mitigate their risks such as using encryption, having a strong password, adding protection to each device, and only allowing trusted devices to connect to the internet network that is host to your smart home system. I am not a tech, smart home, or internet security professional. To protect your safety and security when installing even just 1 smart home device it is important that you consult with someone who is.
How smart is your home?
Do you have any ideas on what new smart home features will hit the market next?
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