A couple of weeks ago we wrote about Home Electronic Solutions of Wisconsin, Pratt Remodeling’s go to source for everything we could ask for in smart home technology. Today we’d like to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of converting your home into a smart home.
Due to the increasing popularity of smart homes, many companies have been able to advance the technology necessary to bring affordably priced smart home products to the market.
People are investing in smart home products every day. Whether it’s an automatic coffee maker, a thermostat, or an entire home security system, many families are making their homes a little bit smarter, and a lot more convenient.
Unfortunately, as with most things, a smart home has its advantages and disadvantages. We hope that this post will help you determine whether a smart home is something you’d like to invest in, or not.
Advantages
Adding Convenience to your Daily Life –
When you convert your home into a smart home, you’ll have all of your products programmed to your specific needs. Additionally being able to control your home, no matter where you are, can be extremely beneficial.
Customization –
There are many smart products on the market right now and you certainly don’t need to buy all of them at once. As the consumer it’s up to you to decide which product you want most, determine if you like it, and then add on to your collection of smart home products as you go.
A good product to start with would be a thermostat or home security system if you’re in the market for either of those.
Security –
Smart home security systems allow you to view your home no matter where you are. You can have cameras installed, motion detectors, locks, etc, and you will be notified immediately if something is out of the ordinary. Many of these systems will even let you know of any unexpected temperature changes so that you’re alerted if there is a possible fire.
Ease of Use –
Almost all smart home products can be installed without much hassle, many of them don’t even require you to bring someone into your home. Additionally if you’re already someone who’s tech savvy, learning how to use most of these products is a breeze.
Save Money and the Environment –
Smart homes feature products like thermostats, air conditioners, and lighting. Having the ability to put these things on a timer, or turn them on and off when you’re away from home will likely help you save money on your electricity bills. Many of these products allow you to track your energy usage and expenditures.
Disadvantages
Cost –
Most families are able to purchase smart home products, but that doesn’t mean it won’t leave a dent in your wallet. You can purchase the products one at a time and it won’t seem like too much, $50 here, $300 there, but by the time you have the smart home system you want, you will likely have spent a larger sum than you would have if you had purchased non-smart products.
Slight Learning Curve –
I know I stated in the advantages that most smart home systems are actually very easy to use, but at the same time there is still somewhat of a learning curve for most people. For anyone already immersed in technology, converting your smart home will be a breeze, but for anyone not so tech savvy, it may make for a lot of time spent reading manuals.
If you think you might have trouble learning how to use a smart home device, the answer may be simple. Ask for help! Asking someone to show you how to run your smart home can far less confusing than trying to make heads or tails of an instruction manual.
Reliability –
A smart home will be extremely reliant on your internet connection. If your connection drops you’ll be left with a lot of smart products that won’t work. Additionally, wireless signals can possibly be interrupted by other electronics in your home and cause some of your smart products to function slowly or not at all.
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider when deciding whether you’d like to convert your home into a smart home. Smart homes aren’t for everyone. They can help bring down your electricity bills, simplify your daily tasks, and help to give you a feeling of security. But for some people smart home product will simply turn into an economic burden. It’s ultimately up to you to decide which category you fall into.
