Smart tech devices are designed to interact with humans – either through voice commands, apps or touch on a touchscreen. They help homeowners increase security, save energy and streamline daily tasks.
Smart gadgets can catch water leaks, automate kitchen and house cleaning chores, optimize heating and cooling systems, change lighting and entertainment options and more. They also save energy and lower utility costs through automated meter readings and device optimization.
1. They Make Life Easier
Smart devices have one or more sensors that collect data and use it to make decisions. They also rely on wireless communication capabilities to share information and interact with other devices. Smart technology can perform a wide range of tasks, including automated control, tracking and reporting, detecting changes in conditions, learning from experiences, and helping to keep people safe.
Smart tech devices make home life easier by automating routine tasks, allowing for remote access and monitoring of household activity, reducing energy consumption, improving indoor air quality and more. Many smart gadgets feature a voice assistant like Google’s Assistant, Amazon’s Alexa or Apple’s Siri that listens to your commands and performs the tasks you request.
For example, a smart thermostat can automatically adjust temperatures to save energy. Or, a smart water monitor can detect and alert you to leaks that could cause costly structural damage. To get the most out of your smart devices, choose products with a high degree of upgradability and expandability so that they can grow with your needs.
2. They Save You Money
Despite the upfront cost, many smart home devices save homeowners money in the long run. Smart thermostats, for example, are designed to save energy by learning homeowners’ behavior and automatically adjusting settings to match their needs. And smart light switches, such as those offered by Lutron, can reduce energy consumption by dimming lights when they aren’t needed.
Additionally, smart water sensors can help prevent costly damage by alerting homeowners to potential issues like leaks and a water meter that is about to run out of gas. And a wireless inspection camera lets homeowners see hard-to-reach places, such as behind walls and in pipes, to troubleshoot problems.
While these devices offer significant savings, it’s important for homeowners to consider their specific needs before investing in a smart home system. Check ENERGY STAR’s rebate finder to learn more about available incentives, and make sure the devices you select will be compatible with your existing technology. Also, if
you’re planning to rent your home out at some point, it may not be a good idea to invest in energy-saving gadgets unless they are portable.
3. They Increase Safety
Smart tech devices are designed to make you and your family safer by detecting issues like water leaks, providing security monitoring via cameras or even by sending a notification when motion is detected. Additionally, some smart products can help you track important health metrics that can make it easier to monitor chronic conditions over time.
Smart home technology allows you to remotely control your home, removing the need for keys (a big safety issue if your elderly family members or house sitters live with you) and making it easier to monitor if your kids come home from school before dark. Additionally, smart locks can prevent theft and give you the peace of mind of knowing that your family is safe in your home at all times.
Although smart technology provides a number of convenience and safety benefits, it can also raise your vulnerability to hackers. Many smart devices have embedded computers that record your login information, preferences and activity in your home, making them easy targets for malicious actors.
4. They Add Value to Your Home
While it’s easy to imagine decking out your house with smart tech features for convenience, safety and energy efficiency, you must also consider how these upgrades will impact the home value. Many newer luxury homes are being built with integrated smart technology, and homeowners can add this same functionality to their current homes to increase resale value. Another benefit is to see if home warranty coverage is included in your home warranty plan and if it covers a home smart device.
Smart devices like smart plugs and smart bulbs are simple to set up and can automate appliances, such as fans, lamps, slow cookers and curling irons. They can also be programmed to follow specific schedules or to respond to voice commands through smart assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
