It is no surprise that as technology continues to evolve and advance, it has been an integral part of our daily lives. The evolution of technology has given rise to the use of smart technologies in the home. These homes are otherwise known as smart homes. So, what exactly is a smart home, how do they work, are there benefits to owing one?
In this article, I will discuss smart homes, how they work, what they enable you to do, and the pros and cons associated with them. So, without taking too much of your time, let’s dive right into the topic of the day.
What is a smart home, and how does it work?
To put it in a simple form, a smart home is a home where all electrical appliances or devices (lights, locks, cameras, etc) can be controlled remotely. The user can do this from anywhere with an internet connection and a smartphone or smartpad.
A smart home isn’t really different from a normal home; it is just improved in key aspects to make the home better and more functional. Smart homes use internet-connected devices to enable homeowners to control appliances, thermostats, HVAC, sprinklers, lights, and other electrical devices.
The system is usually installed in a networked device where the user can create a schedule for certain appliances to work at a certain point or time frame. The system also has room for tweaks or certain changes if needed by the homeowner.
Some smart home systems are also equipped with AI, just like SIRI and Google AI. The AI can simply work for you, taking note of habits and adjusting settings to these habits. For example, if you are fond of lowering the thermostat at night, the AI picks this habit up and includes it in your schedule.
Advantages and disadvantages of smart homes
Before making any decision, it is often advised to review the benefits and drawbacks associated. Therefore, in this section, I will write on the pros and cons associated with smart homes.
Pros
1. Security
Security is one of the main reasons why investing in a smart home can be a smart decision. Do not get me wrong, I do not mean that a normal home is not secure. I only mean to say that smart homes offer more in terms of security.
With a smart system installed in your home, you have better control over the household. All doors and windows are controlled by you, so no one gets in or out without your knowledge. In other words, I guess we can say the smart home system informs you of every activity that takes place in the home.
2. Convenience
Another major benefit smart homes offer is convenience. Remember, the idea behind smart homes is to make them better and more functional, making them more convenient for homeowners. For example, instead of manually switching on the sprinklers or other devices in the home, you control them on your device.
3. Saves resources
Smart homes also offer an extra layer of efficiency for homeowners. Lawns are watered only when needed and with the right amount of water. Lights are turned off when not in use, and water and energy are also used more efficiently, helping save both natural resources and money for homeowners.
Cons
1. Require constant internet connection
As cited through the course of this article, smart home systems are installed on a phone, tablet, or laptop through an internet connection. This means that they require a constant and reliable internet connection or network. So, in case of a power outage, all appliances will be inoperable.
2. Perceived complexity
Some owners find technologies to be too complex to use; although this does not apply to the majority, it is still worth mentioning. That said, smart home manufacturers continue to work in order to reduce the complexity and improve user experience. This will help make it enjoyable and beneficial to all users at all levels.
3. Cost
As the saying goes, nothing good comes easily, or in this case, cheaply. A lot of these smart home devices are pretty expensive; getting an entire house with these devices or appliances can cost a fortune. However, the end result should speak for itself.
FAQs
What are the features of a smart home?
A smart home carries a smart TV, smart lighting system, smart thermostats, smart pet and lawn care, smart kitchen monitors, smart doors, and smart security cameras and alert systems.
Are smart homes expensive?
Sadly, the cost of building a smart home can be on the high side, but this should be a small price to pay for comfort and security.
Do smart homes use a lot of electricity?
Surprisingly, they do not. Smart homes are even praised for their superior energy efficiency.
Can smart homes be hacked?
Yes, they can. However, hacking a smart home is not really an easy feat, it requires certain skills and expertise to accomplish.
Conclusion – Is a smart home worth it or not?
Taking advantage of modern technological advancements, smart homes make it very easy for homeowners to accomplish certain tasks. From managing your home temperature, saving energy with a smart thermostat, and controlling your home lighting with smart light bulbs. Furthermore, smart homes offer more security and awareness than the regular home will offer.
Smart homes have revolutionized the functionality of the home, so yes, it is definitely worth having. That said, you must also note that smart homes can be a costly investment; equipping your house with the appropriate products can cost a lot. However, the potential utility cost savings can prove to be beneficial in the long run.
I hope you found this article insightful. You may also be interested in this article explaining how smart door locks work.
Thank you for reading this article.