Remember the days – not so long ago – when the idea of simply telling a smart home device to turn up the heating seemed like something out of The Jetsons?
It turns out; we’re living in the future. Just ask one of the hundreds of Kiwis now turning to Alexa to play their music, set their alarms, find out about the weather and dim the lights.
The idea of home automation through technology is certainly not a new one – but the increase in options and affordability has seen the uptake in smart home device skyrocket in the past few years. But like all technology designed to make our lives easier, there are pros and cons.
Here are a few things to consider if you’re thinking about making your home ‘smart’.
SMART HOME PROS
Energy Efficiency
Want to do your bit for the planet while saving money on your monthly energy bills? Many home automation systems are designed with energy saving functionality in mind – with some AI (artificial intelligence) systems even adapting to your behaviour (learning when you have the heat and lights on, for example) and scheduling power consumption accordingly.
Convenience
Most people with an interest in home automation love the idea of technology being used to make their lives easier! Convenience is a key driving force in the development of many smart home devices – virtually eliminating everyday tasks like turning the lights off before you go to bed, or turning on your hair straightener while you get ready for work.
Security
Security is another significant benefit of home automation – not only because remote monitoring can allow you to check on your house while you’re away, but because smart home bulbs and power plugs let you to turn your lights or other devices on or off remotely, no matter where in the world you might be. You’ll never have to worry about whether or not you left the iron on, you’ll be able to mitigate the risks of intrusions by making it appear that someone is home at all times, and you’ll be immediately alerted if something uncharacteristic happens.
SMART HOME CONS
Higher Investment
Smart technology comes at a cost, and while the long-term energy savings may be worth it for some products, it’s important to do your research and ensure your investment is going to pay off. The cost of fitting and connection for home automation can also pricey – depending on the system you choose and its complexity – and installation of smart systems should definitely be left to professionals.
Not Always as Helpful as Intended
We spoke to a client this month who had smart home technology installed in his home 8 years ago… and said it was “a nightmare”! While home automation technologies are always improving, one of the drawbacks of smart home devices is that they don’t always ‘communicate’ with each other, which can make the user experience clunky and more hassle than it’s worth. Some devices can also be difficult to learn how to use, so if you’re not a technophile by nature, they may not be right for you.
Security!
Yes, security is one of the benefits of home automation – but it can also be a drawback when you consider that any system running via an internet connection can be compromised by a hacker. If your smart home devices are designed to lock your doors remotely or allow you to see what’s going on inside your home, there’s the potential for security and privacy breaches.