Smart Homes: Pros, Cons And How They Work

The features of a modern smart home can make you wonder how you ever lived without one. Not only do smart homes make homeownership more convenient and provide peace of mind, they also save you money over time and contribute to a green lifestyle.

Let’s take a close look at exactly what smart homes are and how they work, along with their pros and cons so you can decide if a smart home is right for you.

What Is A Smart Home?

Smart homes are houses in which a hub, such as a tablet, phone or computer, enables lighting, heating and other electricity-powered systems to be programmed to turn off and on or dynamically adjust. This technology is often referred to as smart home automation, which includes devices that homeowners can control remotely through an internet connection.

Thermostats, lights, locks, cameras, appliances and speakers are all examples of devices that smart home technology can power. Investing in smart home upgrades is a great way to make your home more energy-efficient.

To get started, you’ll need a few main components:

1. A Wi-Fi connection

2. Smart home devices

3. A smart home hub to connect to and control your devices

How Do Smart Homes Work?

A smart home consists of various devices that can be connected to one central point such as a smartphone or tablet. Devices with software, sensors and a means of networking together are part of the Internet of Things (IoT). Using this system of integration, you can fully customize your smart home so it works best for your lifestyle, whether manually, on a schedule or by devices triggering each other.

With a convenient smart home automation system at the tip of your fingers, you can structure your home however you prefer without having to operate multiple apps and devices. It could be as simple as having your lights turn on each time you come home so you’re not fumbling around in the dark.

Some smart home systems offer more advanced technology. For example, they may sense an electric surge and turn off appliances in order to prevent damage to them. Or, smart home systems may sense water failures and turn the water off to avoid potential flooding. Other smart home systems may operate off of self-learned skills by observing routines and making adjustments as needed.

Smart Home Systems

A smart home can be wireless, hardwired or both. The option you choose will mostly depend on its aesthetics, longevity and cost-friendliness.

• Wireless systems: Choosing a wireless home system might sound like the easiest option. However, while it is typically simple to install with strong Wi-Fi connectivity and won’t take up as much room in electrical sockets, a wireless system isn’t always as quick or reliable as a hardwired connection. Plus, it comes with a greater risk of getting hacked by an outside source.
• Hardwired systems: A hardwired home system won’t require broadband service nor will it interfere with wireless devices. With a wired connection, you’ll enjoy consistent performance without needing bulky add-ons or battery charges to keep your smart devices going.

How To Design A Smart Home

Creating a smart home is a process with countless components to consider. These days, almost any device has a smart alternative. The extent of your smart home features will depend on your needs and your budget. Consider identifying what you want to prioritize and take the time to research before you start.

Here are some of the best smart devices and systems for homeowners to invest in and create a smart home according to their preferences.

Smart Lighting

Smart lights are a popular lighting trend. They allow you to control the lighting of any room in your home. This can be especially helpful if you’re on the go and realize you left a light or two on by accident. You can also configure your lights to turn on and off at specific times. Some smart lighting systems can detect motion in the room as well as daylight availability, causing the system to automatically adjust.

Smart Thermostats

Using a smart thermostat can easily save you money on energy bills by automatically adjusting the temperature to your schedule. Instead of constantly running heat throughout the day if you leave for work or throughout the night as you sleep, you can program your unit to shut down and ensure no wasted electricity. Smart options are likewise available for air conditioning units.

Smart Entertainment

From TVs and speakers to smart assistants like Siri, smart entertainment has too many capabilities to list. This type of smart home technology can streamline your ease of getting the latest information on items like weather and local news while using voice commands to play music, set timers or ask any question they can find the answer for on the web.

Smart Appliances

Dishwashers, refrigerators, and washers and dryers are all appliances that allow remote control. You can also monitor the specific functions of each appliance. Your washing machine can detect the times of lowest energy consumption in your area, and your refrigerator can alert you when a food item might be expired if you scan groceries beforehand.

Smart Security Systems

Smart home security is a driving force in the increase of smart home technology. A variety of security features – such as door locks, garage door openers, alarm systems and cameras – can contribute to safety and security in a home.

Many of these smart home products have enhanced features that can track motion, capture live video and allow audio calls when a visitor arrives. If suspicious activity is detected, your system can automatically alert authorities to protect your home.

Additional Smart Home Care

On top of the fundamental features in smart homes, you can install smart home devices that are specifically tailored to:

• Beds: Smart mattresses have the ability to change their position, temperature and softness to your preference. Some have extra features like massages, alarm clocks, sleep monitoring and separate sides that automatically elevate.
• Lawns and gardens: Homeowners can schedule sprinklers to water their grass and plants at set times to guarantee the lawn is well cared for.
• Pets: Thanks to automated pet feeders that can be controlled remotely or set to certain times, pet owners can ensure they never forget to feed their pets. You can also enjoy self-cleaning litter boxes and the freedom of smart pet doors that work with your pet’s collar.
• Nurseries: Having a newborn can be a much more relaxed experience with the assistance of a smart bassinet that rocks itself. Same with smart mobiles for entertainment and smart health monitors that ensure your baby’s needs are met.
• Elderly/medical assistance: Those in need of medical attention can use a medical alert button to contact others for help. Medication dispensers can also alert you when your loved one has taken their dose.
• Pools: Swimming pools tend to require plenty of upkeep, but a smart pool app can help you automate cleaning by measuring the chemicals in your pool remotely.

No matter how complex or simple your situation may be, a bit of home automation can make life a little easier and provide more assurance.

Pros And Cons Of Smart Homes

Smart homes are increasingly altering lifestyles and even becoming a must-have for those looking to buy a home. Below, you’ll find some of the most common pros and cons of owning a smart home.

Pros

Smart home systems are aimed to make daily tasks easier and give you peace of mind. Benefits often associated with smart homes include:

• Convenience: Controlling one or multiple smart products can be much more manageable than operating each one in a traditional fashion.
• Enhanced security: With automatic alerts and live video feeds, you can keep a watchful eye on your home no matter where you are.
• Long-term energy savings: By operating smart devices to be energy-efficient, you can save more money on your bills each month.
• Increased accessibility: Because devices can be operated remotely and even by voice, smart homes allow those with mobility challenges to have a much greater level of autonomy in their living spaces.
• Resale value: Convenience and safety in a home are a huge priority for most buyers in the real estate market, making a home equipped with smart technology more desirable than a traditional home.
• Ecological mindfulness: When smart home devices provide insight into your energy use, you’re likely to make more decisions with energy efficiency in mind. By doing so, you can improve your home’s sustainability, have a positive effect on the environment and reduce your carbon footprint.

Cons

No smart home system is perfect all the time, so operating one can occasionally be more of a chore. Drawbacks of smart homes include:

• Cost: Upgrading a home to have multiple smart features can make for an expensive upfront investment, especially if you enlist a professional for the installation. Depending on what you need, you could spend thousands of dollars and stretch your budget too thin.
• Security risk: Most smart security systems carry some risk of being hacked, especially if they’re on a network. This possibility may require the homeowner to monitor product safety to keep their smart home secure.
• Compatibility: Certain smart devices may not be compatible with one another, or even with your home system network itself. Compatibility issues can lead to controls failing to work properly or at all.
• User experience: People who aren’t that acquainted with technology might find home automation to be too complex for their everyday use.

FAQs About Smart Homes

Next, find the answers to commonly asked questions about smart homes.

How much do smart homes cost?

Upgrading a home with smart features can be done over time, room by room, and based on your budget. According to HomeAdvisor, you can anticipate spending between $176 and $1,475, but installation costs can run as high as $3,000. To completely automate the standard four-bedroom, three-bathroom home, you might shell out up to $15,000.

If you decide to get a smart home system professionally installed, additional fees and labor costs are often involved.

Why are smart homes important?

One of the defining characteristics of a smart home is its impact on energy-efficiency and futuristic homes. Smart homes make home maintenance more convenient and complete tasks that otherwise would require more effort.

Smart homes also offer environmental benefits by helping homeowners conserve energy and practice sustainability.

Can a smart home be hacked?

Because home automation typically requires a live network connection, it’s possible for smart home systems to get hacked.

Thankfully, homeowners can take certain safety precautions to keep their smart homes secure. These safety measures include changing their router’s default name and password and keeping smart devices updated with the latest software.

Will a power outage affect a smart home?

Depending on the smart devices you supply your home with, a power outage could stop some or all from functioning since they’re most often connected to the internet. Luckily, home security and medical alert systems usually have backup batteries for power outages.

Is a smart home worth it?

The initial costs of smart devices and installation can be significant, depending on your situation. However, it’s rare for a smart home not to save you money on utility costs in the long run.

Plus, with value added to your home, you’re almost guaranteed to make some if not all of your smart technology investment back if you decide to sell.

The Bottom Line: Smart Homes Can Make Life Easier And The World Greener

The idea of a smart home with controllable smart devices may seem a little intimidating to some people, but smart homes are growing in popularity and their possibilities are endless. You can always opt to gradually upgrade or take the step to buy a home that’s already equipped with smart features. In the end, all that really matters is that you reach your ease-of-use goals in homeownership.

If you’re interested in browsing smart homes on the market, speak with one of our Rocket Homes℠ real estate agents to set yourself up with the perfect home that works for your lifestyle.