What Are the Advantages of a Smart Home?

Wondering if a so-called “smart home” is right for you? From energy efficiency to added safety, you don’t have to be a techie to appreciate the many benefits of beefing up your home’s IQ. So hold on to your smartphone – life’s about to get a whole lot easier (and a whole lot more fun).

Energy Efficiency

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy estimates that most U.S. homes can reduce energy use by over 15% just by incorporating smart technologies. For many households, the first step in creating a more energy-efficient home is simply adding a smart thermostat. Today's upgraded thermostats are capable of much more than remote programming. With intelligent controls designed to respond to things like local weather, time of year, and even occupancy, these devices deliver much more than their early predecessors. Beyond thermostats, smart water heaters, lighting, and even window shades are just a few examples of an ever-expanding catalog of devices intended to make your home more efficient while increasing the comfort level of you and your family.

Security

Smart security devices allow you to integrate and control multiple security features independently, in groups, or even in response to certain events. Want to keep an eye on your home while you’re at work? It’s as simple as installing a few smart cameras. Worried the kids didn’t lock the door when everyone left this morning? Check (and lock) it from your phone. Even better, just set it to lock automatically whenever you leave the house. Add motion sensors. Connect an alarm. Set up a one-time entry code for the plumbing repair guy. Smart home security options are amazingly flexible, making it easy to scale up or down based on your individual needs and comfort level.

Safety

The safety benefits of living in a smart home aren’t limited to guarding against burglary. Smart devices can be set to monitor and protect your home, your family, even your pet from accidental mishaps and appliance malfunctions. Smart water leak and moisture monitoring devices can detect unusual changes in moisture levels and notify you before damages or injuries occur. Worried your toddler might get into the medicine cabinet? Receive an alert every time the cabinet is opened. Like all aspects of the smart home, it’s up to you to customize a solution that fits your needs.

Convenience

Let’s face it, who isn’t excited by the idea of feeding Fido or turning on the AC with a tap on your phone? But convenience can be more than just cool. It can be really, well, convenient. It can save time and effort, and it can make your life a whole lot easier. Whether convenience for you means locking the door and setting the alarm from the comfort of your bed or having your refrigerator add milk to your grocery list, today’s smart home technology offers solutions that are sure to save anyone a great deal of time and effort.

You don’t have to do it all at once. The beauty of these smart home options is that the features can be added in pieces. Regardless of your tech level, the benefits of adding even a little smart to your home can add up, saving you time and money, and helping to ensure the safety and security of the ones you love.