Do you remember when the first cell phone came out? How about when homes first had internet services installed? Now, just a few decades later, advanced technology, smart cars, smartphones, and smart homes have been created. Advanced technology has given consumers the ability to remotely monitor, track, and control your home. Who isn’t intrigued by having the luxury of controlling your lights, sprinklers, security system, and thermostat from the comfort of your office or while you are thousands of miles away on vacation? You can monitor what's going on outside of your home when you aren't there and, with the touch of a button, easily have help dispatched to your home in case of an emergency.

While the invention of smart homes has definitely made life simpler in many ways, not everyone is tech-savvy and some consumers may find the “smart world” to be more of a hassle than a convenience. In this article, we’ll discuss both the pros and cons of a smart home.

What is a Smart Home?

A smart home can be defined as a home setup where devices and appliances can be automatically controlled remotely from anywhere with an internet connection using a smartphone or other device.

The Advantages of a Smart Home

Convenience

Everyone loves convenience and with a smart home, you will surely get a lot of it. Forget to turn off the lights after you’ve just jumped in bed? Remember that you forgot to set the security alarm as soon as you settled into your Florida vacation home more than a thousand miles away? Did you forget to start the washer before you left home in a hurry on Monday morning?

Smart homes are able to offer the convenience of accessing a variety of lights, appliances, alarm systems, and thermostats. If you forget to turn something off or you are worried about what’s going on in your neighborhood you can access all of these remotely through your smartphone.

Let’s not forget the smart washers and dryers, they can send notifications to your phone when a cycle finishes, download new cycles, troubleshoot problems, and adjust settings, all through the use of a smartphone or voice command.

Savings on Homeowners Insurance

Did you know that if you upgrade your home or purchase a home that is already equipped with smart technology you could possibly receive a discount on your homeowners insurance? Contact your homeowners insurance company to find out what benefits they have to offer for having smart home features.

Ability to Monitor Smart Home Remotely

As stated, since smart homes operate through the use of the internet, you are able to monitor your home from wherever you are.

Reduction of Energy Consumption

One of the perks of living in a smart home is that it can help you save on energy consumption. How? What usually happens if you forget to adjust your thermostat or turn off the lights? They consume energy all day long until you’re able to return home. With a smart home, you are able to make the adjustments remotely. Thus, reducing your energy consumption.

Great for Disabled or Elder Persons

Smart home equipment can offer voice command services. If you are disabled, have trouble with mobility, or struggle with your eyesight, a smart home will be of great assistance.

Smart Homes can Earn LEED Points

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a green building rating program. In order to obtain LEED certification, you’ll have to demonstrate reduced energy consumption and the use of fewer resources. Did you know that your smart home may qualify as a green home and you can potentially earn LEED points? If you are constructing new buildings you may also be eligible for LEED points. You can find out more about the LEED certification through the U.S. Green Building Council.

The Disadvantages of a Smart Home

Privacy and Security Concerns

With advanced technology may come privacy and security concerns. Unfortunately, as with anything that is used through wireless services you could possibly become a victim of an internet hacker. Take precautions to keep your family safe by monitoring your smart home systems, and change your passwords often. This will help reduce privacy and security issues.

Smart Homes can be Expensive

Keep in mind that rewiring or installing adapters for smart home equipment may be necessary, which can result in high installation costs.

Smart Home System Failure

Brand new vehicles, new homes, and electronics can all come with malfunctions. That’s a risk that we take when we purchase these things. Usually, when you purchase smart home equipment you are given a warranty. If you notice frequent system failures, have it checked out as soon as possible.

Connection Issues

In order for a smart home to function properly, your internet and wifi connections should be stable. Depending on the area that you reside in you may have connection issues and glitches with smart equipment.

Not for Everyone

Too many devices and multiple apps to control devices can get confusing. Smart homes are not everyone’s cup of tea and that’s ok.

Takeaways for the Pros and Cons of a Smart Home

Sunwave Gas + Power

Whether you decide on smart home technology or not, every consumer’s energy needs and preferences vary, and at Sunwave Gas + Power, we believe that our consumers deserve simple-to-understand plans at affordable prices. "Energy simplified" captures our philosophy that purchasing energy should be stress-free. Whether it's for a home, small commercial facility, or large industrial complex, we have a wide variety of options. Contact Sunwave Gas + Power customer service team to speak with a member about our competitive rates and plans.

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