What to Consider When Deciding Whether Home Automation is Right for You
Smart home automation comes in all shapes and sizes. Technology has evolved to offer smart solutions in every room in your home. From automated kitchen appliances to smart thermostats to security systems, there’s no shortage of options to choose from.
But how do you decide whether home automation is right for you, or which solutions you need to invest in? Keep reading to learn what you need to know to make the right choice.
Save Money
One of the biggest considerations to make when determining whether or not home automation is the right choice for you is the potential cost savings you could be enjoying. From preventing costly damage to deterring break-ins, there is no shortage of ways that various smart home technology can help you to save money.
Smart thermostats, outlets, and appliances can all help you to reduce your energy use, which in turn can reduce your monthly bills. You can turn off appliances and light bulbs remotely, or put them on automated timers to go off during times when they aren’t in use. Smart thermostats can raise and lower your heating and air conditioning so that you aren’t overheating or cooling your home while you’re away or while you’re sleeping.
Some smart appliances even take your cost savings one step further. You can purchase a smart washer and dryer that can be set to run when energy costs are at their lowest for the day or a refrigerator that alerts you when the door is left open to prevent a spike in energy use.
Other smart home devices serve multiple purposes, which include saving money. For instance, the security features of smart cameras and alarms can also prevent a break-in that would result in losses. In the same way, water leak detectors can help you detect a leak before it can cause extensive and costly damage.
Increase Safety
While smart alarms, security systems, smoke alarms, and leak detectors can save you money in the event that something goes wrong, their primary purpose is to increase safety in your home.
Traditional carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms are effective. But smart-enabled devices take those safety measures one step further. They offer mobile alerts sent directly to your smartphone, letting you know when there is smoke, water, or an intruder in your home while you’re away. These alerts make it possible for you to take action quickly, by either returning home, calling a neighbor, or alerting emergency services.
A small fire can become life-threatening in under two minutes, and engulf a home in five, according to Ready.gov. Whether you’re on vacation or just away from home for the day, getting an alert immediately, rather than finding out about the problem later on, can be the difference between protecting your family and your home or facing a big loss.
Enjoy the Convenience of Smart Devices
Besides increasing safety and helping you save money, smart home automation also offers a variety of conveniences to make your life and daily chores easier.
You can turn on a smart-enabled oven or washer from another room. Turn on your front porch light before you leave the office. Switch on your air conditioning on your way home from vacation.
While these conveniences may seem minor, if they save you time or stress that allows you to spend more time with your family or help you to focus on more important things, they may be a worthwhile investment.
Customize Your Home Automation to Fit Your Lifestyle
Smart technology comes in all shapes and sizes, which makes it easy to customize your smart home automation to fit your unique lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to cut costs, increase safety, or simply make life a little easier, there’s a smart home device or devices out there to help you do just that.
