Smart home devices are becoming standard household items. In fact, smart homes, in which many of the home’s functions are remotely controllable through apps, number almost 200 million worldwide. Many of us are familiar with several smart home products, and we likely already have a few. But which ones are worth the investment, and which ones can we live without?
Q: Do you need smart devices in your home?
A: Currently, there aren’t any utilities or necessities that are inaccessible to homes that aren’t considered smart. For example, you don’t need internet connectivity for your furnace to work properly. That’s not to say that won’t change someday. But, for now, the reality is that you don’t need smart devices. However, many have benefits that are worth considering.
Q: Do smart home devices save money?
A: Perhaps the smart device that most people are familiar with is the smart thermostat. A smart thermostat connects you to your home’s heating system through an app on your phone. The connectivity allows you to control the home’s interior temperature whether or not you’re home.
Additionally, the app allows you to set a program, similar to a programmable thermostat, to adjust the temperature at set intervals. However, better than a programmable thermostat is the ability for smart thermostats to “learn” your family’s routines and adapt their programming to maximize efficiency.
Smart appliances have similar programming and learning features that can save additional energy costs. Smart lighting offers similar benefits. So, while the robotic vacuum cleaner won’t likely earn cash for you, smart devices that control heating, cooling, refrigeration and other energy-consuming systems can save money on your energy bills.
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Q: Are smart security systems worth the cost?
A: Smart security systems are likely worth their cost for several reasons. A security system that protects your home doesn’t just tell you that your home has been burglarized. Today’s smart security systems encompass all kinds of real-time safety features, warnings and notifications and can store them in recordings.
Even if you live in a safe neighborhood, a smart security system can provide monitoring of dangerous gas buildup, potentially lower your home insurance premium, notify you of fire or other damaging events, allow you to double-check things you may have forgotten, provide peace of mind and, of course, deter burglars.
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Q: Can smart home devices be hacked?
A: Smart devices, like anything connected to the internet, can be hacked. However, there are numerous ways to protect your system from attracting uninvited guests. Although putting safety measures in place won’t guarantee that someone can’t hack the system, it’s likely that if it takes too much time and effort to get into yours, the culprit will choose an easier target. Keep your smart devices safe by taking the following steps.
- Ensure that your Wi-Fi system has a strong password
- Use a different password for each device when applicable
- Change all of your passwords every several months or less
- Use smart products from reputable companies
Q: Do smart home devices have high ROI?
A: Not only can smart devices save you money through energy savings and potential home insurance rate reductions, but they can also increase the value of your home when it’s time to sell. Most sellers of smart homes realize 50% returns on their investment. However, the more significant benefit may be that buyers tend to choose to purchase smart homes more readily than houses without the technology.
Q: Are smart devices worth it?
A: Overall, the convenience factor of smart devices makes the investment worth it to most purchasers. But remember that convenience is the goal for many, while saving money is a nice benefit. When it comes to dollar-for-dollar smart device value, consider how much money you might save on utility costs or by minimizing the risk of loss by installing a particular device to decide if the investment is worth it to you.
FAQs
Q: Do smart home devices have high ROI? A: Not only can smart devices save you money through energy savings and potential home insurance rate reductions, but they can also increase the value of your home when it's time to sell. Most sellers of smart homes realize 50% returns on their investment.
Is smart technology worth the cost? ›
Investing in smart home technology offers long-term benefits that justify the initial costs: Increased Home Value: Homes equipped with smart home technology often command higher resale values and attract tech-savvy buyers who value convenience and energy efficiency.
What are the pros and cons of smart appliances? ›
Here Are the Pros and Cons of Smart Home Technology
- ENERGY EFFICIENCY. Investing in smart home installation can make your home more energy efficient once the devices and systems are up and running. ...
- CONVENIENCE. ...
- SECURITY. ...
- HACKING RISK. ...
- COMPATIBILITY ISSUES. ...
- EXPENSIVE.
What is an example of a smart device? Autonomous vehicles, smartphones and smart thermostats are a few examples of smart devices.
What is the benefit of smart devices? ›
A: Smart technology offers numerous benefits, including enhanced convenience through voice control and automation, entertainment options with streaming services, energy savings by optimizing device usage, improved safety and security through monitoring capabilities, health tracking for valuable insights, increased ...
What are the negative effects of smart devices? ›
Technologies, such as handheld tablets, smartphones, and computers, can hold a person's attention for long periods. This may lead to eyestrain. Symptoms of digital eyestrain can include blurred vision and dry eyes. Eyestrain may also lead to pains in other areas of the body, such as the head, neck, or shoulders.
Do you really need a smart home? ›
Key Takeaways. A smart home allows homeowners to control appliances, thermostats, lights, and other devices remotely through an internet connection using a smartphone or tablet. Smart homes can be set up with wireless or hardwired systems. Smart home technology provides homeowners with convenience and cost savings.
Does a smart thermostat add value to a home? ›
Does a Smart Home Increase a Home's Value? Smart home technology can definitely add to market value. Appraisers make what they call “adjustments” when they compare tech-enabled homes with similar but tech-deficient houses. Smart homes command higher prices and may be easier to sell as a result.
Do smart homes sell better? ›
Tech-Savvy Buyers Want Tech-Enabled Homes
In today's market, automating homes can build equity and smart home features can help a home sell faster, at a higher price. IoT devices have been shown to increase a property's resale value by up to 5% .
Do smart appliances need Wi-Fi? ›
To sum up, most smart home devices need an active internet connection to provide you with the best possible experience. However, there are some exceptions - such as smart devices with motion and sensor features - that can be controlled without Wi-Fi.
Yes, smart devices can help you save energy. But, no, not all of them will. While smart power strips, smart bulbs and smart thermostats can curb your energy use, other smart devices like speakers and cameras will increase your household energy use.
Why do people use smart devices? ›
Smart home technology offers multiple benefits, including reducing energy consumption and long-term cost savings. Smart home device ownership is steadily rising in the UK, with approximately 45% of households owning a smart device in 2022, which is expected to grow (Statista, 2023).
Is my phone a smart device? ›
Smartphones allow you to go online, use apps, and connect to other devices. Smart appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens can be controlled, monitored, and customized remotely. Smart TVs can access the internet, streaming services, and apps. Smart thermostats control home heating and cooling systems.
What smart devices are worth it? ›
What is the best smart home device?
| Best smart home device | ZDNET's take | Connectivity |
|---|
| Amazon Echo Show 8 | Best overall | Matter, Thread, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Philips Hue Starter Kit | Best smart light | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi through Bridge |
| Nest Thermostat | Best smart thermostat | Wi-Fi, Matter |
| Aqara U100 | Best smart lock | Wi-Fi, Aqara Hub |
1 more rowJul 17, 2024
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What are the disadvantages of a smart home? ›
Initial investment: Compared to regular home technology, smart home technology requires a higher investment. Power surges: According to the Insurance Information Institute, you need to ensure your home is adequately protected against power surges.
What are the pros and cons of smart technology? ›
Smart home technology provides homeowners with convenience and cost savings. Security risks and bugs continue to plague makers and users of smart home technology. Though full-scale home automation may cost thousands of dollars, smaller individual products can cost less than $100.
Do smart home devices increase home value? ›
Does a Smart Home Increase a Home's Value? Smart home technology can definitely add to market value. Appraisers make what they call “adjustments” when they compare tech-enabled homes with similar but tech-deficient houses. Smart homes command higher prices and may be easier to sell as a result.
How many smart devices does the average person own? ›
On average, US households with smart home devices own 8 devices (Parks Associates) If a household has a smart home device, they tend to have several. From 2018 to 2021, the average number of smart home devices increased from 6 to 8.
