4 Things to Know About Smart Home Systems
Smart homes are on the rise in the US, with the number of households that have a smart home system forecasted to reach 77.9 million by 2024. The appeal of being able to control things in your home at the touch of a button, even if you're miles away, has captivated the US public. So, if you're in the market for a smart home system and don't know what you should be looking for, read on for 4 things you should know about it!
1 - What it is
A smart home system is one that's connected to all your appliances, and can be controlled by your phone, your voice commands, or even artificial intelligence. This way, you can program your appliances to automatically accomplish tasks, even if you're out of the house or on vacation.
2 - Why you should get one
According to Berg Insight, more American homeowners are trusting smart home systems, with over 51.2 million being installed by the end of 2020. But getting a smart home system has more in store for you than getting you on the bandwagon.
One major benefit of these systems is that they allow you to use energy more efficiently, keeping costs down. It also makes life simpler by cutting tasks out of your routine, like making coffee and feeding your pet, and doing it for you instead. What's more, you can rest in comfort at the end of the day, knowing that your home is secure.
3 - How expensive it is
At first, the cost of setting up even a basic system can be pretty steep, averaging at around $2,000-$7,000. Despite this, it can actually save you money in the long run. Smart home systems can help pinpoint wasteful energy usage in your home and automatically turn off lighting, air conditioning, and electronics when not in use. Smart devices can also prevent property damage by detecting water leaks and high carbon monoxide levels. It can even protect against break-ins and notify you of "porch pirates," or people who steal delivered packages off doorsteps. All of this highlights how these systems should be treated more like an investment than an expense.
That's why it might be good to consider applying for a personal loan if you don't have the cash on hand yet. With a healthy credit history, personal loans can be taken out for home improvement projects, so you can pay for the cost of the system in tranches. This is also good if you’d like to start your smart home transformation sooner. Just be sure to read the fine print and look for loans that don’t have additional fees or penalties. Lastly, it would be good to talk to an expert about refinancing your mortgage, which allows you to save money in the long run. In turn, the cost savings provided by this technology will help you further justify taking out that loan for your new smart home.
4 - How to get started
If you're looking to start your smart home conversion at a minimal cost, you can start out slow and build your system up over time. Simply pinpoint the areas where you need automation the most and buy the relevant appliances.
It's best to begin with the smart speaker. Aside from your phone, it acts as another central hub from which you can control your appliances—via voice command, of course. That's why pointed to smart speakers like Alexa and Google Home as some of the most convenient housewarming gifts you can give.
If you're energy-conscious, invest in smart thermostats, light bulbs, and irrigation systems, which turn off if they sense you're away. You can also give them a schedule for when to switch on and off. For your security system, you can purchase security cameras, smart locks and sensors, and even smoke detectors that come with emergency lights and a speaker to guide you out of your home if needed.
Finally, you can get devices to set up smart nurseries for your kids, as well as a medical alert system if you're taking care of individuals who need medical attention. Robot vacuum and pet feeders can also aid you in caring for your home while you're out, and ensure you have a clean, happy home to return to!
Article specially written for collegehunkshaulingjunk.com
By Ashley Ellis