Smart home devices are becoming increasingly popular and affordable. But before purchasing a smart home product, consumers should familiarize themselves with their benefits and shortcomings.
One size doesn’t fit all
Some homeowners are only interested in a doorbell camera. They’ve seen them advertised as a relatively simple and inexpensive security feature. Using a doorbell camera gives you the ability to see who is at your door while home and away.
At the other end of the spectrum is a whole house security system that can be paired with your smart phone or tablet. These systems give you the ability to view your cameras on your smart phone at any time. There are also features that will alert you if something is amiss.
For other homeowners, the ability to control the thermostat from an app on a smart phone is what they want. They know smart thermostats are not only convenient, but are energy efficient and can save money. Some even smarter thermostats will adapt to your behavior, so even if you forget to lower the thermostat when you leave for work, the product does it for you.
Smart lighting is another popular smart home feature that can lower your electric bill. Remember those old-fashioned timers you plugged into lights and televisions while you were on vacation? Not anymore. Now it’s all done with your smart phone. Want the porch and hallway lights lit before you get home from work? It’s as easy as a touch of your smart phone.
Smart home apps have become quite sophisticated. Now you can create a specific scene in your home – adjust the lighting, lowering the blinds, adjust the temperature, choose the music – even light a gas fireplace of the scene of your choosing.
Did you remember to arm your security system? Turn off the coffee maker? Now you don’t have to go back home to check. It’s all controlled by your smart phone.
In fact nearly all of your home’s appliances as well as the security can be controlled by your phone or tablet.
Smart home devices are customizable to fit your budget and needs. As the consumer, you know your specific needs and can make the decision on which products to purchase. Pick and choose from column A or B, or both. Purchase one today, another in the future.
There are drawbacks to some smart home systems
While controlling lights, the thermostat and security cameras using your phone or tablet is beneficial, having individual apps for each product can be cumbersome. More convenient is an integrated whole house system, which gives you control over all of your home’s systems using one app.
Also, not all smart home products use the same technology or are compatible. While it may be appealing to adjust the thermostat and check who is at your front door from your phone, a truly smart home system uses a centralized platform to control all devices and systems from one location.
Before buying a smart home device you have to also be a smart consumer and understand the different technologies. If you aren’t familiar with these technologies, avoid purchasing online or at big box stores and contact a professional instead
Smart home technology that were once pricey are quickly becoming more affordable. Delco Alarm Systems can assist you in choosing the right products for your home.
While there are pros and cons to a home automation system, many homeowners have discovered the convenience, safety and energy savings it provides makes it a wise choice.