Perhaps your primary reason for wanting to invest in smart home technology is because it’s cool, plain, and simple. We won’t argue with that – some of these products look like they came straight out of the next century! But there are more reasons that you might want to consider ditching your old, basic home controls for impressive new gadgets.
And the cost may not be as high as you think, especially when you consider that Internet of Things (IoT) devices may actually save you money and yield you a higher price tag when your home hits the market. Here are some more great reasons why connectivity devices are worth the investment.
Table of Contents
1. More Convenience
If you have certain home security gadgets, you have the ability to unlock doors, set your home’s alarm system or let in the dog-walker simply by waving a key fob case or tapping a button on your smartphone. Not only that, but smart home technology is largely controlled by apps that you take with you wherever you go.
This means that you can monitor and control a wide variety of home functions from afar, even when you’re a thousand miles away on vacation. Plus, who doesn’t want the ability to adjust the heat and lights or answer the doorbell without getting off the sofa? It’s not lazy, it’s smart!
2. Better Security
The No. 1 reason why most consumers invest in smart home tech is that they believe it will make their homes safer. In fact, 63 percent of respondents said that home security was their primary motivator for investing in connected smart home gadgets, according to a survey by Xfinity and August Home.
Smart door locks, door sensors, alarm systems, security cameras, and video doorbells allow you to remotely monitor what goes on at your home, adding an extra layer of protection against burglary and package theft. Digital carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors also bring improved safety by sending an alert to your smartphone if they detect something dangerous.
3. Improved Efficiency
Along with wireless security cameras and smart doorbells, digital thermometers are some of the most popular home IoT devices. The top-rated versions don’t just allow you to adjust the heating and cooling inside your home from your phone.
They also provide monitoring, analytics, and suggestions on how to heat and cool your home with the lowest possible energy draw. What’s more, they provide more control and customization than typical thermostats, ensuring that your home is at the right temp whether you’re home or away. This means that smart devices have the power to lower your home’s utility bills while also lessening their carbon footprint.
4. Increased Home Value
It’s hard to precisely measure how much return on investment certain home upgrades will bring, but we do know that consumers have consistently reported that they would pay more for a home that is more efficient and one that has lower utility bills. But what about the cold, hard facts?
Consumer Reports says that certain smart home upgrades can boost a home’s value by up to 5 percent and that appraisers are now starting to take smart home gadgets into account when valuing a home. If you want to use home IoT technology to your advantage when selling your home, funnel the money where it’s most valued – in smart home security and devices that help homeowners save money.
5. Safe Accessibility for Guests
If you’re anything like most homeowners, you probably regularly hide a key for the plumber, cat-sitter, cleaning service or anyone else who needs access to your home while you’re away. While you should only allow people whom you trust to enter your home while you’re not there, there is an extra element of security with digital keys compared with manual ones.
That’s because digital keys can’t be copied (at least not very easily) so there’s less risk for unauthorized home access. The convenience and added the security of sending a digital key – which you can delete or pause as needed – beats outputting a key under the mat any day.
6. Less Worry
If you’re a worrier or a person who regularly second guesses whether or not you locked the door or turned off the iron, then smart home gadgets are essential! You can check to make sure you locked doors from afar, check in on your property via video while you’re away, and even monitor temperature and carbon monoxide levels inside your home from afar. Certain home security devices are also made with tamper-proof and waterproof enclosures that make them extra secure against damage or theft.
7. Lowered Utility Costs
We know that anything that helps make your home function more efficiently will help lower your utility costs, but which IoT devices are best for helping you save money? The best gadget for that is a connected thermostat that helps you set timers and optimize your heating and cooling systems.
You can also implement digital shower heads to help you use less water, smart outlets that prevent drawing electricity when electronics are not in use, air conditioners that turn off when they’ve hit a certain budget and smart lighting gadgets and fans that turn off automatically when you leave the room.
8. Lowered Insurance Costs
Because of the fact that certain connected devices can actually prevent costly accidents, damage to your home and theft, some insurance companies even offer discounts on homeowner’s insurance for those homeowners who have connected devices. Consider your smart home security system and detectors a form of insurance and be sure to check with your homeowner’s insurance provider to see if you can get a break if you upgrade to smart home gadgets.
With so many reasons to invest in connected devices, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t take the leap and plug into some high-tech new smart home gadgets. You just might find that they impress your friends, lower your bills and make you feel safer and more secure, whether you’re home or away!
