Not too long ago, the concept of smart homes was mainly reserved for the extremely wealthy. People hardly ever mentioned it because they believed it to be a luxury too expensive for the common person. These concerns were legit because at the time, the technology was still in its infancy, and the cost of various smart appliances and their installations were very high. Also, there were still issues with compatibility and necessity that needed to be ironed out.
Fast forward to the present time, smart homes have become a norm in most modern buildings and a prerequisite for luxury homes. Similar to the modern industry, where most platforms now have an online presence. So, the real estate sector is fully embracing the concept of smart apartments. This is all thanks to the massive advancements in the smart technology industry. There are now better smartphones and innovative home products, making the idea of controlling a home remotely more appealing and easier compared to traditional means.
However, despite the multiple advantages of smart homes, many still believe that going smart constitutes unnecessary expenses and is a luxury that shouldn’t be encouraged. Here, we explore everything you need to know about smart houses and answer the question: Are smart homes truly the future or just an unnecessary expensive luxury?
What Are Smart Homes and How Do They Work?
There’s no denying that smart homes are here to stay. A recent Statista report showed that over 60 million American homes can be classified as smart. The report also forecasted that the number might rise to at least 300 million before 2024 and 670 million by 2027.
So what classifies as a smart home? A smart home can be used to describe a home setup where devices and appliances can be controlled remotely and automatically from anywhere, as long as there’s an internet connection. The devices and appliances are interconnected through the internet or a specialized network and can be controlled using a mobile phone or a device that’s also connected. With this device, the homeowner can control certain functions like temperature, security access, home theatre, Internet, and lighting.
So how do smart homes work? Firstly, the various smart devices and appliances are connected to a central point where the homeowner can control them. This central point could be the homeowner’s mobile phone, PC, tablet, or even a game console. The following are examples of functions that can be remotely controlled in a smart home:
- Door Locks
- Television
- Home monitors
- Cameras
- Lights
- Refrigerators
In addition to being able to control these appliances remotely, the homeowner can also set schedules for specific tasks, like when the lights will come on or when to change the room temperature.
Types of Smart Home Systems
Smart home systems can either be wireless or hardwired. Most times, wireless systems are more modern and have more features. However, to enjoy most of the wireless system features, you’ll need good WI-FI coverage in your home.
Hardwired systems are the most efficient and secure type of smart home automation. Unlike wired systems, they don’t require WI-FI coverage and are far more reliable. A good hardwired intelligent home automation system installed in a house can heavily increase its value.
Here’s a table showing the pros and cons of wireless and a hardwired automated smart home system.
| Type | Pros | Cons |
| Wireless | Portable, can be easily moved DIY installation Less power outage issues | Battery issues Possible signal interference |
| Hardwired | No signal interference No battery issues More Secured | Costs more Not portable Power outage issues |
Are Smart Homes Worth It?
To many, smart homes are the future of real estate, and to others, they are barely expensive luxuries that can be lived without. One major advantage of smart homes is the convenience they offer by allowing homeowners to control various devices with just a few taps on their smartphones.
Additionally, smart homes are more energy-efficient than traditional homes, which can help reduce electricity bills and promote eco-friendliness. On the other hand, a major disadvantage of smart homes is the risk of hacking and cyber-attacks, which can compromise the security of the home and the privacy of the occupants. Let’s look at things from both angles by exploring the major pros and cons of smart homes.
Pro: Convenience
Convenience is one of the biggest selling points of smart homes. The ability to control all the major functions in your home from a single device is a huge advantage that can’t be ignored. Basically, all you need to learn is how to control the app on your phone or PC, and then you can switch on the lights, alter the temperature, control the speakers, and even the refrigerator without getting up from your bed.
This is especially helpful for disabled and elderly persons with mobility issues. Even better, new technologies are tackling one of the smart homes’ earliest challenges; ease of usage. Now, you no longer need to be tech-savvy to control your automated home. Most systems can now be controlled with a single app. So there is no doubt that smart home technologies improve our lives.
Pro: Heightened Security
Having an automated smart home system enhances security. The latest designs being released have unique features like motion sensors and cameras that can be synced with a doorbell and fixed at different parts of the house, live video streaming, and automated lock systems. These features can allow you to communicate with whoever is at your door or within your property, whether you’re at home or several miles away. They also record happenings in your home.
The system’s motion sensors can also be trained to adapt to your home and work schedules. This will allow the motion sensors to alert you or the police when it notices unusual movements in your home. Homeowners get notification of suspicious behaviours, smoke detection, break-ins, and house visits immediately. They can also lock their doors and windows comfortably from anywhere.
Pro: Remote Access to Your Home
This might seem like an irrelevant advantage to many people, but you can never really know its importance till you experience it. Smart homes allow homeowners to fully control their homes when they are far away. Imagine rushing to work because you’re late and getting there only to realize you left your television, lights, or appliances on. With this innovation, you can simply turn it off with your mobile phone without having to make that trip back home.
It could also be that you want your home to be at a specific temperature when you get in, or you want the oven preheated so you can start cooking as soon as you’re in, or to even communicate with a delivery guy while you’re away. These little perks can save you time and money and generally make your life much easier.
Pro: Energy Saving
According to research, homeowners with smart appliances like smart thermostats can save up to 15% on cooling costs and 12% on heating. It’s also no secret that heating and cooling consume the most energy in an average home, so you could save a lot of money with smart systems.
Smart homes can adjust to energy needs automatically. By adapting to your schedule, the system can know when there’s less need for cooling and heating. Other smart appliances like smart washing machines, innovative coffee makers, and smart refrigerators can also help you save energy by keeping you updated. You can be notified when you leave the refrigerator door open for too long.
Con: Cost
There’s no denying that using smart appliances can save energy and, in turn, cost, but fully automating your home can be very expensive, especially if you’re going for a more secure hardwired system.
Con: Security Risk
Like most systems dependent on the Internet, smart homes are at risk of security breaches and hacks. There have been cases where interconnected devices have been infiltrated, and people have lost control of their systems.
While there are multiple ways this can be prevented, like using strong passwords and only connecting to trusted devices, there is still a risk of being breached. Other cons to note include:
- The innovation might be difficult to understand for people who are not tech-savvy.
- It might be challenging to track passwords and maintain the security of the system.
- Maintaining proper security might be impossible in the housing for rent.
Final Thoughts
Thanks to technology and innovation, smart homes have made it easier for people to accomplish several tasks in their homes. Despite being met with initial waves of criticism, the technology is rapidly being adopted by millions around the world. So to answer the question of whether smart homes are the future, yes, we believe they are. With new technologies still being released, we will surely see massive improvements. After all, we continue to advance in technology and prioritize convenience, efficiency, and sustainability.
