What Is Home Automation And Is It Worth It?

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Was life simpler without technology? Some people would say it was. There was no internet or mobile phones to distract us.  People had meaningful conversations around the dinner table. Kids would be outside playing, instead of sitting for hours engrossed in the virtual world of video games.

On the other side of the coin is the one undeniable fact about technology. The convenience it brings to daily life is not something anyone can downplay. Think about the hours that go into manual labour. Nowadays, technology helps complete tasks in minutes.

Now, let’s bring it closer to home. In fact, let’s bring it right home. Don’t you love sitting back in your recliner and changing the channels using your remote? Isn’t it amazing that you can command Alexa to play your favourite tunes from across the room?

How about not having to run back home from the office because you forgot to switch off the lights or any of the appliances? Thanks to home automation, you can do all that and so much more from your internet-connected device.  

Let’s explore this fascinating topic of home automation and understand if it is worth the hype it gets.

Home Automation- What Is It?

Home automation refers to the automatic control of electric devices via the internet. It involves a network of electronic interfaces, communication, and hardware.

The sensors for each device are connected through wifi, thus allowing for control via IoT devices. All you need is a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to manage the electronic appliances or devices. 

Increasing adoption of home automation is contributing to the growth of the market. According to an article in Fortune Business Insights, as of 2020, the numbers stood at $64.58 billion. By 2028 the projections are as high as $163.24, signifying a CAGR of 12.3%.  

With such optimistic projections, it means there are positive attributes to home automation. But is it worth it? We believe the answer is yes and all with good reason. Read further to find out why it is worth considering.

1.  Drives up Property Value

Home automation brings convenience and can drive up property value. Tech-savvy home buyers look at such features when deciding to buy. Gen X, millennials, and baby boomers are great adopters of technology. They understand the convenience of smart devices in their everyday lives. A smart home is more likely to pique their interest than traditional ones.

If you are a homeowner and are planning to sell, think about installing home automation. A home renovation loan Florida can give you the financing you need to make such upgrades. Unlike loans, such home improvement loans provide quick access to funding.

The application process is easy, and all you need is income verification to qualify. Lenders will not require the  use of your home as collateral. As a house owner you will also have the benefit of low interest with flexible repayment terms.

2.   Instant Control Brings Convenience

Think of a typical home setting. We have so many technologies that we depend on for so many things. We are talking about entertainment units like home theatres, lighting systems, security features, etc.

Managing all these devices from one central location enhances efficiency. Home automation replaces multiple controls in one easy-to-access place. From your mobile phone, you can switch off the lights, control the thermostat and switch on the sprinkler.

Best of all, you don’t have to be within the home. Even from remote locations, you continue to have control of the IoT devices.  

3.  Real-Time Functionality

How often do you rush out of the house, get onto the highway, and start to wonder if you switched off the kettle? The nagging feeling worsens, and you decide to turn the car around. When you get home, you find that, indeed, you left it on.

The scenario we have described happens much more than you think. It could be the lights, appliances, heaters, and much more.  

Mobile applications will save you the hassle of running back home. Real-time control of devices provides peace of mind wherever you are.  

Features like geo-fencing provide even more convenience. It draws an invisible boundary around your property. When you cross it, the automatic controls kick in to lock the door or turn off appliances.

Remote monitoring increases safety and peace of mind. It allows homeowners to see whoever is in the home at all times. It is an excellent feature for those with young kids or pets. There is peace of mind when you can see them in real-time.

4.  Tons of Savings with Home Automation

Every second an electronic device is on means power consumption. Now, let’s say you have to travel out of town, for the prime reason of safety, the wise and common thing to do would be to leave some electronic appliances on.

You may, for instance, leave the porch lights or TV on. You do this hoping it will act as a deterrence to the neighborhood burglar. They are unlikely to try to breach the property if it seems like someone is home.

But, we are talking about 24-hour power output. In two days, the burglar will probably figure out your ruse anyway. With home automation, you can switch on or off the lights or appliances at the right time.

Automatic scheduling of shutdowns of electronic devices at pre-set times is another fanatics feature of automation. You could save 10-15% on energy bills every single year.  

5.  Better Insurance Rates with Smart Home Automation

Do you know you can get better insurance rates with home automation? The insurance companies make money if they don’t lose it to paying claims. The underwriters take into consideration anything you do to make your home safer.

You will enjoy lower premiums, rebates or discounts on specific smart devices, and even rewards. A home security system reduces the number of break-ins.

Smart thermostats, water shut-off sensors, and smoke detectors can protect against disasters through timely alerts. Remote locking capabilities provide security and much more. Shop around to see what rates the insurance companies offer for smart homeowners.  

Final Thoughts

From the above, it is pretty clear that smart home automation is worth the investment. You get convenience, control, peace of mind, and tons of savings. Don’t forget that smart homes are more attractive to buyers.

If you are planning to sell, consider installing such systems. Home improvement loans are available if you do not have the money to finance the project upfront. Do seek the advice of home loan experts if you need to learn more about financing options. Remember a smart home is a safe home.