Take a Close Look at Smart Home Technologies that Add Value to Your Home
Smart technology is a reference to electronic devices that have smart capabilities from networking, communication, and interactivity to AI and machine learning. Smart home technology is a set of devices designed for the automation of a home. Common devices include smart versions of thermostats, appliances, security systems, lighting, entertainment, and sound systems. These devices often can connect with wifi, meaning you can easily control all of them with your smartphone. To be considered a smart home, your home should have at least two of the following features:
- Smart TV
- Smart Appliances
- Smart HVAC System, Fans, or Vents
- Smart Outdoor Water Systems
- Smart Security Locks, Alarm Systems, or Cameras
- Smart Thermostats
In this article, we will take a close look at smart home technologies that will add value to your home.
Is Smart Home Technology Safe?
Since smart devices connect to the internet, homeowners have some doubts about the security and safety of the technology. Top concerns include hackers, bugs, and privacy violations. However, smart home technology has advanced and there are plenty of ways to keep your personal information safe when your home is online. Start by keeping your device software updated, including added and updated security measures against new threats, if there is an option to automatically update your device’s software, do it.
Be strict with passwords, and invest in devices that only allow you to change the default passcode regularly. Your password should be unique to the device only and complex enough so it’s hard to guess the code. You should opt for multi-factor authentication if the device allows it. Smart home or not, investing in a good router with a solid firewall will prevent attacks on devices connected to your network. An added security measure you should consider is to keep smart devices on a secondary wifi network, called a guest network. On the off chance a device is infected, it can prevent the infection from spreading to your other devices, like laptops and phones.
How Can Smart Technology Increase my Home Value?
In more recent years, smart home technology has become one of the more desirable qualities in a home on the market. Smart homes stand out among the competition in different markets, with modernity and convenience selling faster and at higher prices than non-smart counterparts. The added value isn’t just for when negotiating with a prospective buyer. Smart home tech is factored into home appraisals and comparative market analysis these days, so you will see the value right away.
Below are some of the best smart tech investments you can make for your enjoyment and for a higher price when you sell.
1. Smart Security Systems
Smart security on your home includes multiple smart devices into a complete system. Smart door locks both lock and unlock your home without a physical key, while a smart doorbell can alert you to a visitor and show you real-time video of who is at your door. Smart cameras send instant notifications for motion detection, while smart alarms can be armed, disarmed, and monitored from anywhere your smartphone works. Smart security systems are powerful, flexible, and put you in control even when you are not at your house.
2. Smart Appliances
Smart appliances work the same way as different smart devices that you can control from your phone. Smart appliances like ovens can be turned on with your phone and the temperature can be adjusted just the same. Smart washers and dryers will let you start them remotely as well as monitor the progress of the cycles. No more wishing someone was at home to do so. Devices can be accessed on your phone, making repairs all the easier.
3. Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat will allow you to program your temperature settings based on your schedule, the weather, and more. You can easily operate them using your smartphone, adjusting your home’s temperature from anywhere, and many can utilize your phone’s location feature to make changes when you want. You can program smart thermostats to run at temperature schedules automatically, and many can be set to keep your home’s temperature within range, helping to save money and conserve energy.
4. Smart Detectors
You should have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home, but did you know smart versions can keep you, your house, and your household members safer? Like traditional counterparts, smart detectors can make loud noises when a problem is detected. A second layer of protection is added by sending alerts to your phone when you aren’t home. Smart detectors can tell you where in your home the alert is coming from, and they’ll let you know if any unit is having malfunctions or needs new batteries.
5. Smart Lighting
Smart lighting is lighting that connects to your wifi and can be controlled by your phone, or programmed to work automatically. Smart lighting systems are motion-detecting, while others can be turned on via the app. Many offer color-changing or dimming features, and some are voice-activated so that you don’t have to reach for the light switch.
6. Smart Irrigation
Smart irrigation tech will help reduce water waste while improving the health of plants and soil quality. This tech will make your life easier in reducing the amount of work you have to put into your landscaping. Smart irrigation technology uses soil moisture data to adjust the schedule for watering every day. Others will gather the local weather data to do the same. Smart irrigation systems can be controlled and accessed remotely, and all of them are programmed to run with input from you, should you see fit.
Bottom Line
Smart home technology can add thousands to your home’s value, and can easily improve the quality of life when you live there. Unconvinced? You can opt to pick one or two of the above listed smart home technologies that sound most interesting to you, and go from there!