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By next year, experts believe that more than 63 million smart homes will be connected to the web in the U.S. But what exactly constitutes a smart home? That question doesn’t have a clear-cut answer.
Because most smart devices are new inventions, and the opportunities to add new smart tech to your home continue to grow each year, it’s tough to say what kinds of tech or how much a home needs in order to be considered smart. Does it need to have smart kitchen appliances, an advanced security system, and smart devices in every room? Or would a single Amazon Alexa or Google Home device be enough?
No matter your definition, investing in a smart home is a big decision. If you’re still on the fence about taking the leap, keep reading to learn a few of the benefits you could be enjoying.
1. Lower Your Energy Costs
When the excitement of being able to turn down your air conditioning while you lay in bed or turn up the heat on your way home from the airport wears off, another big benefit of some smart home devices will shine through: the potential for cost savings.
While you could manually adjust your heat and air conditioning to match your daily habits, such as turning down the heat while you’re warm in your bed, having a smart thermostat makes that even easier. It optimizes your energy use to lower your costs. Smart light bulbs and plugs can also save you money by allowing you to turn them off while you’re away if you’ve forgotten to do so.
2. Increase Your Home’s Security
Smart home devices that save you money are a great choice. But if you’re opting to only invest in a few select pieces of smart home technology, why not opt for something that will allow you to protect your home and your family, regardless of whether you’re home or not.
Smart home security tech such as window and door alarms, smart cameras, and doorbells all serve to protect your family and allow you to check in on your home from anywhere. Smart home automation for security purposes is always a good investment.
3. Save Time and Reduce Stress
Knowing that you’re saving money on your energy costs and boosting your home and family’s safety can certainly take a load off your shoulders. But those aren’t the only ways that smart devices save you time and lower your stress levels.
Ovens that you can preheat on your commute home, smart calendars that can be audibly updated when tasks pop into your mind, and even tech-enabled pill dispensers that help individuals remember whether or not they’ve taken their medicine can all save you time and headache as you go about your day-to-day responsibilities.
The argument could be made that just about any smart home technology can reduce your workload and lower your stress levels. But if you want to make a big difference, consider the current tasks or stressors that are taking time out of your day, and look for ways that smart devices can help.
Taking the Leap and Investing in a Smart Home
Whether you’re planning to outfit your entire home in smart tech or just one area of it, taking the leap can save you time, money, and stress, while also making your home safer for you and your family.