If you're a person who loves their gizmos and gadgets, you've no doubt thought about investing in a smart home system. The fantasy of living in a Jetson-like future where robot servants are at your beck and call is an alluring one, but what's is the reality? Is investing in a smart home system worth it? Let's find out!

The Basics

First, let's break it down, a smart home is a residence that uses internet-connected devices which users can remotely control or monitor. This then allows their home to be more energy efficient and provide homeowners with greater security, comfort, and convenience.

Since its inception, the technology has grown and evolved to offer users more enhanced capability. In terms of variety, there is a smorgasbord of technology out there, from the nifty to the eerily intelligent. What tech you ultimately decide to invest in is between you and your retailer, but when it comes to benefits these are the major ones:

Security

Peace of mind. It’s a term sales people love to offer up, and when it comes to smart homes, it’s a big drawcard. For example, a fully kitted home with security cameras will allow you to monitor your residence no matter where you are, whilst some motion sensors are actually able to tell the difference between residents, pets and intruders.

When security measures are triggered, you can set up an alert on your phone, whilst some systems can even be trained to notify the authorities automatically.

Smart locks can also be used to unlock doors automatically for residents and can be remotely activated in the event you forget to lock up.

Home appliances

With smart appliances, everything is literally in the palm of your hands. Phone apps will allow you to preset your air-conditioner so it that maintains your preferred temperature and turns off when not needed, whilst extravagant coffee machines can ensure a fresh brew is ready upon waking. These devices can also be integrated with popular standalone systems like Google Home and Alexa, allowing for added convenience and voice-control.

Energy and water consumption

The best home systems will allow you to track your energy consumption down to minute detail, and will allow you to see which appliances are the biggest culprits when it comes to usage. Beyond the warm feeling you get when your entry lights automatically as you arrive home, smart homes enable you to ensure no money is wasted on forgotten switches and empty rooms. Just think of the money you could save!

Similarly, smart reticulation promises a lush lawn whether or not you remember to turn it on, and can be adjusted to account for droughts, water restrictions and rain.   

Final Pros and Cons

Sounds pretty good? Of course it does! The obvious downside is that not all of these smart home gadgets come cheap. The more home automation you desire, the more money it will set you back, while the most high-tech wizardry on the market will likely come with a hefty price tag.  

However, recent surveys have shown that integrated smart technology can actually increase the value of your home by up to 5%, depending on the quality and scale of your property's features. In any case, when used effectively smart homes have the potential to save you a lot of money in the long term by reducing your power bills and cost of living.

As for controlling your newfangled devices, these system's apps are designed to be user-friendly, even for Luddites. And with everything operable from one easy location, smart homes are a superb choice for seniors and those with impaired mobility.

All in all, smart homes are a smart choice and real asset for your brand new home!