Smart homes are basically those properties where devices and appliances can be programmed remotely with the help of smartphone, tablets and other gadgets through the internet connectivity. For example, you can lock/unlock doors, on/off the AC, heating units and other connected devices even when you are away from the house. It enables you to stay up-to-date with all the on-going activities happening in any corner of the place, no matter if you are around or not.
The Two Sides of Smart Homes – Brighter and Darker
Nobody can deny their likeness for these new technology-based homes. They can definitely bring ease to your lives with their convenience and time-saving properties.
On one side, smart homes have numerous benefits, but on the other hand, a lot of risk factors also come in the package. You just can’t ignore the darker side by just focusing on the brighter one!
In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having a smart home tech. Read on to find out its interesting features.
Pros
1. Suitable for the disabled and elderly people
As everyone is busy in their own lives these days, children can’t spare time for their elderly parents anymore. The great news is that; making your home smart is an excellent initiative for the elders and disabled people. They can now live independently without asking for any human help but Alexa’s. This way, they will feel more boosted and less helpless because smart devices will manage most of the things for them. Curious to know how? Following are some of the features that automated homes offer to ease up routine chores for oldies/handicaps!
- Amazon Alexa: Alexa is such a significant advancement in the world of Technology. This device can help you in myriad ways. You can use it for setting your alarms, grocery list, and reminders, etc. It is programmed to perform small tasks via voice commands. For example, you can say, “Alexa, turn off the lights,” “Alexa, call dad,” “Alexa, lock the bedroom” and Alexa will do the tasks for you.
- Temperature Control: This feature will keep your home at the same temperature you want it to be. In case of oldies, they can adjust it according to their convenience for days and even weeks. Moreover, you can also change the settings through your mobile phones, even when you are away from home.
- Doorbell: For older people, who are sick and advised by the doctors to stay in bed, a smart doorbell is essential. With its help, they can see and communicate with the guest present at the main gate, without going out of their rooms and even beds.
2. Safety and Security
Safety and security should be the first priority of any owner because home is a personal space that contains a lot of valuable belongings. Therefore, automated homes come with advanced technology to ensure all the safety measures are in check. They have motion detecting sensors and other innovative features that enable the owner to monitor the house from anywhere at any time. Also, the door would get automatically locked if the system didn’t recognise the voice of the owner.
3. Energy Efficiency
Tech-based homes help you save energy consumption. Just imagine you have left the house in a rush, and in the middle of a busy road you realized that the lights of your home are still on. What will you do? Go back to off the lights and reach on your destination late? Well, the automated technology feature of smart homes can save you from this hassle! It enables you to turn lights/fan/devices on and off while not being at home. You can now control the whole house with just a single tap on your smart phone or through a tech remote.
4. Time Savings
As explained earlier, many appliances present in your smart homes can be controlled with the help of a single device. It means that you can save a lot of your time in the long run. For example, on a sunny day, you are coming home soaking in the sweats. What is the first thing you are going to do after you reach your home? Turn on the fan or AC. In this kind of situations, smart homes allow you to turn the AC/fan on before your arrival so you don’t have to wait for the cool blows to hit you. Such welcoming atmosphere of the house can surely leave pleasant impact on your mood and will save your time as well.
5. Notify the trouble
Automated homes are smart enough to notify the owner about any possible trouble in his/her absence. For instance, if a stranger tried to step in your house, you would get an instant notification on your smart phone about this entry.
Apart from this, you can also get notified about buying some food if your fridge is empty. This may sound crazy, but it is a real thing happening in the smart homes.
Cons
1. Installation
Tech homes are certainly useful in several ways, but you may find it difficult to install because the process requires a lot of effort, money, and technical work. However, if you hire someone to install it for you, then it can be easier, but will cost you higher.
2. Vulnerability
Smart homes totally and completely work on the internet. So in case of any technical fault in the net, your operated device will stop working until the connectivity is restored. Moreover, if you are away from your place and are situated in a no-internet area, then you may lose all the connections with your home.
3. Privacy concerns
A major problem faced by people in smart homes is privacy. As everything is technology-based and the whole system is controlled via the internet, it means your data can be hacked easily. A bigger threat is that burglars can hack all of your data and enter your home.
4. You May Get Locked in Your Home
Proper installation of automated home system is very important, and it should be done by a professional only. In case of poor settings, you can even get locked in your own home. For example, if the voice system stopped recognizing your voice, then you may not be able to access the house. In that case, you would need to call an expert to resolve the issue, which can cost you an arm and a leg.
5. Repair issues and maintenance
Smart homes have smart problems that need smart solutions by smart people. Automated homes are all good until they start bothering you in terms of technical issues. It is not easy to find an expert that can resolve those complicated faults, especially if you are situated in a rural area. Remember that, not all the technologists are considerable for the job because the security system of such properties demands for a high-level expert.
Bottom line
Every good thing comes with some drawbacks too. Same is the case with smart homes. Certainly, this technology-based system can change your lives in a positive way, but some drawbacks come in the package as well. In the end, only you can make a profound decision for yourself after evaluating its pros and cons.
Technology can do a lot of good to you if it is utilized in the right manner!