Smart Home Tech - Did You Know
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The latest smart home statistics survey shows that as many as 60.4 million households in the US are actively using smart home devices in 2023, which is defined as using them at least once a month. This is 3% more than in 2022, during which 57.4 million households were using smart home devices. Experts attribute this growth to an increase in time spent at home and advancements made in technology.
Smart home devices save you money in several different ways. One of them is that a smart security system can reduce your insurance rate. Some home insurance companies offer a safe home discount for security or alarm systems for homeowners who install them. Usually, discounts are in the range of 2% to 15%, depending on the type of security you have, but there are some companies that can provide a discount of up to 20% for a sophisticated alarm system with a monitoring system in place. The discount may not outweigh the cost of the monitoring service, but you also have the added benefit of the security system keeping your home secure!
In addition to the savings from the insurance company, the average monthly savings from using smart-home products is $98.30, which adds up to an average of $1,179.60 per year.
Smart Lighting….. smart bulbs are LED bulbs, which use at least 75 percent less energy than incandescents yet last 25 times longer. They also bring extra savings by adding dimming, which can save another 40 percent.
According to the US Department of Energy, up to 55% of the energy used in homes goes towards heating and cooling needs. Therefore, using energy-saving heating and cooling products is crucial for achieving smart home energy savings. Some of the smart home energy-saving devices you can use for this include smart thermostats, ceiling fans, and window coverings. They are more efficient, use less energy, and help keep the temperature more consistent, making them one of our favorite energy saving tips.
You can program a smart thermostat to follow a schedule, and adjust that schedule automatically based on when there are people in the house. Smart thermostats can also save money by reminding you when your system needs maintenance, like, when it’s time to change your filter. Some can even detect issues and warn you of potential problems. Smart thermostats also offer the ability to monitor your energy consumption, which can help you make smart decisions about how and when to adjust the temperature in your home.
Ease of use is one of the most significant determining factors when it comes to choosing what smart-home solutions to have and when to get them? If they don't fit your family, they aren't "smart." The right smart home technology can help every member of your family do the simplest things and can streamline your routines. The greatest advantage of a smart home is that it adds convenience, comfort, and peace of mind. Another added benefit of keeping all of the technology in your home connected through one interface is that it cuts back on the learning curve for new users and makes it easier for homeowners.
When you consider the many ways, consumers are using smart devices in their homes, it’s no surprise that the risks have increased. Despite all their benefits and like any digital technology, smart home devices can be vulnerable to hacking, and can therefore introduce the possibility that your sensitive information and home security could be at risk. In fact, a recent study shows that 40.8% of smart homes have at least one device vulnerable to cyber-attacks that put the whole house in danger. With adequate security measures in place, your smart home devices can be a safe and convenient addition to your household. To learn more about smart home technology or how these devices could impact your household’s security, contact us.