How smart is your home?
If your first response to this question is, “Now, why would my home be smart?” you’re not alone. Lots of homeowners remain hesitant to invest in smart home tech.
For at least some of the hesitant folks among us, misinformation about smart home tech is to blame. Many of the smart home myths circulating out there are distortions of the truth, at best. Some are just flat-out wrong.
Let’s sort fact from fiction. Each of these myths about smart homes and smart home tech is one you shouldn’t believe. And one that shouldn’t get in the way of your investment in the future of your home.
“wp-image-117933 size-large” title=”9 Myths About Smart Homes” src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/9-Myths-About-Smart-Homes-1024×683.jpg” alt=”9 Myths About Smart Homes” width=”640″ height=”427″ /> 9 Myths About Smart Homes1. They Don’t Do Enough to Justify the Investment
One common myth proposes that smart homes are really just souped-up versions of “dumb” homes. Maybe they have a few security cameras and motion sensors, or lights you can control from your phone. They might even have a “smart” thermostat that claims to reduce climate control bills. But they don’t do much else.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. The smart home experience of the future, or Smart Home 2.0, encompasses far more of domestic life. It utilizes interior motion sensing to deliver light and heat where it’s needed. It tracks system performance and schedules repairs so you don’t have to. It ensures customized, adaptive WiFi control. It wraps everything in a layer of enterprise-grade security.
And that’s just the opener. The “don’t do enough” crowd clearly needs new talking points.
2. They’re Too Expensive Anyway
Another related myth is that smart home systems are too expensive. It’s great that they can do so much, the argument goes, but who can afford all that?
Think again. Like other consumer innovations before it, smart home tech is rapidly becoming more affordable as more homeowners adopt it. We can expect prices for established smart home technologies to continue their fall, even as new systems come online and command premium pricing.
3. Lower-Cost Systems Are Buggy and Limited
Okay, but are affordable smart home systems also buggy and light in the feature department?
Not at all. With all due respect to the big names in smart home tech, some companies seem to be in the business of selling their brand more than their actual products. While no two products are exactly alike, lower-priced options often stand in for premium-priced options with little noticeable difference.
4. “Dumb” Legacy Systems Work Just As Well
You’re familiar with legacy systems. Perhaps you use a clunky old IT system or outdated data storage processes at work.
You’ve learned to live with legacy systems in the workplace because you’re not responsible for making decisions about their use. You’d like to change, but all you can do is suggest as much to your boss.
At home, you’re the boss. And you’re ultimately responsible for the decision to continue using legacy systems like wired home security or wireless internet provided by the cable company.
The truth is, legacy home systems don’t work as well as smart home systems. They’re less convenient too. And they have lots of hidden costs that add up fast.
5. No One Really Uses Smart Home Tech
Your kids would beg to differ. And so will you, once you’ve given it a shot. There’s nothing quite like controlling your home’s WiFi, physical security, climate control, lighting, and more with a few taps on your phone.
Like any new product or service, smart home systems take some getting used to. But once you’re comfortable with their operation, using them will be like second nature. You’ll wonder how you ever got by without them.
6. They’re Not Secure
Any internet-connected device is a potential security risk for its user. This is an unfortunate fact of life in the digital age.
Is smart home tech less secure than the other systems or devices you regularly use? If anything, the opposite is true — if your smart home tech also uses adaptive WiFi with enterprise-grade security.
7. They’re Too Difficult to Install
Most smart home systems are easy for DIYers to install. Yes, even those who can barely change a light bulb on their own. Even if you need to call out an electrician for a more complicated setup, you can look at it as an investment in your home’s future. One that, in many cases, will save you money in the long run.
8. Smart Home Users Need to Be Tech-Savvy
How many smartphone apps do you use on a daily basis? If and when you add smart home systems to your lineup, your phone will act as a hub for their operation. At most, you’ll use as many apps as you have systems.
But, more likely, you’ll be able to control most of your smart home from the same dashboard. That’s one more app to get used to — a goal even the least tech-savvy among us can meet.
9. It’s Impossible to Keep Pace With Advances in Smart Home Tech
Smart homes really will look a lot different in 10 years. By comparison, today’s homes will feel quaint and outdated.
So, why bother investing in smart home tech in the first place if keeping pace with innovation is a losing battle?
Because sooner rather than later, all homes will be “smart” to some extent. Your great-grandparents might have agonized over the decision to purchase a refrigerator, but you don’t give it a second thought. It would be weird if you didn’t have a fridge in your home.
Likewise, in the not-too-distant future, un-connected homes will be relics of an analog past. The fact that you might need to buy new smart home tech every few years — as you buy new kitchen appliances and electronics now — isn’t a reason not to get started.
Forget the Myths, Make the Investment
An informed consumer is a prepared consumer. And now that you understand why these nine common myths about smart home tech are false, no one can say you’re not prepared.
Prepared to separate fact from fiction on your smart home buying journey.
Prepared to evaluate and choose smart home tech that really works for your family.
Prepared to make an investment in your home that will pay dividends for years to come.
Because smart home tech isn’t going anywhere. And despite what the naysayers believe, a smart home is a comfortable, productive home. Here’s to making yours better than ever before.