Smart home, home automation, connected objects, connected home: these are some expressions referring to a phenomenon that we believed, not so long ago, to come straight out of the imagination of science fiction.
Appearing in the residential sector about 20 years ago, home automation has long been reserved for the wealthy due to the high cost of these systems. Now, smart devices and fully connected homes are much less expensive. This type of technology has greater accessibility and many companies have embarked on this new connected way of life.
Are Smart Homes Expensive?
Like all technology, home automation has continued to evolve over time (and it is not over). The one that was introduced a few years ago made up of expensive central systems requiring you to buy components from a specialized company and to call a professional in the field. Inconvenient, too expensive and too complex, this type of home automation has far exceeded its time.
Today, the systems and the various components are more and more affordable. Several are compatible with each other, allowing greater flexibility for the buyer. You do not have to restrict yourself to a single company and can add or remove items as needed to customize your home. Thankfully, the various components are increasingly easy to install and connect thanks to wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Just think of multinationals like Google, Samsung, LG and Amazon, which keep bringing new products to make it easier to manage your residence. Okos Smart Homes, for example, offers its simple and affordable home automation solutions paired with exceptional customer service to help homeowners adapt and understand new smart home technologies.
Are Smart Homes Customizable?
From lighting to access controls, heating & cooling and security, today’s home automation is fully customizable. Anyone can choose the exact devices that suit his or her house the most. Your connected home could therefore be entirely different from that of your neighbour.
On top of increasing comfort, home automation also offers significant environmental benefits. By intelligently managing your heating & cooling, lighting and your home’s energy consumption as a whole, connected devices can help you lower your bills. A smart home thus offers better energy performance than residences on traditional systems.
Another interesting aspect of this type of technology is its ability to adapt to each family member. Everyone can configure their own settings according to their needs and moods.
Are Smart Homes Safe?
Smart homes can also keep you safe. With smart door locks that alert you when you left the house without locking or smart cameras with motion detection capabilities and notifications.
Over are the days of expensive alarm system locked-in contracts. Smart home security systems now offer self-monitored options or affordable contract-free monitored solutions.
Do Smart Homes Better for Resell?
Some smart devices may benefit your wallet more than others. Smart thermostats, for example, can greatly reduce your energy cost and pay for themselves after only a few years. Lower bills, of course, are attractive to future homebuyers.
Adding a smart security system, even if self-monitored, can help attract potential buyers by giving them peace of mind. Home automation can therefore help you get the attention of potential buyers, offering additional convenience and functionality, and might increase your selling price.
Adding a home automation system should be a personal decision, primarily aimed at improving your own quality of life rather than increasing the value of your home. However, with a good sales strategy and supported by the right experts, your smart home can set you apart from other properties in your neighbourhood.
Find your perfect smart home configuration and we will install it. Okos gives you personalized service, unlimited tech support and an optimal product selection to optimize your home.
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