Most homes you’ll visit nowadays have some sort of smart technology integrated into their system. Almost four billion people use the internet, almost 40% of the world’s population, so it’s not surprising that internet run systems are becoming common in homes. Whether it’s a smart thermostat, special security systems, or a system like the Alexa or Amazon Echo, these new smart additions add to a family’s quality of life. While many people have smart technology installed in their home simply for the ease of use, there are a wide variety of benefits that come from these updated additions. Here are five ways smart technology is improving your home as well as a bonus list of devices you may want to add.

Control, Even When You’re Not At Home

As previously mentioned, one of the top reasons people choose to install smart technology in their home is for ease of use. You can sit in your living room and turn off the lights in your bedroom upstairs just by tapping the screen of your phone. You can adjust the temperature, or better yet, have it adjust itself based on the outside temperature and your pre-entered preferences. If you don’t have these abilities, make sure to talk with your home contractor about getting new technology installed. During an air conditioning installation, the workers can also install the new smart technology, killing two birds with one stone. Having smart technology takes allows you to do small tasks, such as turning off the lights or changing the temperatures without even having to stand up to do it.

While it’s nice to be able to make changes from the comfort of your couch, the most exciting feature of smart technology for many homeowners is the ability to check on their home while they are away. No longer do you have to ask yourself whether you locked the door or turned off the oven when you left. You can check those things from your phone. If you’re going on a long trip, you can double-check to make sure all the lights are turned out, the doors are locked, and that the HVAC system isn’t running at full blast while no one is home. If you already have some of these smart features, you’re well aware of how they’re improving your home and your quality of life.

Lower Monthly Bills

Another way smart technology is improving your home is by lowering your utility bills. Smart lighting and thermostat features can cut your monthly utility bill by as much as 50%. Who doesn’t want a little extra cash in their account each month? But the savings don’t stop there. By adding other features, such as solar panels, or eco-friendly lightbulbs, you can further cut your bills.

One thing to remember about smart technology is that when you choose to invest in it, there is usually a larger bill up-front. That can often keep homeowners from making the choice to switch over. The key here is to consider the savings in the long run. While you will have to pay a larger sum up front, you will make it back with the savings you see in your bills monthly and annually.

Solar panels are a popular technology many homeowners are choosing to add to their home. If you’re looking for different ways of improving your home with smart technology, this is an investment that will surely help. Not only will you be saving money on your monthly bills by drawing energy from the sun, but you can also earn tax credits and rebates for using solar energy. This can also help with the large upfront cost of solar panels. You are also helping the environment by using solar energy as you’ll cut down on fossil fuel usage. As you’re planning for solar panels, make sure to talk with different commercial solar contractors about the different options you can use for your own home.

Another less common option for saving money on monthly bills is with a geothermal pump. If you’re looking for different ways of improving your home with smart technology, this is a great option. A geothermal pump is a central heating system that transfers energy from the ground. Geothermal pumps can save you 30 to 60 percent on your heating and 20 to 50 percent on your cooling each month. Compare that with your conventional methods of heating and cooling and you’ll be surprised at how much you can save. Geothermal pumps are also environmentally friendly. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has deemed them the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, cost-effective home heating and cooling option. If you’re considering getting geothermal installation at your home, remember that the upfront cost is high, but the savings quickly make up for it.

Be Notified In Emergency Situations

Another great benefit of smart technology in your home is the ability to be notified almost instantly in emergency situations. While homeowners are used to safety features like basic alarm systems, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide monitors, smart safety features are greatly improving your home safety by taking those systems to the next level.

Smart glass on windows can be connected to your home security system and will notify you with an alarm at home or a notification to your phone if it’s broken. Security cameras will let you look in different rooms of your home to check whether it’s a break due to an accident or because of an intruder. You can also buy an alarm that triggers in case of a glass break but isn’t built into the glass itself. There are also some smart security systems that will go off if the noise level in your home reaches a certain point. This is a less expensive option than smart glass but works similarly. If glass breaks or a door is bashed in, the noise levels will register and send you a notification. This is a great option for people who have to leave their homes unattended for trips or other reasons.

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors have also received some smart upgrades. Smart smoke detectors have the same features as a regular old smoke detector, they notify you when there is heavy smoke in a room that could be caused by a fire. However, new features have been added to fix some of the frustrating features of a typical smoke detector. Smart smoke detectors have a warning before they trigger the alarm, so if you’re home cooking and you don’t notice that something is starting to burn, you can get the burning item and cut the alarm before it goes off. They’re also simpler to mute when they do go off as you’ll have access to them from your phone. You also don’t have to worry about the annoying beeping you get when a smoke detector batteries start to die because a smart smoke detector is hooked up to your home electricity.

Another emergency smart technology can now notify you of are water leaks. With technology hooked up to your plumbing and water sources, you can be notified if excess water is detected somewhere it typically wouldn’t be. This way you can address a leak long before it becomes a problem that costs you thousands of dollars to fix. This same feature can also warn you if a tap is left running. You’ll not only be notified of emergency situations with this but also be able to save money on your water bill.

Enhanced Safety For You and Your Family

The extra safety that smart technology adds to your home is reason enough to invest in it. Knowing that you have extra measures in place to protect your family from danger helps you have more comfort both when you’re at home and when you’re away.

Some of the features previously mentioned, such as smart glass or video doorbells allow you to be notified if there is activity there shouldn’t be in your home. There are also enhanced CCTV systems or closed-circuit television systems, that provide video surveillance for your home. So you can keep an eye on both the interior and exterior of your home at all times. If you’re a parent, you can use them to check on your children to make sure they are safe while they sleep and play.

Automated smart locks also allow you to lock or unlock your home for your phone. You can also double-check that they’ve been locked when you’re away from home, no matter the distance. If you’ve ever left your garage door open when you leave your home and realize it when you come home with an open door, you’ll know the stress and terror that can cause. Smart features allow you to double-check that the door has been closed when you leave home. If your door has been damaged, make sure to schedule garage door opener repairs asap so you can continue to use that feature properly and have the peace of mind a locked, safe home gives.

Improving Your Home Value

Having smart technology in your house with greatly increase the value of your home if you’re ever to sell. The convenience they add not only benefits your life but is clear to potential buyers as well. Some of the points previously mentioned here are the exact reasons potential buyers will see more potential and value in your home and be drawn to it as an option for their future home.

The first smart feature that will greatly improve the value of your home is the safety features previously mentioned. The ability to double-check that your home is locked and safe even when you’re away is something all homeowners would love to have. It gives them more peace of mind when they’re out and even when they’re at home to know they can double-check their safety even while they’re sitting in bed. If you’re renovating your home before a sale, talk with your remodeling contractors about different safety features that could help with improving your home value.

Smart features like a video doorbell also assisting in improving your home value, again for safety reasons. There are countless stories and examples of video doorbells being used to stop people from stealing packages from your porch, to stop someone from breaking into a home, even just to communicate with someone at the door.

Other smart features that will help with improving your home value are smart lighting, features that can help to lower your monthly bills, such as solar panels or geothermal pumps, or home assistants like the Amazon Echo. As previously discussed, some of these features can be expensive to install, so you may consider looking into financing options such as home loans or refinancing for a new home mortgage.

Smart Devices You’ll Want to Add to Your Home

Now that you know the benefits of smart technology in your home, you may be excited to make some additions in your own home. All of the previously mentioned features and devices are great options. Here are a few more you may consider when improving your home with smart technology:

• Smart TV: Smart TVs are very popular in many homes across America. They have the ability to access youtube, social media, games, movies, streaming services, and much more all in one place.
• Robotic Vacuum: Robotic vacuums are great additions for homes. You don’t have to worry as much about sweeping as the vacuums will move around your home each day and pick up dirt and debris.
• Smart Jacuzzis: Smart jacuzzis are a fun option for families. The new technology makes them more energy-efficient and saves you money on the utility bills associated with them.
• Smart Awning: During the summer, having an awning over your back patio is a great way to get some shade while enjoying the good weather. Smart awnings allow you to adjust them from your phone or a remote, based on your preferences. Contact your local full-service awning company to get more information about what options they have for your home.

In Conclusion

Smart technology in the home is doing wonders to improve the quality of life of the families that live there. Whether you have a smart TV, solar panels, or a fully automated house, you know the benefits of having updated technology in your home. If you haven’t added any smart features to your home yet, this article lists some great options for you and your family.