Getting the Most Out of Your Smart Home Upgrades

Smart home technologies are all the rage these days. Not only can these technologies make life more convenient, but they can also reduce the carbon footprint of your home while also increasing your home’s value. But it doesn’t just happen. If you want to get the most out of your smart home upgrades, you need to be both smart and strategic.

One of the most significant benefits of smart home technologies is the convenience they offer. For instance, smart technologies can give you the capacity to adjust your home’s thermostat or unlock your front door even when you aren’t at home with just the touch of a smartphone button.

But before you go all-in on digitizing your home, you need to assess your actual needs. Just because the technology is “smart” does not automatically mean it’s going to make your life more convenient. 

For example, if you work from home and, therefore, you’re at home most of the time, installing a smart thermostat or door lock may not make your life all that much easier, particularly when you consider that these systems need to be digitally secured behind firewalls, VPNs, and/or strong and frequently changed passwords. 

So, when you’re looking for smart technologies that add convenience, start with a needs assessment. Consider the trade-offs in terms of cost, security, and maintenance, and then determine whether the tech you’re contemplating is really going to make home life more convenient.

Another attraction of smart home technology is the profound impact it can have on the sustainability of your home. After all, many of these systems are designed specifically to reduce the carbon footprint of a home, particularly by minimizing the amount of energy consumed and wasted in your home. 

Smart thermostats and appliances can be programmed to power down, for instance, when the family isn’t at home or the appliances are not in use. But if you’re going to reap the full benefits of sustainable smart tech, you’ll probably need to do more than just install the system. 

For example, installing a smart thermostat may not make much of a difference in your energy consumption, or waste, if your home is filled with drafts. So, to make the most of your smart upgrade when it comes to sustainability, you will need to make a sweep of your home, sealing any gaps that you might find in your windows, doorways, flooring, or roofing. This is particularly true if you have an older home, where settling can lead to leaks and gaps and where single-pane windows and other energy-inefficient materials are more common.

Not only can smart technologies make your home more convenient and environmentally friendly, but they can also significantly increase the value of your home. However, when it comes to adding to your home’s worth, not all smart systems are created equal. 

So, if you’re looking to invest in smart technology to increase your home’s value, you need to be strategic and do a little research. Consider the other properties in your neighborhood and be careful not to trick out your home so extensively that you price your house right out of the market. 

Instead, to add value to your home, consider investing in smart technologies that are universally valued, such as individual smart thermostats in each room or an outdoor sound system that enhances your outdoor living space without requiring a substantial financial investment.

Smart home technologies are increasingly important amenities for today’s homeowners. These systems can substantially increase the convenience, sustainability, and value of your home. However, to make the most of your smart home upgrades, you need to do your research and invest wisely.