Smart home technology has been around in some form since the 1960s, but things didn’t really begin to pick up steam among consumers until the early 2000s. Because this technology is still seen as rather novel, there are still many myths surrounding what having a smart home is like and what it means for homeowners’ finances.
One group that you can always rely on for reliable information on smart homes and their technology is the Harlingen smart home builders of Smart Home Construction. We’ve gathered up a few of the most common myths about smart homes as well as some reasons why they may not be as true as people think.
1. You Have to Be a Tech Expert to Have a Smart Home
The technology involved in a smart home can sound intimidating; however, this tech is created, in large part, to make our lives easier. With this in mind, it makes sense that you don’t have to be a tech expert to use it. Unfortunately, some homeowners are hesitant to invest in smart home technology because they fear it will be too much of a hassle to set up and use.
The truth is that most of the devices in a smart home are wireless and utilize a simple plug-and-play set up model. That means that all you will need to do to use them is download an app to your smartphone and connect the device to your WiFi network. Once you’ve done that, the app will provide all the necessary instructions to set up and use the device.
To be fair, there are some smart technologies that may require a professional to install, something that is reserved for an experienced team of smart home builders like yours truly.
2. Smart Home Systems Work Instantly
While setting up smart devices is generally straight forward, connecting all of your devices with interoperability may require some work. Some smart tech enthusiasts might purchase a handful of devices only to find they each “speak a different language”; basically, they use different communication protocols. To Integrate your devices together, you will likely need to create a central hub.
3. Smart Devices and Smart Savings Are All or Nothing
Some smart tech gurus would have you believe that each and every thermostat (or their particular favorite brand) will save you a whopping 25 percent or more on every bill! This unfortunately unrealistic expectation can lead some homeowners to turn away from other smart technology that could actually make a positive impact in their life and wallet.
Basically, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, and you should always question any claim that benefits the person making it.
In a similar vein, some may tell you that, if you want to use smart technology, you have to fully equip your whole home. You should always start with a level of technology that you feel comfortable using and purchasing. For instance, you don’t have to overhaul your whole home to use smart lights. A professional could install a system throughout the whole house or a few smart bulbs. Your level of investment is up to you.
4. Smart Options Are Limited to Major Brands Like Google and Amazon
There are two names that have become synonymous with smart technology: Amazon and Google. Just about everyone has said, “Hey Alexa…” or “Hey Echo…” at least once in their lives, and while it’s true that these two companies have made massive strides in smart technology in recent years, they certainly aren’t the only options for smart tech. Smart home products are a part of a larger industry with a variety of reliable brands to choose from.
5. You Can’t Keep Your Privacy in a Smart Home
Privacy while living in a smart home isn’t something that you should sacrifice. So long as you are careful in your planning and protecting your WiFi network and reputable-brand devices with unique passwords, your smart home should be just as safe as any other. In fact, the smart security options available today are likely to make your home a whole lot safer than one without that level of protection.
6. Smart Homes Are Too Expensive
One of the most common impediments to smart homeownership today is the idea that smart technology is just too expensive. This is simply untrue. You have many options available to you when it comes to your level of investment in smart technology, and you can start as small as you would like. You don’t have to invest in a whole smart home system all at once. You can start with a few simple upgrades like smart bulbs or a smart speaker and add more as you have the funds or the interest. In fact, you can set up the foundation for future upgrades with a home hub for less than $100.
7. Smart Homes Aren’t a Worthwhile Long-Term Investment
The longer smart technology is around, the harder it is for naysayers to argue that it’s just a fad. These days, it’s becoming more and more obvious to everyone that smart technology is here to stay.
Speaking of worthwhile purchases, some other naysayers argue that a smart home isn’t actually an investment. This isn’t true either. Smart technology represents an investment in both your life and your financial future. First, it can make your life more accessible, safer, and easier to navigate quickly. Beyond that, it can also literally make you money in the long run. Smart homes often are more desirable and higher in value at resale.
Harlingen Smart Home Builders for You: Smart Home Construction
Smart homes are a great way to make your life easier in a way that’s fully customizable to your needs. While some aspects of smart technology can be difficult to maneuver, they are usually simple to install and go a long way towards improving your quality of life.
You can spend as little or as much money as you would like on smart technology, and you can utilize it at a speed you’re comfortable with. If you’re interested in buying a smart home in Harlingen, Smart Home Construction can help you find the perfect place for you and your family.
Smart homes can make your life easier and save you money. Contact the team at Smart Home Construction to get started today.
