Smart homes are all the rage these days, but you do not have to break the bank to outfit your home in the latest technology. Homeowners can find affordable smart home devices that provide considerable cost savings on energy and water bills. Also, some homeowners insurance quotes may be lower if your home uses smart technology.
While big name smart home devices carry high price tags, you can choose which devices work best for your home. It is also possible to find affordable alternatives to popular smart home devices that work just as efficiently as popular brands. Keep reading for an overview on smart home technology and how smart homes are more affordable than you think.
Turn your lights off, even if you’re not home
How many times have you left your house, only to realize you left a light on? Instead of wasting time turning around and switching the light off, you have to waste money on unnecessary electricity. If the thought of leaving a light on and running up your energy bill makes your skin crawl, smart bulbs are for you.
Smart bulbs connect with your smart home system or smart phone, and they can be controlled from anywhere. When you accidentally leave a light on at home, you can simply turn it off from your phone, no matter where you are. These devices save a considerable amount of time and help to reduce your overall electric bill. Smart bulbs also have longer lifespans than LED bulbs and use less energy, saving even more money each month.
Smart light switches are another great option for reducing your energy costs. You can dim the lights in a room or have motion-activated lights to conserve energy. Lowering the brightness of your bulbs can make a significant difference in your monthly bill without making a big difference in your comfort or convenience.
Conserve water
Small leaks may seem like a minor problem, but the cost of wasted water can add up quickly. A little drip in your kitchen sink or a leak in your bathtub faucet can add a lot to your monthly water bill. If you have a vacation home or rental property, leaks may go undetected for long periods of time with costs adding up. Instead of letting money go down the drain, you can install smart water valves that detect leaks.
Smart water valves are able to recognize if a pipe bursts or a toilet keeps cycling. These powerful devices can turn off your water to prevent a major disaster or a bigger leak that costs a lot of money. These devices are more expensive than many other smart home devices, but they can be worth the investment.
Another option for conserving water is a smart sprinkler system or controller. These systems can regulate how much water you use on your lawn or garden, and you can set them to provide optimal moisture levels for your soil and plant types. It is also possible to easily control your sprinklers and alter your watering schedule based on weather conditions.
Lower heating and cooling costs
Smart thermostats are some of the most popular smart home devices available on the market today. Families all across the country are enjoying the cost savings associated with installing a smart thermostat in their home. These devices learn over time and adjust the temperature in your home to optimal levels for comfort and cost.
A smart thermostat is one that you can set and forget. The thermostat will take care of regulating the temperature of your home based on your location, how long it takes to heat or cool your house, and your habits. You can also adjust the temperature from your smartphone to prevent unnecessary heating or cooling when you are not at home. These devices provide additional control to start up your AC or heat before you get back home, so you don’t have to walk into a stuffy or freezing house.
Eliminate vampire power
No, vampire power is not the stuff of fantasy movies. This term refers to devices that use small amounts of energy even when they are not powered on. Simply plugging some gadgets or electrical appliances into your wall outlets will cause them to use power. This phantom energy can really add up over time, even though it is completely unnecessary for your daily life and activities.
Smart plugs are able to monitor the amount of energy a device uses once it is plugged in. You can turn off power to the plug completely to prevent vampire power from being used on a regular basis. Best of all, you can turn these plugs on and off from your smartphone, saving energy even when you are away from home.
If you need to plug in a lot of devices at once, consider using a smart power strip. These devices work similarly to a smart plug, but the can accommodate multiple gadgets at once. You can plug in all of your devices and cut power to the smart power strip whenever you are not using those devices. Over time, the cost savings can add up.
Maintain home security
Smart home devices are increasingly focusing on home security. Doorbell cameras, internal cameras, motion-detection lights, and other security-related devices are popping up on the market each year. These smart home security systems are often more affordable than installing a professional security system monitored by a security company. However, it is possible to purchase an all-inclusive smart home security system from a security company, so you do not have to install or maintain any of your devices.
Save on your insurance costs
Some of the best homeowners insurance providers are offering discounts for customers that utilize smart home technology. You may be able to save on your homeowners insurance quote by installing smart home technology that improves your home’s safety. Preventing water leaks, improving energy efficiency, and maintaining home security can all work to lower your homeowners insurance costs.
Conclusion
Smart home technology is not a fad. The devices used to power your lights and gadgets are here to stay, and homeowners should embrace the technology to save on costs. While smart home devices may seem expensive, they can actually provide a great deal of savings on your electricity and water bills and protect your home. All in all, the investment in smart home technology is worth the benefits you receive.
Do you have smart home devices installed? Reach out to our agents at 1-800-216-4171 or complete our free online interview to see if they can provide an additional discount to your premium.
