4 reasons to upgrade to a smart home

Connected products, once a futuristic technology, are fast becoming a reality in households across the country. In fact, 5.8 million Canadians will regularly use a smart speaker this year – a 51.2 per cent increase from 2018, according to eMarketer.

Smart home products are popular because incorporating them into your routine makes life easier, safer and more cost-effective. Here are the top reasons to give your home a smart makeover:

Safety and security. Having the ability to monitor your home from wherever you are is one of the biggest benefits. Devices that deliver notifications about everything from intruders to water leaks help homeowners react quickly and avoid major disasters. For families with children, for example, smart locks can let you know when kids return home from school, while a connected doorbell system can help ensure their safety when the bell rings with mobile access to live video.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Convenience and customization. Smart products streamline common tasks by giving you remote access to everything from thermostats to kitchen appliances. At the tap of a button on your phone, you can close a forgotten garage door or feed the dog while away from home. You have the ability to program devices to your family’s specific needs and preferences and to customize your smart home system to fit your lifestyle.

Ease and expansion. Unlike their complicated predecessors, many of today’s smart home products can be easily installed, and you certainly don’t need to buy everything at once. One of the best places to start is with essential devices like a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, such as the Onelink by First Alert Safe & Sound. The three-in-one device functions as a smart smoke and carbon monoxide alarm as well as a premium home speaker and is Amazon Alexa-enabled. Unlike other smart alarms, it’s designed to work with many interconnected hardwired alarms, allowing you to maintain currently installed alarms. Thanks to an integrated adaptor plug, installation is easy, with no rewiring required.

Energy efficiency and cost-savings. A major part of what makes smart devices “smart” is their ability to save money through improved energy efficiency. Lights can be programmed to turn off automatically and thermostats can be set to a lower temperature during the day while you’re away. You can even track energy usage and expenditures to determine ways to reduce consumption.