In celebration of National Smart Home Day, we’ll discuss all things home automation—including what a smart home is, the most common ways smart technology and products are incorporated in the home, and the pros and cons of having a smart home—so you’ll have all the information you’ll need to start using smart technology and products in your current home.

What Is National Smart Home Day, and What Is a Smart Home?

National Smart Home Day, occurring each year on November 3, is a celebration of home automation. Put simply, a smart home incorporates smart technology and products to control aspects of home operation—either through a hard-wired system or, more commonly, through a wireless internet connection that’s controlled by a cell phone or tablet. Smart homes, especially those controlled by a wireless internet connection, have increased in popularity recently, due to their efficiency and relatively low cost.

How Can I Incorporate Smart Technology into My Home?

Heating and air conditioning (HVAC)

A smart thermostat that connects to your cell phone or tablet is a very common way to incorporate smart technology. Often, smart home products will allow you to control things like temperature settings, humidity settings, and specific start and end times for heating and air conditioning cycles. You may even be able to program certain smart home products to change settings, based on whether or not you are in the home.

Security systems

Security systems and related home security products, like smart doorbells, are another popular way to use smart technology in your life. Not only do they allow you the freedom to set an alarm system from a cell phone, but they can give you a window into your home when you aren’t there through remote access to your security cameras. Smart doorbells can give you the luxury of seeing and often speaking with whomever is at your home before physically encountering them, thereby increasing your safety. You may also be able to use motion detection settings to receive immediate alerts if something or someone is in or around your home who shouldn’t be.

Indoor and outdoor lighting

Lighting, both in and around your home, is another common use for smart home technology. Often you can use your cell phone or tablet to turn lights on and off in your home to conserve energy and avoid potential injury. This feature can also come in handy to deter unwanted house guests by providing the illusion that you are home, even when you aren’t. For instance, setting lights on a schedule or even incorporating motion-detection capabilities can help.

Entertainment

While some of the previous smart technology and products we’ve discussed tend to be top of mind, home entertainment is another common area where automation can be very helpful. Often, entertainment systems, like televisions and audio equipment, can be programmed to be controlled by a single device or even through voice control. These capabilities can allow you to enjoy your entertainment of choice with fewer hassles and more convenience.

What Are the Pros of Smart Home Technology?

Convenience: Easily turn systems on and off and monitor them seamlessly through a mobile app.

Flexibility: Enjoy access and control of your systems anytime and from anywhere.

Cost efficiency: Save on your energy bills over time by programming your systems to increase or decrease energy usage, based on when you are home.

What Are the Cons of Smart Home Technology?

Outside security threats: As with anything connected to the internet, hackers may attempt to access your security system or other smart home products for their own purposes.

Up-front costs: While smart technology and products lower energy bills over time, they are often more expensive than their standard counterparts.

Wi-Fi or internet outages: While smart technology and products can be extremely convenient, they can fail when the Wi-Fi or internet goes down.

Make the Right Choice for You

As with any homeownership decision, it’s ultimately up to you whether or not incorporating smart technology is the right choice. It can make your life easier and more convenient. It also tends to decrease your energy usage and, therefore, energy bills (over time). However, the up-front costs and potential security risks can be a detriment. Only you can truly weigh the risks and rewards when it comes to your family, your home, and everyone’s overall safety and comfort.