Smart home building and home conversions are on the rise. Garage door openers and outdoor motion detection lighting have been around for quite a while but the new trend that adds many more conveniences and safety features to the home and business are just beginning to reach the average homeowner. As can be expected, this new automation comes with a new class of troubles.
I firmly believe that home automation is like the Apple Watch of home ownership. It's over-innovated to the point that it's not all that useful. There will always be a group of consumers that love it because there are really cool features that make you feel like you're living in the future. But there is also a large group that will start using it, then realize it's a lot more expensive and time consuming than it's worth. (If you're a home automation lover that turns your porch lights on and off from your Apple Watch...I'm sorry if I've offended you.)
The Expense
Smart home devices are more costly than traditional appliances and utilities. For example, a thermostat with a WiFi connection will run you a pretty penny more than the standard kind that only regulates the temperature of your home.
Although the cost of a basic smart-home system may not be cost prohibitive, the cost to deck out your entire home with smart systems is out of the question for most normal households. According to the Smart & Intelligent Homes website, systems begin at $2,500 and can cost as much as $1.8 million.
The basic $2,500 system includes outdoor security lighting, a smart thermostat, a back door unlocking capability, and a burglar alarm. All four of these features can be monitored and controlled with a smart phone. There is often an additional fee to download and subscribe to the smartphone app, and to get the most out of the system you need an up-to-date smartphone as well.
The Confusion
For a tech-savvy person, smart-home devices are a virtual playground. However, for those who are technically challenged, learning and using smart home features may be more stressful than satisfying.
This is particularly true for older people who have not been raised in front of a computer. Understanding and using modern technological advancements comes with a learning curve that the younger generations definitely have an advantage in.
Reliability Issues
If a home or business owner is relying heavily on smart-home security systems, he must keep in mind that his system is only as reliable as his internet connection or the coding in the smart home software.
Programming errors can cause catastrophic glitches in a system that completely defeat the purpose of having a home automation or security system. A power outage may cause a smart device to lose customized settings that were previously programmed into its computer chip.
For example, if the coffee maker was programmed to brew coffee 20 minutes before the bedside alarm wakes the homeowner and there was a brief power outage during the night, the 9 to 5 worker may be faced with a sleeping coffee maker that has forgotten its programmed settings. This can be an annoying inconvenience when time is of the essence getting ready for work. When the old-fashioned coffee pot has been packed away or it takes much longer to perk the coffee, the so-called smart coffee maker may not seem so brilliant after all.
Catastrophic User Error
It is extremely easy to cause problems for yourself while you’re getting used to having your new home automation system in place. Maybe you forgot that you set your sprinklers to operate at a certain time and you consequently ruin several pairs of shoes that your children left outside. Had you turned the sprinklers on manually, you would have been able to see and salvage the shoes before they became victim.
Or maybe you’re like the unfortunate homeowner who woke up to discover that his automated vacuum cleaner had tracked dog poop throughout his entire house after a midnight potty emergency. His dog had pooped on the living room rug shortly before the roomba began its automated route, spreading the dog's droppings in a smelly pattern all across the carpet.
It’s casualties like these that make you wonder if the home automation is worth it. Luckily, the poop catastrophe can be solved by a round (or two) of professional carpet cleaning. But that is another cost to add to the home automation systems on their own.
Increased Vulnerability
Since smart home components are connected to the internet, utilizing home automation devices can open your home to potential cyber attacks and security breaches. While the occurrences of these types of system breaches are unlikely, it is a bit crazy to think of all of the information available to a hacker if you’re utilizing a smart home system of products. Many home automation suites include cameras recording throughout the house at all hours of the day.
Home automation systems have their drawbacks. Although the basic system may be within reach for many households, maintenance and upgrades may not be. If you’re considering taking the plunge for a smart home system, make sure you fully evaluate exactly which features you need and which features have the potential to cause more pain than pleasure for your needs.
