Smart home upgrades – the budget-friendly, the bells and whistles and the future

The smart home industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years, revolutionising the way we live and interact with our living spaces and, as technology continues to advance, smart home upgrades are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners.
 
“These upgrades not only enhance the living experience but also offer opportunities for improved energy efficiency and cost savings,” says Claude McKirby, Co-Principal of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs.
 
“However, with the plethora of options available, it’s important to evaluate which smart home upgrades are worth the cost and which may be overrated, especially if one is on a budget,” he said.
 
“There is already a wide range of options available and, with new technology becoming available all the time, it can be very overwhelming, even for those who are tech savvy.”
 
Below, McKirby looks at the smart home features that homeowners should consider, regardless of their budget, those that provide the best value for money, features that are still a luxury and what we can look forward to in the near future.
 
Budget-Friendly Smart Home Upgrades:
 
Smart Plugs: Affordable and versatile, smart plugs allow homeowners to transform any regular electrical outlet into a smart outlet. These plugs can be controlled remotely and set on schedules, allowing for automated control of devices such as lamps, fans, or coffee makers and they not only offer convenience but also energy-saving potential, especially for appliances that tend to be left on unintentionally.
Smart Lighting: Upgrading to smart LED bulbs or smart lighting systems can enhance convenience and energy efficiency. Smart lighting allows for remote control, scheduling, and automation, reducing unnecessary energy consumption. Affordable options like smart plugs can also turn regular lamps into smart lights, offering similar benefits.
Smart Power Strips: Smart power strips help eliminate ‘vampire power’ by cutting off power to devices in standby mode. These power strips can be controlled remotely, scheduled, or even configured to turn off when a device is not in use, reducing energy waste and lowering electricity bills.
 
Smart Home Upgrades Worth the Cost:
 
Smart Security Systems: Investing in a comprehensive smart security system can really offer peace of mind and enhance home safety. Features like surveillance cameras, doorbell cameras, and smart locks provide remote monitoring and control, allowing homeowners to keep an eye on their property from anywhere. Integration with home automation systems can further enhance security by simulating occupancy.
Smart Home Hub: A smart home hub acts as the central command centre for various smart devices, enabling seamless integration and control. With a hub, homeowners can create custom automation routines, control multiple devices from a single interface, and enhance the overall smart home experience.
 
Smart Home Upgrades for Homeowners with Big Budgets:
 
Smart Appliances: Upgrading to smart appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, or dishwashers are definitely more of a luxury than necessity but they certainly offer convenience as well as energy efficiency. These appliances can be controlled remotely, provide real-time notifications, and optimize energy usage based on load or usage patterns.
Energy Monitoring and Management: Advanced energy monitoring systems provide detailed insights into your home’s energy consumption. They track usage patterns, identify energy hogs, and suggest ways to optimize efficiency. With the data collected, homeowners can make informed decisions to reduce energy waste and save on utility costs. Though pricier, these systems offer long-term savings and support sustainable living.
Whole-Home Automation: For homeowners with larger budgets, investing in a comprehensive whole-home automation system can transform their living experience. These systems integrate various smart devices, including lighting, HVAC, security, entertainment, and more, into a cohesive and customizable network. Whole-home automation provides complete control and automation, tailored to specific preferences and routines.
 
Overrated Smart Home Upgrades:
 
While smart home technology continues to evolve, some upgrades may not offer significant benefits or justify their cost and be considered more of an unnecessary luxury, especially if one is on a tight budget and requires more bang for one’s buck:
 
Smart Refrigerators: While smart refrigerators provide convenience features like inventory management and integration with voice assistants, their high cost may not necessarily deliver substantial value compared to traditional models.
Smart Blinds/Shades: While motorized blinds or shades can be controlled remotely, their cost may not be justifiable for all homeowners, especially when manual options are available at a fraction of the price.
Smart Toilets: They offer features like heated seats, built-in bidets, and motion-activated lids and while they may provide a luxurious experience, their high cost and complex maintenance requirements can make them an unnecessary expense for many households. Standard toilets are efficient, reliable, and cost-effective, and additional features can be achieved through separate bidet attachments or toilet seat covers.
Smart Pet Feeders: These claim to provide convenience by allowing pet owners to schedule and control feeding remotely but these devices often have connectivity issues and can be unreliable. Many traditional pet feeders with automatic timers or portion control settings can accomplish the same task at a fraction of the cost. It’s important to consider the reliability and practicality of smart pet feeders before investing in them.
 
What We Can Expect to See Soon
 
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration: AI-powered virtual assistants, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri will become more contextually aware, allowing for more natural and intuitive interactions. They will learn individual preferences and proactively make suggestions or adjustments based on users’ routines and habits.
Voice Control Advancements: Voice control has become a staple in many smart homes, but advancements in natural language processing and voice recognition technology will further enhance its functionality. We can expect voice assistants to understand complex commands, distinguish between different household members’ voices, and offer more personalized responses.
Enhanced Energy Efficiency: As environmental sustainability gains importance, smart homes will play a crucial role in achieving energy efficiency. Future smart home features will focus on optimizing energy usage through advanced algorithms and machine learning. Homes will leverage data from various sensors, weather forecasts, and energy consumption patterns to intelligently manage heating, cooling, and lighting systems.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Integration: AR and VR technologies have immense potential in the smart home domain. In the future, homeowners will be able to visualise and customise their spaces using AR applications and will virtually place furniture, experiment with different room layouts, and preview how smart home features will integrate into their living environment.
VR, on the other hand, will offer immersive experiences, allowing users to virtually tour homes, test out smart home functionalities, and even remotely control their devices.
Enhanced Security and Privacy Measures: As smart homes become more interconnected, ensuring robust security and privacy measures will be paramount and features will include advanced encryption protocols, biometric authentication, and enhanced cybersecurity measures.
 
“Smart home upgrades provide homeowners with opportunities to enhance their living experience, improve energy efficiency, and increase convenience.
 
“Ultimately, the value of smart home upgrades lies in aligning the features with individual needs, preferences, and budget constraints to create a home that is not only technologically advanced but also tailored to the unique requirements of the homeowner,” concludes McKirby.