Smart homes are becoming better and more sophisticated. With Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, such systems are increasingly finding their way into our homes. But what are the advantages and disadvantages of a connected home? We would like to show you in this article.
What is a smart home?
The heating is at the right temperature, the sauna is preheated and the espresso is already waiting for you when you arrive home. The heating keeps the rooms at a certain temperature, while lowering the temperature when no one is at home for a longer period of time. Alarm systems and surveillance cameras are switched on as soon as you leave the house. In the event of a storm, awnings are retracted, blinds are raised and residents are informed if a window is still open. A smart home is the epitome of comfort. Home technology, household appliances and entertainment electronics are networked with each other and can be operated via an app or voice control from a cell phone or tablet.
What advantages does a smart home offer?
- A smart home can help to reduce electricity and heating costs by automatically reducing the heating temperature when no one is at home.
- In combination with a photovoltaic system, a “smart” control system that switches on the washing machine, boiler etc. at peak times can also reduce electricity costs.
- Windows and doors are monitored by sensors. A smart lighting system simulates the presence of people in the house, even when no one is there.
- Surveillance cameras that can be monitored from a smartphone provide perfect protection against burglary or other uninvited guests.
- Luxurious gimmicks such as heating up the sauna or coffee waiting for you when you get home are included.
What are the disadvantages of smart homes?
Unfortunately, a constantly networked home also has negative aspects.
- Some people with smart homes worry about privacy and data protection. This is because the devices in the home plus the monitoring system and more collect a lot of data from their residents. A smart home system should therefore be secure so that the data is adequately protected.
- Wi-Fi, smartphones, tablets and the like are generating more and more electromagnetic radiation within our own four walls. Whether and to what extent this electrosmog can be harmful to us is currently the subject of controversial debate.
