Smart Home Technology: Pros & Cons and How Much Does it Cost?

Smart home or smart house technology is becoming increasingly popular in Serbia, but before you open your wallet, it is important to familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of this technology. Therefore, we are considering some of the main benefits and drawbacks of smart home technology, as well as providing an estimated cost assessment for equipping an average house with smart home technology.

Advantages of Smart Home Technology

Increased Security

One of the biggest advantages of smart home technology is increased security, both from external influences or theft, as well as from unwanted accidents within the house itself. Smart security systems allow you to remotely control devices in your home, receive alerts when something unusual is happening in or around the house, and even the ability to remotely control locks and cameras via your smartphone. This technology can truly provide peace of mind while you're on vacation or away from home, making your home a safer place.

Increased Efficiency and Convenience

Smart home technology allows you to control various aspects of your home with just a few touches on your smartphone or even through voice commands. This way, for example, you can turn on the lights in the house, heat up a room, turn on the boiler while you're on your way home, and even start the coffee maker to have a fresh cup waiting for you when you return. This convenience can save you time and make your life incredibly comfortable.

Reduced Electricity Consumption

Smart home devices can also help you save money on bills by reducing electricity consumption. For example, you can program the system to automatically adjust to your daily routine, ensuring that energy is not wasted when you're not at home. Similarly, you can customize the system to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates and use that time for tasks such as laundry or dishwashing. There's no doubt that managing energy in this way will reduce consumption and save you money in the long run.

Personalization of Environment and Ambience

Smart home technology also allows you to personalize your environment according to your preferences. You can set up the ideal lighting, temperature, and even the music or video program in your home to create an atmosphere that suits your current mood or a specific occasion.

Drawbacks of Smart Home Technology

High Initial Cost

The most common drawback mentioned by people is the high cost of smart home technology. Equipping an entire home with this technology can be very expensive, especially if you want the latest models and devices or some advanced features. The costs can vary significantly depending on which devices you need and how sophisticated they are.

Vulnerability to Malfunctions

Another drawback of smart home technology is its vulnerability to malfunctions. Devices connected to your network can be sensitive to errors and internet issues, which can lead to problems in their functioning. Additionally, if you don't have sufficient knowledge about this technology, you may not be able to troubleshoot issues on your own, resulting in additional costs for hiring experts.

Potential for Hacking

Like any technology that relies on internet connectivity, smart home technology can be vulnerable to cyber attacks. Internet-connected devices are generally exposed to hacking, which can compromise your privacy and security. It is important to use strong passwords and regularly update software to minimize the risk of hacking.

Financial Assessment

It is estimated that equipping an average home with the most basic smart home system could cost between 4,000 and 6,000 euros. The most basic system would cover basic functions in the house or apartment, such as turning lights on or off, controlling air conditioning, boilers, and other smart devices. However, for sophisticated systems with advanced features (such as distinguishing between a dog in the yard and an intruder), the costs will certainly be higher. Additionally, prices will vary depending on the quality and brand of the devices.

Therefore, before deciding to invest in this technology, it is important to carefully consider all aspects and assess whether it is worth the investment. If you choose smart home technology, it is also important to keep in mind the costs associated with this investment.