It's hard to get up and go to work before the winter sun hits. But with smart home devices, you can easily turn on your favorite music, light up the hallway, boil the kettle for a cup of hot tea that's ready when you enter your home, and more. You can automate it to help you feel better. kitchen.
If you're a technology enthusiast, you probably already have some “smart” home appliances. But even if you don't have any, you probably know someone who does. A report released in October by emerging consumer technology research firm Parks Associates surveyed 10,000 connected U.S. households and found that 27% had purchased a smart home device in the past 12 months. did.
Even if you don't have a Smart Thing Amazig yet, you may be considering purchasing one. The same report found that 44% of American households plan to purchase a smart home device within the next 12 months. And according to a recent analysis conducted by Underfloor Heating Store, “smart home” is by far the most popular home improvement trend viewed on TikTok, with approximately 4.2 billion views. It turned out to be. In comparison, videos related to the second most popular home reno term (“extended outdoor space”) received a relatively modest 260,900 views.
However, while smart home devices are popular, be sure to consider whether a particular device is right for you. According to Angus Chen, a certified cloud security professional, data privacy must be considered. He points out that some of these devices may be eavesdropping on your conversations and recording your habits. To ensure privacy, look for smart home devices that “allow you to opt in or out of data collection and set security options,” Chen says.
Given the cost involved, it makes sense not to settle for anything less than revolutionary. But finding the right smart home device can also mean a lot of e-waste, as not everything purchased and returned online is resold or used. Part of why TikTok creator Dani Marie (@danimariethatsme) suggests interested buyers wait until a trusted channel reviews the product themselves to eliminate the useless guessing game. This is it. “If it's something you keep in your home for a long time and use consistently every day, I think it's worth it.” [the expense],” she says.
At the same time, smart home devices have clear benefits. Your shades probably won't magically unfold right before you wake up every day. That makes smart blinds relatively more affordable than daily butler service (or bribing your housemate). Automating tasks like double-checking whether your front door is locked is also a smart benefit.
Additionally, it's difficult to immediately put a price on customized comfort. The ability to change the color temperature of a light bulb to suit your mood is a whole new level of realization. And that doesn't take into account the increased resource efficiency that some smart tools can provide. For example, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, smart thermostats can save you “approximately 8% of your heating and cooling costs,” depending on your climate, personal preferences, and heating and cooling equipment.