Home strain is a relatively new term in the home and technology industries, as many homeowners weren’t home on a consistent basis. But as traveling has come to a halt and more people are working from home full time than ever before, their appliances and devices are experiencing major strain from overuse. And while this has led to more maintenance and repair needs than usual, it’s also provided a great opportunity for the technology industry to help. In fact, there are many smart home products made to help homes run more efficiently that won’t cost an arm and a leg.
Smart Home Devices Worth The Cost
With the vast amount of devices in the smart home market, how are homeowners supposed to know what devices are worth their time and money? There seems to be a new, “life-changing” invention every month, so it’s no surprise that many homeowners have been slow to implement smart home products into their homes. But with many spare rooms getting turned into home offices during the pandemic, more homeowners are looking for ways to streamline their lives and make their new normal a bit easier.
One of the most popular categories of smart home automation is security and monitoring. Devices like motion detectors, smart locks, smart garage doors, and video doorbells are relatively inexpensive ways to monitor all activity inside and outside the home. Most camera systems can connect straight to smartphones, allowing homeowners to communicate with someone at their front door or save videos of a stranger walking through their backyard.
Meanwhile, other systems mentioned above like smart locks and garage door openers allow easy control over their home’s protection from anywhere. This means they can set up alerts every time someone opens the door, a perfect option for parents with teens itching to leave the house during shelter-in-place orders. They can also rest easier being able to double-check that locks are secured from the couch, bed, or even at the park.
How the Pandemic Has Changed the Future of Homes
Unfortunately in many places, this virus is showing no signs of slowing down. And as homeowners continue to rely on their homes for basic necessities such as working, exercising, and cooking, there is no doubt that their appliances will continue to take on the added strain.
The smart home of tomorrow will be much more integrated, as newer devices are coming equipped with Bluetooth and Wifi capabilities. Even older homes are getting a facelift as well, as homeowners are turning their attention to upgrading their living spaces instead of going out on the town. In fact, the smart home market is estimated to be worth over $159 billion dollars by 2024, with at least 6.4 billion smart home devices in use by 2023.
The coronavirus has also changed homeowners’ priorities for the long-term, as many are focused on home maintenance to prevent costly repairs. And given the economic downturn that has occurred in light of this pandemic, it’s a smart move. Smart devices such as humidity sensors and water leak detectors are a great way to achieve this goal, as they provide real-time alerts to issues such as leaky pipes or mold growth. For example, homeowners can save an average of 10,000 gallons of water by installing a water leak detector that monitors water pressure and flow rate.
No matter the type of home, it’s clear that homeowners want to take good care of their living space while they are required to spend so much time inside of it. And the technology and insurance spaces have taken note. For more expert suggestions on the best smart devices for a more efficient home, check out the infographic below.
