The advancement of the internet and other pieces of modern technology has revolutionized the way we live our lives. From automated vacuum cleaners to smart TVs, things have become much easier and more enjoyable as far as indoor chores and comfort are concerned. Speaking of smart technology, homes have also not been left behind by this wave that is increasingly gaining momentum. Smart homes, as they are called, have risen in popularity over the years, and as more and more companies develop sophisticated home technology packages, we have to ask ourselves, what are their advantages and disadvantages? Well, below are the pros and cons of using modern tech at home, so you can be well informed before and after you decide to use certain pieces of tech.
Modern Technology Pros
Entertainment at Its Best
As earlier mentioned, getting your favorite shows, movies, and videos are nowadays only a button away. Smart TVs allow you access to a broad range of entertainment and educational content, provided you have the necessary streaming equipment and apps to pair with. These days, many homeowners have actually cut the cable, thanks to modern technology. What’s more, if you still want to have access to your local channels, but you cut the cable, your solution could be to get a TV antenna. As long as it has an ATSC tuner outlet, Greg from Long Signal says that getting an antenna to work with your new Smart TV shouldn’t be an uphill task. A TV antenna allows you access to free channels and better quality without interfering with your streaming capabilities. Modern technology has truly expanded the world of home entertainment.
Convenience
Consider this scenario; you wake up late for work, take a quick shower, iron your clothes and dash off. On your way there, you realize that you’ve forgotten to switch off the iron and you are not sure whether you locked the door on your way out. What do you do? Well, luckily technology has a solution for you, that’s if you have a smart home! From automated lighting to home appliances, remote thermostat control, and smart locks, stress from such scenarios will be a thing of the past. The technology brings convenience like never seen before. Today, you can remotely check if any appliance is on, whether your home is locked properly, and if you remembered to close all your faucets or taps tight despite your location using a smartphone or a computer.
Customization
With modern technology in your home, you will be able to customize it to your specific needs. You do not like the rooms warm? No problem! The thermostat can be automatically programmed to regulate your rooms’ HVAC system to the specified temperature settings. Do you switch on your security lights at seven o’clock in the evening? Easy! The lighting can be set to switch on or off at desired times, whether you are in the house or not. A smart home can also learn your routines and habits to make your life easier so you can maximize indoor comfort.
Security
Smart locks in your home will ensure that your house is always locked even if you forget to close it yourself. Cameras and motion detectors installed in your home will help you be aware of what is going on inside and outside your home at all times even when you are away. Using your smartphone or computer, monitoring your home will be a piece of cake and it will give you peace of mind so you can focus on your tasks for the day.
Environmentally Friendly
With the home’s appliances such as the air conditioning, sprinklers, lighting, and water systems being controlled automatically, it will have a positive impact on the environment. This is because the home can be set to run at maximum efficiency, thus reducing wastage of energy and water considerably. This will, in turn, result in money savings as well.
Modern Technology Cons
Cost
As more and more companies are churning out better and better modern technology for homes, it is still a very expensive package to own. Setting up and maintaining the equipment also requires expert handling, which further drives up the costs.
Steep Learning Curve
The smart technology, while super convenient, also demands a considerable amount of expertise before one can learn to navigate the controls. Familiarizing yourself with the technology can take a considerable amount of time before you can fully enjoy the benefits.
Data Security
While modern technology at home can be a blessing, it can also be a curse. With concerns about data security, the smart home can be vulnerable to the loss and misuse of data. Hackers can gain access to your home by hacking the technology, thus identifying loopholes they can take advantage of to rob you. They can also use the data to steal your identity or sell it to the highest bidder on the dark web.
System Compatibility Issues
The different aspects of your smart home, from your automatic sprinkler to the lighting are usually supplied by different manufacturers, with each one operating on their own databases and software. It can be a huge challenge since you may need to log in to different accounts to be able to operate the different appliances in the house. While this is easily solved by centralizing all the gadgets into one system, it can also be a very expensive move.
And there you have it. Modern technology at home has steadily become a popular sight in many neighborhoods. We can only hope that manufacturers are busy at work trying to mitigate the various demerits to the benefit of their consumers.
