The landscape of home technology has advanced beyond our greatest imaginations and now, in 2023, it seems there is almost no tech that is out of reach. With the latest technology aimed at further making your home “smart”, easy to use and almost entirely operational remotely, the team at Royal LePage Connect Realty is getting you up to speed on what you need to know about Smart Home technology in 2023. 

What is a Smart Home?

A Smart Home is one where convenience via technology and/or remote automation are facilitated via network connections. In short, a Smart Home is just that: smart! 

The primary purpose of Smart Home technology is to maximize a home’s user-friendly functionality with things like remote access to your security systems, temperature-control, and television and entertainment. 

In a Smart Home, electrical components like your television and cameras are interconnected via the internet. This bundling of devices allows the user to operate these items conveniently and generally, remotely, through specific apps and home-tech smart hubs like the Google Alexa. 

This bundled and interconnected network offers convenience and peace of mind for home owners who prefer to streamline and simplify their in-home technology as much as possible. 

Nowadays, from home lighting and timers to appliances, entertainment and security systems, there is no shortage of technology on the market designed to upgrade and update your home. 

Where it once might have been overwhelming to consider the various apps and operating systems users would need to familiarize themselves with, advances in tech have addressed this issue with the option of connected systems via a single network. 

Consider the following scenarios: 

• You leave the house in a hurry and as you drive off, you can’t recall whether or not you remembered to lock the door… luckily, Smart Home technology can allow for remote access to things like door locking systems, garage doors and home security networks. 

• You’re on vacation and remember that your lawn may need some attention while you’re away. Fortunately, there is Smart Home technology that connects to sprinkler systems, making it a breeze to turn on, off and even remotely schedule your lawn maintenance. 

Some Smart Home systems incorporate AI technology, designed to further simplify the user experience with tech that works to learn and adapt to your preferences and routines. This aims to establish a seamless experience where AI technology is able to use past behaviours and usage to pre-anticipate a user’s future needs and preferences. This advanced Smart Home tech will also establish user profiles, with suggestions (like music, light settings and thermostat preferences), all based on previous user history. 

There are several types of Smart Home devices designed to make you life easier, such as:

• Smart TVs 

• Smart lighting systems 

• Smart security cameras/security systems 

• Smart thermostats

• Smart garage door openers and door locks 

• Smart kitchen appliances

• Smart household monitors 

• Smart mattresses

…there’s even smart tech geared at pet care! 

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How does smart home technology benefit you

Smart Home technology is designed to simplify your day-to-day life at home, making it easier than ever before to manage your home’s devices, appliances and more - from the comfort of your own home, and remotely. 

The obvious conveniences of remote operation aside, one of the primary benefits of Smart Home technology is the peace of mind that it provides via remote control of aspects of your home that could otherwise present dangerous situations without the ability to check-in on them from wherever you are. 

Some other benefits of Smart Home technology include:

• Flexibility in setting up and connecting new devices and appliances

• Increased home security

• An increase in the energy efficiency of your home

• The ability to remotely control home devices

• Insights as to the use, functionality and device “health” via your Smart Home app

Is it expensive to outfit your home as a Smart Home?

Smart Home technology is constantly evolving and is still considered to be relatively “new” technology, and as such, carries a significant price tag.

The cost of Smart Home technology can vary, depending on everything from the scope of tech desired for the home to the specific brand of technology. As with anything, there are aspects of Smart Home technology which will contribute to higher costs, depending on user selections, home specs and amount of tech being considered. 

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The method of installation of Smart Technology in your home can be done with either a wireless or hardwired system. 

Wireless systems require strong WiFI connections to flow throughout the house to ensure seamless access and functionality of all devices. In the case of some homes, home owners may need to use range extenders or hardwired access points for the wireless coverage. With this in mind, it makes sense that the wireless systems would work best in smaller homes and properties. 

Considered the more reliable choice, hardwired systems also offer more secure options for those concerns with wireless hackers and cyber bugs. These systems are also scalable, which means they can be custom-outfitted for new builds or those properties undergoing a renovation. 

Hardwired systems are also the more costly option, sometimes costing upwards of tens of thousands of dollars in the luxury end. There is also the consideration of space required in the home to house the hardware equipment and the connection cables. So additional cost and space factors will play a role in determining whether or not the hardwired option is for you. 

What “smart home” technology do you need in your home in 2023

When it comes to Smart Home technology, the options are limitless. When considering what Smart Home tech is right for you, home owners will need to evaluate their most frequent device uses in order to arrive at a home tech plan that best aligns with their day-to-day needs. 

For those looking to make their home life as convenient as possible, it’s worth the investment to upgrade your home with Smart Home functionality. Not only will it make your life easier in the short-term, it will also boost your home’s value to be able to say it is a Smart Home. 

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Royal LePage Connect Realty is an independently-owned Royal LePage franchise, with multiple locations across the GTA to serve you.