By CEDIA - Thu, Jan 16, 2025 - Blog
Smart home technology lets people take more control of their homes and the technology inside them, including heating, lighting, security and entertainment systems. As more people recognize the benefits, more people want to make their home a smart one. After all, who doesn’t like the idea of an easier life?
Technology-integrated living is here to stay – and CEDIA’s certified installers make it all possible with their reliable services. But is smart home technology worth it? We explain the costs, pros and cons and other key considerations.
To understand if smart home devices and systems are worth the investment, you need to know how much they cost.
How much a smart home will set you back depends on several factors, such as how many rooms you transform and the amount of technologies.
When considering the potential price, you need to think about:
How many devices you have will impact your cost. If you want to integrate your entertainment system into your smart home, you’ll have to budget for a smart TV, soundbar and speakers. If you want to focus on practicality (e.g. heating and security), you can cut back on the nice-to-haves. Different devices will also have different price tags, so one appliance won’t cost the same as another. Remember though that cheaper isn’t always best. It might be worth investing in a higher-end device for more features or better compatibility.
While DIY installation is an option for entry-level smart home tech (e.g. doorbells), you’ll need a professional installer for a complex system. While the initial cost of an installation by a certified professional (like a CEDIA member) may seem high, it offers long-term value. Paying a professional installer means everything will work as intended and reduces the risk of expensive mistakes (such as buying incompatible products).
Like everything in your home, you need to maintain smart home technology. You can run most software updates yourself (which will be free), but you’ll still need to pay for professional assistance from time to time. In addition to check-ups, you might need a professional to help you update your smart home if your needs change.
So, are smart homes worth it? You’ll only know once you weigh up the costs against the benefits.
Some advantages of smart home technology are:
Smart devices make it easy to integrate home automation and simplify routines. A smart thermostat can automatically control your room temperature – keeping you comfortable without you doing anything. You can relax more when smart devices do the thinking for you.
Automated systems also reduce energy usage – good news for the planet and your pocket. You can program your lights to turn off when you leave the room, stopping wasted energy. You can also create other energy efficiencies, such as setting up your smart fridge to notify you if you accidentally leave the door open.
Smart home security is another major benefit. Think smart locks, cameras and alarm systems. You can check everything’s OK wherever you are with remote access to surveillance. Plus, you can set up deterrents like outdoor lighting that turns on when somebody approaches your property.
While smart technology will positively change how you live, there are potential downsides.
One element that stops people from embracing smart home technology is the high upfront cost. When you first create a smart home, you’ll have the initial outlay of lots of devices.
In addition to money, others worry about security risks and data privacy because most smart homes rely on cloud-based technology.
Getting a trusted installer to set up your smart home will mitigate some risks. They’ll advise on secure choices, although they’ll increase your budget further. However, paying for a Smart Home Professional to install your system and troubleshoot issues is still cheaper than going DIY and then paying someone to fix your errors. For more information about the importance of picking the right professional, find out why you should use a CEDIA member.
Once you’ve designed your dream smart home, you’ll probably never want to leave. But it’s still worth knowing that smart home technology increases property value and desirability.
Having a smart system in place will make your home more attractive to prospective buyers.
We conducted a report looking at the importance of smart technology in the home-hunting process in the UK. A huge 79% of survey respondents were eager to integrate smart technology into their new homes. The most sought-after features included TV and entertainment systems (77%), security (75%), heating (68%), smart lighting (66%) and multiroom audio (58%). 37% were also open to investing in EV charging, and 12% were interested in accessibility support. While buyers are prepared to invest in this technology themselves once they have the keys, having a smart system already in place will give your property the edge on the market. The fact that the next owners won’t have to pay for installation will be a selling point.
49% of respondents also said they’d be more likely to select a future home if it had accreditation by CEDIA or a similar industry body that certified its technology capabilities and provided support if they encountered technical difficulties. Another reason to consider investing in a professional.
Download UK Consumer Report
Demand is steadily growing for smart technology, particularly among young buyers and tech-savvy homeowners.
Some of the rising trends in this area are:
While smart homes are on-trend, deciding whether they’re worth the investment should still come down to whether the technology is right for you – not whether it’s popular. You might find that the most common use for smart home tech won’t suit your lifestyle, but a lesser-known appliance could be right for you. Maybe you’d never use smart lighting but would value a smart bin. It’s up to you.
Download UK Consumer Report
When deciding if a smart home is worth the investment, think about your budget, personal lifestyle and the importance of a professional installation. Is the convenience, energy efficiency and enhanced security worth the price? As there’ll be cost-savings in the long run, you also need to factor in how much money you’ll save over time – and the value you’re adding to your home.
Although a professional installation will increase your initial costs, it’s worth considering the extra investment to make sure your smart home runs smoothly. CEDIA members provide certified installations that ensure efficiency and quality. Our research found that, after being introduced to CEDIA, 63% of people stated they’d prefer to have a CEDIA-certified professional handle the installation. If you’re wondering if you need to hire a professional, visit our ‘Do I need a smart home installer?’ guide.
The only person who can decide if smart home technology is worth it is you. You’ve got to weigh up your priorities and preferences. If you do invest, a professional CEDIA-approved installation will help you maximize the benefits and enjoy a successful smart home setup. To find a Smart Home Professional near you, visit our directory.
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