When we think of smart home appliances, it can be easy to think of virtual assistants like Alexa or Siri. But the truth is that smart home technology is integrated into nearly every appliance you can think of. Some of these gadgets are created primarily for convenience (e.g., starting your coffee maker when your alarm clock goes off). Some are designed to pay for themselves many times over. We'll look at five that have great rates of return.
Smart thermostats track resident location to determine where you are and when you'll be back home. This kind of intuitive feature has been known to save up to 15% on cooling and 12% on heating. It's calibrated to cut energy by just enough to conserve your resources but not enough so it has to overwork by the time you get back. The return on investment (ROI) of your smart thermostat will depend on how often you're home and what temperature you target. If nothing else, it means you don't have to reset it every time you go on vacation.
Water damage is a seriously expensive problem for any homeowner to have. Smart moisture sensors can detect a puddle tucked in a back corner or a small leak in the walls that hasn't yet made its presence known. Before you even have the chance to expose residents to mold or make the call to a repairman to fix the walls, you'll get an alert whenever there's trouble. It's a great way to stave off excess bills.
Smart detectors will send alerts to your phone just in case you're not there when something occurs. This makes it easier for you to take action during the initial stages of the problem. Luckily, the smart smoke detectors of today were built to distinguish between dangerous smoke and someone who burnt their toast. They're so effective that many insurance companies give discounts or rebates when you buy them.
Do you always forget to turn off your sprinklers when there's rain in the forecast? Don't take the chance when you install smart sprinkler systems. By automatically adjusting the output based on external conditions, you'll avoid drowning your lawn. This appliance is controlled by an app and highly recommended for anyone who prizes their garden or lawn.
It's easy to leave the light on when you leave a room. A smart plug gives you the option of controlling your electricity even when you're not home so that you don't have to pay the bills for one simple mistake. Whether you go to the store for an hour or on vacation for a week, you get total peace of mind. Plus, you can use smart plugs to make it look like someone is there even if they're not.
People invest in smart home technology for many reasons, but a common one is because they're looking to actually make more money than they spend. When you prioritize efficiency with better technology, you can cut back on your utility bills.
Kim Clark started her real estate career in 1999 and shortly thereafter obtained her Broker’s license in 2002. After working for larger, corporate offices, she realized that her business and clients needed a more personalized and flexible firm. She founded Bayside Realty Consultants in 2007 offering a space of unity, collaboration and encouragement for agents and their clients. Kim specializes in the unique Cape Cod market comprised of primary, vacation and investment properties.
She says "It is great to be a part of helping make a homeowner's dreams come true". Clients and their individual needs can make things very exciting! Kimberly's enthusiasm is contagious and it has been a real asset in her successful career. She says, "Never quit. Just do what you like and the rest just falls into place." She is certified in several real estate designations including GRI, CBR, CRS, e-Certified, and a certified trainer.
