Smart homes are becoming increasingly common in Nigeria. But, given the level of Internet access, literacy rates, and general knowledge in the country, it’s understandable that most people still view smart homes as a pipe dream. Smart homes are also often misunderstood by people who know little about them. That’s why we’re busting the 5 most common misconceptions about smart homes in Nigeria (and everywhere else). Read on to learn more about why you shouldn’t be afraid to embrace smart home technology but also why you should proceed with caution.
Smart homes are expensive to deploy
One of the most common misconceptions about smart homes is that they’re only for the rich and famous. The truth is that the cost of setting up a smart home is highly dependent on the technology you choose.The upfront cost of smart devices – and particularly the big-ticket items, such as smart appliances, security systems, and smart lighting – can make them seem like a luxury. But you don’t need to spend a fortune. It’s true that you can spend thousands on a smart home system and there’s no shortage of people who have. But you don’t need to. You can start small and build your system up over time. You can also get creative. Many people use old smartphones and other discarded tech to build simple smart devices that can still be very useful in your home. This can help you get started without breaking the bank. If you do decide to splash out on a new smart device, make sure you look into whether it has a long-term return on investment. Smart appliances are a good choice. And with the Internet of Things (IoT) expanding all the time, you’ll find that there are more and more options available to you.
Smart homes can detect intruders.
Unless you have a professional-grade system installed, no. In fact, smart homes can actually make it harder to detect an intruder. This is because the sensor responsible for monitoring the doors and windows is actually an open wireless door or window sensor that can be detected from outside the house. That’s why, when you arm your system, you have to check all the windows and doors to make sure they aren’t open. The other problem with sensors is that they can be triggered accidentally. If a sensor is too sensitive, it can be set off by things like animals, falling tree branches, or even strong winds. If a sensor is not sensitive enough, it can be triggered by legitimate movement inside the house. This could be a child or pet walking past, someone entering the home with a key, or the homeowner themselves. In an ideal world, a sensor should be able to distinguish between the things that you want it to detect and everything else.
Users need to be tech-savvy to use smart devices
While it’s true that many smart devices use apps, it’s not always necessary to be tech-savvy – or even literate – to use them. Many smart devices have very simple interfaces that can be controlled with just a few gestures or taps. There are also some devices that are controlled by verbal commands. These include smart speakers like Amazon Echo, Google Home, and others. You can use these devices to control lights, appliances, and other smart devices. You can also control some devices by simply moving your smartphone around. technologies are also being developed for people with visual impairments, so that they can also use smart devices without assistance.
Smart homes consume a lot of energy
This depends on the devices you use. The latest smart devices consume less power than standard appliances, but that’s not always the case. Newer devices are designed to be as energy-efficient as possible. But many smart devices have been around for years, and these can use a lot of power. Some smart devices use more energy than traditional ones. These include smart appliances, with ranges, ovens, and refrigerators among the worst offenders. This isn’t always the case. Most modern smart appliances are actually more energy-efficient than their traditional counterparts. But you should always check before buying one. To avoid wasting energy, make sure you follow the installation instructions carefully and set up your devices correctly. Most smart devices are easy to set up and can be controlled remotely. This means you can schedule your appliances to switch on and off during off-peak times when electricity is cheaper.
All smart devices work together in a smart home.
This is something that companies are trying to achieve, but it isn’t always possible. It’s important to check that all the devices in your system are compatible. Also, you should keep an eye on new technologies as they emerge. As the IoT grows, there are more and more devices that are being added to the ecosystem. Keep an eye on safety concerns, too. As the number of devices connected to the Internet increases, so does the risk of cyber attacks. Internet-connected devices are prime targets for hackers, and they’re not always well-protected against attacks. This makes it even more important to check that new devices have the right safety features and keep your system up to date.
A smart home means an always-online device.
Most modern smart devices don’t need to be online. But many older devices do. This may mean that your device is always online and could, theoretically, increase your risk of being hacked. Take, for example, a smart refrigerator. This is an old device with a new feature. In order to monitor and adjust your fridge, a company needs to be able to access it remotely. So, a company may want to leave the device online all the time. Many modern devices, such as Google Home, are always online but for a different reason. Many of the services that these devices are drawing on are always online. For example, many of these devices rely on the Internet to function. This can be useful but can also mean that your device is always online and could, again, increase your risk of being hacked.
Conclusion
All in all, smart homes are definitely worth exploring, whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or are just considering your first steps into home automation. There are plenty of misconceptions about what a smart home is and what it can do, but once you understand the basics, it’s easy to see why they’re becoming so popular.