At Next Upgrade, we often cite the major advantages of living and embracing the smart home lifestyle. But just like any technological—or life—upgrade, the issue of cost always comes up. It might even be argued that adjusting your current home’s setup is “an unnecessary expense” or even “a luxury.” But there are distinct benefits that smart home technology offers that make it stand out. Apart from growing global usage, there’s also the matter of enhanced convenience, added comfort, and even energy efficiency. Here are some reasons why a smart home is not a luxury!
Cost and affordability
A complete overhaul of your home’s existing systems and appliances sounds expensive upfront. It may even entail upgrading your home’s electrical wiring, as smart plugs are recommended for use on wall sockets, not extension cords. However, turning your home into a smart one doesn’t have to be expensive right away. Making small upgrades here and there can mark a difference from analog and “disconnected” devices to fully automated ones. For one, you can start with a smart plug or a smart bulb–certain models cost less than ₱2,000! Here’s a helpful guide on budget-friendly smart devices that you can buy on each payday:
Not only are certain smart devices more budget-friendly; some are designed to help you save money. For instance, Xiaomi’s Smart Plug 2 displays power consumption statistics on the Mi App, giving you an idea of how much energy the appliance it’s plugged into consumes. The metrics are logged on a daily and monthly basis, allowing you to track overall usage and providing you with insights on how you can save on your power bill in the long term.
Enhanced security
A smart home is a safer home.
Smart door locks, CCTV cameras, and the like are an enhanced way to protect you, your family, and your privacy. You can easily connect these devices using your smartphone, enabling you to track and monitor what’s going on inside and outside your home, especially when you’re away. Most of these devices have built-in AI that can detect your home’s inhabitants, or notify you if you have unwanted visitors. Quality smart home security systems are also equipped with weatherproofing technology, giving your devices safety from the elements and lasting longer than their lesser-grade counterparts.
Thanks to features such as remote monitoring, alerts, and access control, upgrading your home’s security system gives you peace of mind like never before—and that’s a luxury no amount of money can ever replace!
A more convenient and efficient way of living
It can be argued that the smart home lifestyle is “unnecessary,” especially if your current gadgets and home appliances are working just fine. But with just a simple tap on your phone or a voice command to your smart assistant, you can control your lights, blinds, and other appliances remotely to save you time and energy. Think of it as a practical way to enhance the way you do things at home.
What makes a smart home even better is the ability to customize and automate routines exactly the way you want them. For instance, a daytime routine might entail your smart blinds sliding open to let sunlight in, your favorite podcast playing on cue, and your voice assistant dictating your schedule and reminders for the day ahead—all with just a simple tweak to your smart speaker’s settings. This may seem luxurious, but it’s a simple way that a smart home lets you do away with mundane tasks and give you leeway to focus on more important things.
What’s next for smart homes in the Philippines?
Smart homes in the Philippines “hold immense promise,” leading architect Ian Fulgar stated in the Philippine Daily Inquirer. He also cites that developments in AI, health monitoring, and home water management could further improve our overall quality of life, especially since we live in a tropical country. These technologies are capable of optimizing energy and water consumption, addressing possible health hazards, and even providing environmentally sustainable solutions.
A smart home is not a luxury—it is an overall investment in one’s home, security, health, and even the environment.
If you’re looking to get started on your smart home journey, the best way to do so is by having a fiber-fast home WiFi connection to power up all your devices. PLDT Home Fiber Plus plans deliver speeds of up to 1000 Mbps—more than enough for your smart home, and ensure that you can work, stream and game much better at home! Subscribe to the Philippines’ undisputed fastest Internet for five years running, and discover the difference of what a smart home brings to your everyday life.