5 Disadvantages of Smart Homes and How to Mitigate Them, No Need to Be Anxious Anymore!

Like a former Indonesian minister who once bluntly questioned 'what's the point of fast internet?', skepticism towards technological developments is common. Even innovations such as mobile phones and email were initially met with ridicule when they first appeared.

It's true that technology, the initial period is not always smooth, and smart home technology is no different. But since it first appeared until now, many of the shortcomings of smart homes can now be mitigated along with the development of technology, guys .

The advantages and disadvantages of smart homes amidst technological developments

Like smartphones that can now be folded, smart home technology has also developed rapidly in the last 10 years . In that period, the advantages of smart homes as a way to save electricity or to optimize personal routines have become increasingly apparent.

On the other hand, smart home shortcomings such as connection issues or software support are becoming less common. These issues were common in the early 2010s when 'smart devices' were introduced to the market, but the technology at that time was not as advanced as it is today.

The development of smart home technology is more or less in line with the development of wearables such as smartwatches . Both are indeed based on the concept of the Internet of Things (IoT), a vision where all electronic devices can be connected to the same ecosystem network.

Smart home drawbacks and how to mitigate them

This does not mean that smart home is perfect, because even the smoothest ivory will have cracks. But with thorough preparation, smart buddy can also mitigate or even completely eliminate the shortcomings of smart home technology and products .

From its perception as an expensive product to its seemingly complex optimization of use, here are examples of smart home shortcomings and how to mitigate them.

1. Expensive costs

Image courtesy of Freepik

The cost of creating a smart home ecosystem in a private residence can indeed skyrocket. However, this is only if the smart buddy insists on upgrading all devices in the house to smart devices .

In fact, one of the advantages of a smart home is in the aspect of scalability . Starting a journey towards a futuristic smart home can start from small things that will not make you a victim of debt collector terror , such as the affordable Smart LED Strip but the effects can be clearly seen.

Alternatively, products like Smart Plugs and Smart Power Strips can instantly upgrade your old devices to smart devices . This option can be considered if the devices you currently own still have a long life expectancy.

2. Only for smart people

Image courtesy of Freepik

Like any other form of technology, setting up and operating a smart home certainly requires a learning period. Just like when the BIOTA admin first used a smartphone 10 years ago, the whole day was spent just tinkering with Android.

But smart buddy need not worry, installation and operation of smart devices are much easier than smartphones . Smart Light Bulb for example, the installation is the same as a regular light bulb and the pairing process with a smartphone is the same as when using true wireless stereo (TWS).

Most examples of smart home systems on the market already have their own applications, such as BIOTA Smart Home . Since most people are already accustomed to using smartphones , this application is the key to the accessibility of smart home technology .

3 - Need renovation for installation

Image courtesy of Freepik

Some smart home devices such as Smart Wall Sockets do require breaking into the walls of the house. But like point #1, this is not a compulsion, and smart buddies can choose smart devices that integrate with the living space more easily now .

For example, Smart Camera Battery Fixed from BIOTA can always secure the house purely without cables. While Smart Power Strip is the same principle as a regular extension socket that has undergone an upgrade process to become a smart device.

Often Mimin BIOTA's days off are spent just cleaning the 'innards' of the computer. So spending a whole day just pulling cables for home devices or CCTV must also be a bit heavy-hearted.

4. Just a gimmick

Image courtesy of Freepik

The political atmosphere may have cooled down, but the attitude of caution against gimmicks will never go away. If the use of smart devices is solely to turn on Smart Light Bulbs from smartphones , this is a waste of the potential of the smart home itself, guys .

A study shows that implementing smart home technology can reduce energy usage at home by up to 30% . By optimizing the operation of devices according to routine, electricity waste can be cut directly from the source.

In a more holistic approach, other studies have shown a correlation between smart homes and improved quality of life . Being able to turn off lights using voice commands without having to type has its own happiness, of course.

5. Waste of electricity

Image courtesy of Freepik

Due to the need for internet access, smart devices do tend to require additional power. However, this increase in power consumption is far less than the potential energy savings of up to 30% from behavioral changes as mentioned earlier.

For example, is it necessary to turn on the AC when BMKG has warned that it will continue to rain all night? With smart home automation , you can create a special routine where the AC will automatically turn off from 2 to 5 am.

Without having to replace the AC, you can transform your old AC into a smart device using the Smart Universal IR Remote. In addition to optimizing AC usage, the Smart Light Bulb with dimming feature can also reduce electricity usage while being comfortable on the eyes.

Misconceptions about smart home shortcomings

Despite being widely mocked as a passing fad when it first hit the market, the smart home has not only survived, but has actually continued to thrive. The shortcomings and problems that were once synonymous with the smart home have begun to diminish or even disappear altogether.

For those who have yet to join the smart home revolution , it's never too late for you! With a variety of quality smart home products , BIOTA Smart Home is the right partner for those of you who are just starting to taste this transformative technology.

Cover image adapted from Bence Boros at Unsplash