How smart technology can reduce a homeowner’s bills

Smart technology can help homeowners save money in a few ways. However, not all smart technology is made equal and there are certainly ones that are more effective than others. It is vital that home owners be able to weigh up the cost associated with certain smart technologies before they go ahead with the purchase.

 

Some types of smart technology are relatively cheap but have a large effect on how much money a homeowner is able to save over time whereas others aren’t so efficient.

 

In addition, not all methods are accessible to all home owners. So this is another variable that goes into the decision-making process for you to decide on how smart technology can reduce your bills and put money back in your pocket.

 

 

Thinking about how to increase energy efficiency

Smart thermostats, lighting systems, and appliances can be programmed to turn off or reduce energy usage when not needed, helping to lower energy bills. These devices are becoming more and more common as the years have gone on and there are also companies that specialise in the installation of them.

 

What’s great about smart thermostats for energy efficiency is the amount of energy you want to save is specific to the property and occupants. For example, if you want to save a lot of money, simply, turn off all the electricity in the house apart from in the room you’re using.

 

You may also use smart technology to work out where it is on a property that loses the most electricity. This allows a homeowner to add insulation to the areas where most heat is lost and in this way the technology can help reduce the cost of heating.

 

 

Water conservation is key to reducing bills

Smart irrigation systems can monitor weather conditions and adjust watering schedules accordingly, helping to conserve water and reduce water bills. However, most water in a household is used on the inside of a home so there is no point in this system unless there is a lot of water being used outside the property.

 

Another type of irrigation system that could be used is a system that tracks the amount of water being used per day and sends you a message when it goes over the limit or there is a certain amount of money being spent on water each day.

 

 

 

 

Invest in smart home security

Home security systems can be a valuable investment for homeowners looking to protect their property and prevent break-ins. A home security system can include components such as cameras, motion sensors, and alarms that detect and deter intruders.

 

By providing a visible deterrent and alerting homeowners and authorities to potential break-ins, these systems can prevent burglaries and help to keep homeowners’ valuables safe. In addition to the peace of mind provided by increased security, home security systems can also save homeowners money in the long run.

 

If there are no break-ins and theft, homeowners can avoid costly repairs and replacements of stolen items. Furthermore, many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who have installed security systems, making the investment even more cost-effective.

 

 

Don’t forget maintenance and repairs

Smart sensors can monitor various aspects of a home, such as gas safety leaks and water leaks, and alert homeowners to potential problems before they become major issues. This can help homeowners save money on costly repairs and replacements.

 

For instance, if you can fit a smart device on the boiler of a property, if there’s a  lot of gas being used up due to an issue then the issue can be fixed quickly before the gas bill shows a lot higher than usual.

 

As a real life example, if there is a boiler that has a large amount of gas leakage, not only is this a safety hazard but it could cost a homeowner a lot of money throughout the month. If this is detected straight away, it may not be a whole month before the additional cost is picked up on.

 

As well as smart sensors, it is also therefore important to do regular gas safety checks and perhaps take out boiler cover.

 

 

 

 

Insurance savings that last

Some insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who have installed smart home security systems or other smart technology that reduces the risk of damage, theft and emergency.

 

Overall, smart technology can help homeowners save money by reducing energy and water usage, preventing damage and repairs, and potentially lowering insurance costs. While there may be an upfront investment in purchasing and installing the technology, the long-term savings can be significant.

 

For instance, adding CCTV to your home security system may reduce the cost of your home insurance premiums, but this is ultimately up to your insurance provider. Each provider has their own policies and requirements for offering discounts, so check with your provider to see if they offer discounts for security measures like CCTV as if not it could end up as a waste of money.

 

While installing CCTV will not guarantee a lower insurance premium, it will provide valuable protection and peace of mind anyway so you may wish to implement this for other reasons.

 

The reason why CCTV is able to save money on insurance is because it makes insurance claims more straightforward. For example, having footage of a burglar breaking in captured by your security camera can provide valuable evidence to back up your claim.

 

However, if your smart home devices, such as door locks, make it easy for burglars to gain access to your home, your insurance company may refuse to pay out anyway so you must make sure everything works together well for an insurer.

 

 

How smart technology can reduce your bills

Focus on adding smart technology that’s relatively cheap but have a large effect on how much money you can save. Don’t rush in and spend a load of money because a device looks cool. Remember you’re trying to lower your bills not spend like a king!