What is a 'Smart Home', exactly?
A ‘smart home’ is defined as a home that has ‘smart products’ – products that are connected via a network, whether it’s hard-wired like X10 or wireless like WiFi or Bluetooth, in order to automate and control elements within the home. Such elements include temperature, lighting, security, safety, and entertainment devices, and may be integrated with a central control console or smart home hub, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
With the smart home’s future looking so bright, it might be time to consider investing in smart devices. But how do you know if you’re ready for a smart home?
Your home utility costs are out of control.
Utility costs have risen substantially over the last decade. Canadian electricity prices have in many cases doubled in recent years. In the province of Ontario alone, prices have risen by an average of 85% since 2006. Canadians across all provinces and territories have experienced more than a 30% increase in the past decade, at a rate that is increasing faster than inflation.