Home automation is making waves in Australia. According to recent figures, the number of active households in the smart home market is expected to reach approximately 7.8 million users by 2026[1]. Yet while homeowners across the country are enjoying lifestyle, energy efficiency and cost benefits, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding the latest technologies, which means more Aussies could be missing out.
"Smart home technology is continuously being developed with one goal in mind: to make home living easier and more comfortable. While it is fantastic to see so many people beginning to take advantage of the technology, there is a lot of misinformation, and misconception surrounding home automation that are preventing some Australians from giving it a go for themselves," said Chris Kerr, Vice President of Home & Distribution at Clipsal by Schneider Electric.
Understanding how home automation can benefit you and your family is important. To set the record straight, Chris has debunked his top six myths around smart home technology.
Myth 1 | My home is too old for smart home technology: Smart home technology has developed immensely over the past few years. While hardwired solutions such as SpaceLogic C-Bus requires installation through the building phase, there are now other ways to have fully integrated control without the need to rewire the home. Offers like Bluetooth control and the Clipsal WiserTM Smart Home system can be easily retrofitted into an existing home and controlled via a smartphone app or voice control. With access to smart power points, temperature and humidity sensors, blind controllers and more, homeowners can easily customise their home with as little or as much technology as they need.
Myth 2 | I'll have to automate all the lights in my home. There is no longer a one-size-fits-all approach. Homeowners now have flexibility in what they automate. Whether it's starting with a single light scheduled to turn on and off at certain times during the day or lights that automatically dim in a bedroom as the kids drift off to sleep, it's about finding the automated solution that works best for your family and your lifestyle.
Myth 3 | My home is too small to justify the cost: While smart home technology was once reserved for the mega wealthy, newer, more affordable products have entered the market to suit the needs of homes of all sizes. Simple solutions can cost as little as a few hundred dollars, and thanks to the scalability of new offerings, more can always be added as needs and lifestyle changes.
Myth 4 | New technology is too technical to understand: Smart home technology is intended to add peace of mind, comfort, and convenience to your lifestyle. From blinds that automatically open as the sun rises, to the bathroom fan that turns on once humidity is detected, smart technology has been designed with the end user in mind. Clipsal's Wiser by SE app allows for seamless control of all products installed within the home for easy customisation and control. For those who aren't so confident around technology, don't let this deter you as a qualified electrician will show you how to navigate the app and set up the products to suit your needs.
Myth 5 | Smart technology uses way too much energy: One of the major benefits of investing in quality smart home solutions is eliminating wasted energy usage as the user has complete control over products being used and when. Heated towel rails for instance can be controlled in three ways. The product can turn on upon humidity detection, set to turn on and off at set times, or through a timer. The same can be done for other appliances such as bathroom fans, heaters, lights, and more. Other energy sucking appliances such as washing machines, TVs and dishwashers can even be turned off completely when not in use to eliminate power consumption in standby mode.
Myth 6 | Smart technology is not cybersecure: The main consideration here is the product quality and brand reputation. Choose a home automation system from a reputable supplier, making sure to ask their security recommendations. Clipsal's products and solutions follow a secure-by-design development lifecycle process that has been certified to comply with the world's leading and most recognised cybersecurity standard, ISA/IEC 62443. This certification warrants that cybersecurity is considered in every phase of product development. To ensure new threats are also protected against, products and systems are updated often, with solutions evolving as new risks arise.
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