It’s difficult for many of us to believe that 2020 will be here in a few short months. What’s genuinely unbelievable from a home improvement standpoint is that the smart home market will become a $40 billion industry in the US by then.
Easy to consider are the reasons why many Americans are making their homes smarter. Most are looking for ways to save time and money, which are primary drivers for consumers’ smart home upgrades. Some people, however, enjoy the ease and simplicity that comes with smart home devices. Having more control over your home with the push of a button feels like one less thing to worry about.
And this feeling of “ease” is quite catchy. 47% of millennials already own some smart home devices, and 70% of consumers who own one are more likely to purchase another. As this consumer behavior changes and home automation becomes much more commonplace, the home improvement industry is taking notice.
For example, HVAC companies all over the US are responding to consumer wishes in a very “smart” way by providing guidance and expertise to homeowners exploring their smart device options.
For these homeowners and HVAC companies, many reasons come to the forefront as to why it’s time to consider upgrading consumer HVAC systems:
Reason number one: ongoing maintenance reminders are much easier to remember
Some homeowners change their filters regularly without reminders, but many need help. With smart HVAC devices, users receive ongoing updates about their unit, as well as reminders about routine maintenance, filter changes, and more. These reminders can empower homeowners by reminding them about what it takes to ensure their unit stays up and running.
Reason number two: a proactive approach to HVAC servicing means fewer headaches
Many homeowners dread that day their HVAC system stops functioning correctly. However, many of those worries can be relieved by preventative maintenance (see reason number one). If something is not working properly on your HVAC unit, wouldn’t it be nice to get an alert or notification? Smart devices can do that. Rather than having an A/C unit out of commission during the hottest parts of the year, homeowners would be prompted to address a problem before it’s too late.
Reason number three: energy efficiency is the future of smart devices (and we know a thing or two about energy efficiency!)
Being able to read the temperatures outside and adjust heating or cooling levels inside is something many people think of when they think about smart HVAC devices. Energy efficiency, however, is the name of the game for smart HVAC units in the future.
Whether it’s a sensor that detects faulty insulation or receiving alerts that your unit is losing energy due to a leaking duct, the possibilities are endless. The evolution of the smart home industry means that consumers crave information about their systems more than ever. Smart HVAC devices and systems can give them the information they need to make better decisions about their homes.
Concerns about smart HVAC systems among industry peers
Slower-than-expected adoption of smart devices has caused some home improvement professionals to hit the brakes when it comes to recommending them for their clients. There are also some security flaws in these systems, as well as device incompatibilities, that many business owners don’t want to deal with.
These concerns may lead HVAC company owners or salespeople to avoid recommending these types of upgrades to their customers. Like any new technology, the ongoing evolution of smart home devices means that these issues will be addressed, and units will likely be able to handle complex data very soon.
Smart homes and HVAC: a match made in temperature-controlled heaven
Historically, home heating and cooling systems utilize some of the latest technology available, so jumping on the smart homes trend makes sense from an industry standpoint. However, until now, the thermostat controlled the entire system, and consumers were pleased with a basic, functioning HVAC system.
But with the proliferation of these smart devices comes an opportunity as a business owner to be aware of the trends and to position yourself as an expert in an evolving marketplace. By promoting the advantages of smart home systems, your business can attract new customers who are making improvements to their home or who may be looking for added value on their re-sell.
Smart homes are part of our future, and they’re already part of many of your customers’ lives. Will your business get on board the smart home train?
