ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 13 Schneider Electric 5 reasons why your customers are ready for smart home technology Luckily, smart home technology has come a long way. Today, you can offer connectivity, monitoring, and remote control of individual devices. And, as the technology has evolved so have customer expectations. ‘Smart’ isn’t a luxury anymore, it’s becoming an expectation. What’s driving the trend? Generational shifts and maturing technology, but there’s more to it, including the following: 1. The pandemic has changed the way we look at our homes Long months stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic prompted many to rethink their living situations – when there’s no escaping home, home improvement becomes a topof-mind issue. Achieving net-zero is indeed a leap for most homes, but every step forward in energy ef ciency makes a difference. Here is a clear opportunity for electricians to show value by offering new energy management technology to customers. Wiser from Drayton by Schneider Electric allows homeowners to monitor the entire power system and see realtime consumption information and equipment status directly on the smartphone. 2. Homeowners are increasingly familiar with the technology Nowadays, as many as 90%* of consumers are familiar with smart home technology, and about half (53%)* own at least one smart home device. Homeowners are increasingly looking for comprehensive smart home solutions that integrate lighting, heating, and shutter control with entertainment and home security functionalities. This is where Wiser connected home solutions t in perfectly by allowing electricians to provide an intuitive and modular system with little fuss. ‒ Imagine being an electrician in the early 20th century and having a customer ask for the very latest in modern conveniences. Back then your options were extremely limited. Maybe you’d install some of the early electrical household appliances. But automation? Or advanced lighting options? That would have required monumental effort. 3. Customers want what’s best for the planet and their budgets Volatile energy prices and in ation, not to mention growing concern over climate reports, has prompted homeowners to look for new ways to cut energy bills and reduce carbon footprints – ideally at the same time. Wiser allows homeowners to monitor their power systems and see, in real-time, how much energy is being used at the device, circuit, or home level, which makes it much easier to optimise overall consumption. It also lets homeowners set high-consuming appliances, such as boilers and e-bike chargers, to run during lower-tariff periods. 4. We’re creatures of comfort Comfort and convenience are fundamental to the idea of a smart home and it’s important for consumers. For example, around 37%* of respondents say that smart home technology makes their lives easier, with another 37%* claiming it makes their homes more comfortable. With Wiser, homeowners don’t have to choose one over the other. Along with energy management features, Wiser provides the ability to tailor comfort at home and manage it. 5. Our homes are our fortresses For many homeowners, privacy and security are big concerns. Some 64%** see advanced security as an important aspect when renovating. Homeowners going on holiday? Wiser automatically manages lighting and shutters to simulate presence at home. Smoke, water leakage, or motion detected while nobody’s home? Wiser sends an instant alert to the homeowners so they can act accordingly. * Edelman Intelligence & SE “Smart Home Thought Leadership” report, 2020 ** Lewis & SE “Smart Devices and Sustainability” report, 2021
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