Back in the day, a smart home was something we only dreamed about. If you are old enough to remember watching The Jetsons, you probably recall imagining a world where a home was controlled by voice command, the lights turned on automatically when entering a room, and robots did the cleaning. Well, smart home technology has quickly moved from a futuristic concept to a reality for homeowners who want one. What was once thought of as a luxury item has become tech for any home.
From voice-controlled lights and thermostats to video doorbells and automated appliances, today’s smart devices provide more convenience, comfort, energy efficiency, and security than ever before. But buyer beware! While it can be easy to get caught up in these high-tech gadgets, there is another very important piece of the puzzle: the home’s electrical system. Every smart device added depends on safe, reliable power, and as more devices are added to the home, the electrical system must be capable of supporting the load.
As smart home devices become common in many homes, it’s important to know where your home’s electrical system stands. Can it support today’s technology? And if so, what is the system’s full capacity? Before investing in smart home technology, it’s wise to understand the role your home’s electrical system will play in keeping these devices operating safely and efficiently. First, let’s get a better understanding of what it means to have a “smart home.”
What Is a Smart Home?
Smart devices used to be somewhat of a futuristic idea, but today they are part of most of our daily lives. With an internet connection, smart devices allow owners to monitor, program, and control a variety of systems in their homes through apps on their phones and tablets, and even via voice control. Some smart technologies are even equipped to communicate with one another to make their usage more convenient. Common smart home features to upgrade any living space include (but are certainly not limited to):
- Smart lighting/dimming
- Smart thermostats
- Security cameras
- Video doorbells
- Smart locks
- Smart plugs/outlets
- Smart detectors (smoke, carbon monoxide)
- Smart irrigation systems
- Automatic window shades
- While-home entertainment systems
While some homeowners design their dream home with smart technology in mind, most begin with one or two devices and gradually transform their existing homes into smart homes. While these devices are impressive and desirable, their performance and safety depend heavily on the home’s electrical infrastructure. Why, you ask? Let’s find out.
Why the Electrical System Matters for Smart Home Upgrades
Most smart home devices use very little electricity, and some are even designed to reduce energy consumption by automatically adjusting heating, cooling, lighting, and even appliance operation. Although these gadgets typically consume small amounts of energy, their placement on older electrical systems can take a toll. When a home is loaded up with smart devices, although each of them only draws a small amount of electricity itself, when dozens are running simultaneously, the total load can really strain a circuit not designed for this modern load. Homes built before the early 1990s often have aging electrical panels, insufficient amperage, and/or wiring that cannot handle the continuous flow of low-voltage electricity.
When a home’s electrical system is not ready for smart devices, smart technology can backfire. What was meant to provide energy savings can now cause overloaded circuits, increased energy consumption, tripped breakers, and, in the worst cases, overheating and fires. When an older electrical panel or wiring cannot handle smart devices, homeowners may be surprised to see their electric bill go up instead of down. However, not all upgrades will necessarily require electrical work.
Smart Upgrades That Require Very Little to No Electrical Work
Not all smart home upgrades require an electrical system overhaul. Below are examples of some of the most common and simple upgrades that require very little installation effort.
- Smart Bulbs: As easy as replacing a light bulb, smart bulbs (with Wi-Fi versions) can easily replace an existing traditional bulb. They can allow dimming, scheduling, color-changing, or voice control.
- Smart Plugs: Simply plug these devices into an existing outlet, and they’re ready to go. Smart plugs allow remote control of whatever is plugged into them (lamps, coffee makers, small appliances, holiday decorations, etc).
- Smart Door Locks: Easy to install, most smart door locks simply replace the existing deadbolt. Once installed, homeowners can lock and unlock the door remotely, create codes for guests, and receive notifications when someone enters the home via a smartphone app.
Some smart home upgrades, like the ones above, are simple and easy to install, while others require more complex installation. Next, we’ll look at some of the most common upgrades that may require a little extra planning before installation.
Smart Upgrades That May Require Additional Planning
As technology advances, so do smart home technologies. And with the transformation of an older home into a more sophisticated smart home, electrical considerations become not only important but necessary. Homeowners may need to seek electrical services when installing mid-level to advanced upgrades such as these:
Smart Lighting: Replacing a bulb is easy, but installing smart switches throughout a home requires careful evaluation of the existing wiring.
Security Cameras: Improving the security of homes in Northborough and across the country, smart security whole-home systems benefit from professional installation. At a minimum, finding a professional who offers Northborough electrical services to conduct an electrical assessment is critical to ensuring proper wiring, sufficient electrical supply, and compliance with local codes.
EV Charging Station: Electric vehicles have become very popular for their excellent mileage and eco-friendliness. EV charging stations draw considerably more power than most other household devices, so they require a dedicated circuit.
Backup Power Systems: Having battery storage or a standby generator installed requires a professional to ensure the electrical panel can safely handle additional equipment and electrical load.
Smart Outdoor Living Devices: Homeowners can upgrade their home from the inside out. Smart devices such as landscape lighting, outdoor speakers, patio heaters, and irrigation systems all contribute to the electrical demands on your home’s system, making it all the more important to work with an electrical professional to ensure the safest and most efficient operation.
Most smart home devices are designed with energy efficiency in mind, powering off when not needed. Some even adjust based on past usage patterns. But don’t get too excited. These benefits are only realized when the home’s wiring and electrical panel can accommodate the additional load.
Why Electrical Capacity Matters
When beginning a smart home upgrade, one of the first and most important considerations is the electrical capacity of your current system. Imagine a highway with only a few vehicles using it. At first, traffic flows smoothly, but as more cars join, congestion inevitably develops until eventually, traffic is at a standstill as the highway reaches its maximum capacity. This is sort of how your electrical system operates. Every device, appliance, and light fixture draws electricity from the main panel. When electrical demand exceeds the system’s capacity, trouble ensues. Without the right capacity, homeowners may experience:
- Frequent breaker trips
- Fluctuations in voltage
- Flickering lights
- Slower device performance
- Increased strain on electrical components
- Decreased electrical reliability
- Overheated wires, which increase fire hazards
Although smart devices are designed to save energy, an undersized electrical system can ironically increase energy use. Many older homes (those built before the 1990s) were wired for far fewer devices than we use today; many have only a small 100-amp service. While there is no single electrical capacity that fits every home, a 200-amp service will usually support most modern smart home upgrades. When your home is older, and the electrical panel doesn’t have enough capacity, adding even a few smart devices can cause problems.
Preparing Your Home for Smart Upgrades
Before getting too excited and buying every device you can think of, it’s wise to make sure your home is prepared for the future. While smart home technology presents an exciting opportunity to improve the convenience, efficiency, comfort, and security of your home, its long-term success depends on your home’s electrical system. If you are unsure of your home’s current capacity or just need help deciding if your panel and wiring can handle the upgrades, consider consulting with experienced professionals who provide reliable electrical services to avoid costly and sometimes dangerous mistakes. Foundational improvements to your home’s electrical infrastructure, in addition to smart home upgrades, will not only deliver the convenience and energy savings that make smart homes so attractive but also add value to your house and set it up for long-term success.