In this article, we continue our exploration of home automation after reviewing the essentials in part 1 of Traditional vs Smart Home. Going beyond the basic, we now look at some creature comforts from past to present, as well as the pros and cons of having smart gadgets in today’s home.
4. Fan vs Smart air conditioner
While there’s much to love about Singapore, our tropical weather can sometimes be a tad uncomfortable, especially during our warmest months between April to June. In fact, we are already missing the air-con weather that we experienced in January.
Regardless of the nostalgia trend, it is highly doubtful that one will choose a handheld straw fan over a smart fan or smart air conditioner in spite of those sweet memories of mum fanning you to sleep on countless stuffy nights back when you were a child.
Since most of us would have at least one air conditioner or electric fan at home, it may be more fitting to compare one of those bladeless fans or non-smart air conditioner with a smart home device. 
What is a smart fan?
A smart fan is aptly named for its ability to be controlled remotely, either by Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Available in various forms such as a smart ceiling fan or smart standing fan, it does not require you to walk up to it to turn it on.
You can remotely control (imagine in the comfort of your bed) and program the smart fan to operate within a given setting and schedule even while you are away from home from your smart phone.
Got a smart home assistant such as Google Nest or Alexa, all you need to do is to connect the devices on your smart phone and call out the voice command: “Hey Google, turn on Dyson fan” and voilà!
What about a smart air conditioner?
At its most basic, a smart air conditioner allows you to control, automate and monitor it using your smartphone or tablet.
This gives you the convenience of cooling your home/room just before you return, which also translates to better energy saving (lest you keep your air conditioner on 24/7!). Haven’t you heard that electricity prices in Singapore are likely to increase?
Similar to a smart fan, you can also connect a smart air conditioner to other smart home systems with voice commands such as the Google Assistant or Alexa.
On the other hand, if the speed of your non-smart air conditioner can cool your space fast enough, the difference is not really that great. There are also gadgets such as Sensibo that helps make your air conditioner smart.
On a side note, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) reported “Air conditioning fires are most prevalent among the common electrical household appliances in Singapore with about 2 – 3 cases per month.”
Do your due diligence to maintain your air conditioner regularly and don’t scrimp on home content insurance! Tiq Home Insurance offers an emergency cash allowance of up to S$5,000 within 24 hours in the event a fire rendered your home inhabitable. Learn more here.
5. Mirror vs Smart Mirror
What’s a smart mirror?
A smart mirror is like your magic mirror of the Snow White fairy tale, which provides more than just a reflection! Ladies, imagine having perpetual natural light to help you get your makeup right and a health check analysis.
Guys would love a smart mirror too, as most include entertainment features such as a built-in speaker where you can listen to your favourite music or get real-time news. Some even allow you to watch YouTube videos while you take your shower/bath and of course, it is mist-free.
Allure, a smart luxury mirror created by a local company, even comes with air purifying technology. With so many functions packed into a glass, a smart mirror can be a great space-saving multi-functional furniture to have!
It seems like the sky’s the limit when it comes to a smart mirror, until you question, do you really need all these functions with the existing furniture and devices that you already own? Being connected also poses certain cyber risks that homeowners should take note of.
6. Handwash vs Smart washing machine
Do you still wash your clothes or intimates by hand? While that can ensure that your apparels last a longer time, the effort that goes with it can be tedious. In addition, you may be using more water than required as compared to the washing machine.
These days, smart washing machines are a much coveted home appliance, one notch above the non-smart ones. Imagine having the luxury of automating washing or controlling it with your phone from wherever you are, so that you need not sit around waiting for the laundry to be done.
Some machines can even detect the content of the drum and change its tumble and spin actions accordingly! While smart washing machines cost a couple of hundreds or more than non-smart machines, its ability to save time, energy and water could be worth considering.
In spite of the convenience and various benefits, it is important to note that Did you know that washing machine supply lines are one of the most common sites for plumbing mishaps and issues to occur? Regular maintenance is recommended! Read this for more things to note within an ageing flat.
7. Broom vs vacuum robot
These days, household chores are made easy with technology advancement but there are some who still prefer the basic ways to keep their house in order (like my mum). When it comes to a broom, vacuum cleaner and vacuum robot, which would you choose?
It is no doubt that sweeping with a broom or vacuum cleaner can be done more thoroughly with a human touch. Nevertheless, a vacuum robot is a godsend for the time-strapped technology lover (aka this author).
Unprepared for last-minute company at home? Activate your efficient vacuum robot from wherever you are to start cleaning up before you arrive home! The silent cleaner with its smart navigation function can also be connected to a smart home system such as Google Nest and be activated by voice command.
While the cost of a vacuum robot starts affordably from a couple of hundred dollars, the lifespan is significantly shorter than that of a conventional vacuum cleaner. Also, let’s not mention about all the ‘work-out’ that you are going to miss from traditional home cleaning methods.
Traditional vs Smart home – Are you ready?
As our nation progresses on its smart nation journey, we continue to learn, explore and benefit from the Internet of Things. Smart gadgets and home automation promise alternative options and great convenience at a cost.
Regardless of your preference for a traditional or smart home, one thing is for sure – a comprehensive home insurance and personal cyber insurance can help you to protect your home, household members and all the things that you love.
Now, are you ready to embrace home automation? Smart homes are not as expensive as you think. Read how to create your own smart home on a budget now!
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Information is accurate as at 1 March 2021. This policy is underwritten by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Company Reg. No. 201331905K). Protected up to specified limits by SDIC (excluding Personal Cyber Insurance).
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