Smart home solutions and energy savings for business owners
As the European smart home market propels forward, expected to reach a noteworthy $12.67 billion by 2020[^4^], businesses, specifically Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs), are exploring the cost benefits associated with the integration of smart home technologies into their operations. One notable advantage is the potential for significant energy savings. According to the Energy Saver Guide from Energy.Gov, businesses can anticipate energy cost savings of about 30%[^2^] by integrating smart home technologies. Smart devices, such as thermostats, programmable lighting systems, and intelligent power strips, can automate and optimise energy use, resulting in decreased energy consumption and a substantial reduction in energy bills over time.
The fusion of smart home solutions with existing security systems provides another cost-saving opportunity. Businesses, which typically allocate significant resources towards security, can reap financial benefits due to the enhanced protection provided by smart home systems, including a reduction in losses from theft or damages[^3^]. Additionally, smart devices’ predictive maintenance capabilities can pre-emptively alert businesses to potential issues, avoiding expensive repairs or replacements.
The integration of solutions like RISCO Smart Home Solutions offers measurable savings. Triggers and automation can result in a 40% reduction in energy expenditure[^6^]. The use of scheduled scenarios can reduce human error, potentially saving businesses up to 20% in operating costs[^7^]. Automated and scheduled tasks can increase resource efficiency by up to 30%[^8^], and the automation of routine tasks can cut labour costs by as much as 25%, as less time and personnel are required[^9^]. Predictive maintenance, facilitated by smart automation, can lead to a 15% reduction in maintenance costs[^10^].
Despite the initial expenditure for smart home solutions being high, the long-term financial advantages are clear. Ranging from energy efficiency to improved security, predictive maintenance and automation, these systems offer substantial cost-savings, making them a worthwhile investment for businesses throughout Europe. As the market continues to evolve, early adopters of these solutions will not only be at the cutting edge of technology, but also making a prudent financial decision that could result in significant monetary savings in the long run.