The modern technology in a smart electrical panel makes it appealing to many homeowners today. Let’s look at the perks and drawbacks of adding one to your home.
The Pros of Installing a Smart Electrical Panel
This type of electrical panel offers exciting and convenient technological designs that make it a welcome addition to many homes. For example, when you install one in your home, you gain the benefit of real-time energy monitoring. The smart panel gives you in-depth insights about your home’s energy consumption, allowing you to optimize its energy use and maintain or lower your utility expenses.
Likewise, many smart electrical panels come with innovative features like mobile apps and remotes. They allow you to control and monitor your electrical panel remotely. You can also turn appliances on and off via the app or remote without having to get out of bed or even be home.
Additionally, smart electrical panels are compatible with smart home devices like Google Nest and Amazon Alexa. You can use voice commands to control yours or get real-time information about your home’s energy use from it.
You can also integrate your panel with renewable energy fixtures like solar panels and battery backups. This compatibility optimizes the panel’s energy distribution and saves you money on your monthly electricity bills.
Finally, smart electrical panels are generally safer than their traditional counterparts. They detect electrical faults and also shut down circuits to minimize or eliminate the risk of blown fuses and electrical fires.
The Cons of Smart Electrical Panels
As appealing as these perks are, they do not negate the downsides that come with installing one in your home. For instance, smart electrical panels cost more than traditional electrical panels. Depending on the size and brand that you choose, you can expect to pay hundreds to thousands of dollars more for it.
Even more, they involve complex installation and sometimes take more time to set up and get working. You will have to hire one of our professional electricians to install it for you.
Likewise, smart electrical panels rely on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to work. If your Wi-Fi goes down or you lose Bluetooth connectivity, your panel will not function.
Because they rely on this technology to operate, they have a higher risk of cyberthreats. Hackers could hack into and compromise your home’s smart electrical panel.
Depending on your proficiency with smart technology, you may also need to give yourself time to learn how to use your panel effectively. There is a learning curve that comes with them regardless of how experienced you are with this kind of technology.
Still, the benefits of a smart electrical panel prove challenging for many homeowners to resist. Contact JD Ensz Electric to learn more about your options for electrical panels in Hesperia, CA today.