Smart Home: Efficient, comfortable, simple
Electricity costs are rising—and at the same time, there is a growing desire to use energy more efficiently without sacrificing quality of life. This is exactly where the smart home comes in. Intelligent controls, networked devices, and automated processes help to reduce energy consumption in a targeted manner, avoid unnecessary loads, and keep track of electricity and heating.
A smart home does not necessarily mean a high-tech home: even individual components can have a noticeable effect.
This guide shows you how smart home solutions work, what costs to expect, and where the greatest savings potential lies in everyday life.
How much does a smart home cost in Switzerland?
The investment costs for a smart home can vary greatly. They range from simple, individual automations to fully networked complete solutions for apartments or single-family homes. The financial outlay depends primarily on whether you are retrofitting an existing home or integrating a smart home into a new build from the outset. The decision between DIY solutions and professional systems also has a significant impact on the price.
Cost estimate for a single-family home
When retrofitting a single-family home with smart home technology, you should expect total costs of around $18,000 to $26,000. The higher amount is mainly due to the additional work involved, as cables, sensors, and control elements have to be installed in existing structures.
However, if the smart home is already taken into account in new construction, the effort involved is significantly reduced. In this case, the price for a full-fledged system is usually between $10,000 and $20,000, as all components can be integrated directly into the construction planning.
Such a complete system typically includes motion detectors, heating controls, switching and blind channels, wall-mounted controls, and temperature sensors for an average single-family home. It is controlled centrally via smartphone or tablet. In addition to the one-time costs, there are annual maintenance costs of around CHF 400 to 600. If the system is expanded to include an alarm system, an additional CHF 400 to 900 per year is added for connection to an emergency call center.
Budget for an apartment
Für die Nachrüstung einer Eigentumswohnung mit Smart-Home-Funktionen bewegen sich die Gesamtkosten in der Regel zwischen 15 ’000 und 20’000 CHF. Auch hier ist der finanzielle Aufwand bei bestehenden Gebäuden höher als bei Neubauten.
In einem Neubau lassen sich Smart-Home-Systeme deutlich günstiger umsetzen. Für eine Wohnung mit vier bis fünf Zimmern liegt der Preis für ein Komplettsystem häufig zwischen 5’000 und 10’000 CHF.
This equipment usually includes motion detectors, heating control, switch and blind controls, wall switches, and temperature sensors. All functions can be conveniently operated via an app. For ongoing operation , approximately $400 to $600 per year should be budgeted for maintenance . If an alarm function is also integrated, there will be additional annual costs of around $400 to $900 for the emergency call center.
Why smart homes are so effective at saving energy
The basic idea is simple: energy should only be used when it is really needed. Smart systems take care of this automatically. They control devices based on usage, presence, or schedules and prevent electricity or heat from being wasted unnoticed.
In addition, many solutions provide detailed consumption data. This allows you to quickly identify which devices consume a lot of energy and where optimizations make sense—a level of transparency that is often lacking in traditional households.
Intelligent heating control: the biggest saving factor
In most Swiss households, heating accounts for the largest share of energy consumption. This is precisely where smart home solutions are particularly effective. Smart thermostats and room sensors regulate the temperature according to demand and adapt to everyday life.
Typical functions are:
- automatic lowering when absent
- individual time programs per room
- Reduction of heating output when windows are open
- Remote control via app, even when you're on the go
Even small adjustments can have a big impact, because rooms are no longer heated continuously even though they are not being used.
Smart lighting: simple technology with a big impact
Intelligent LED lighting is one of the fastest ways to achieve greater efficiency. LEDs consume little power anyway, and smart control can further reduce consumption. Lights only switch on when needed and adjust to the time of day or usage.
Motion detectors prevent lights from being left on unnecessarily, especially in ancillary rooms such as basements, garages, or entrance areas.
Efficient cooling: Targeted optimization of continuous consumers
Refrigerators and freezers run all year round. Smart devices or controls optimize temperature zones, respond to frequent door openings, or provide notifications in the event of inefficient settings.
In households with photovoltaic systems, refrigerators can also be controlled so that they operate primarily when solar power is available, which further reduces electricity costs.
Washing, drying, rinsing: household appliances that think for themselves
Modern household appliances detect load and degree of soiling. Smart systems go one step further and integrate these appliances into energy management. Washing machines and dishwashers start automatically at times when electricity rates are low or when there is high self-generated electricity production.
In addition, many devices report maintenance requirements or malfunctions at an early stage, which reduces downtime and extends service life.
Photovoltaics and smart homes: maximum use of self-generated electricity
The combination of a smart home and a photovoltaic system is particularly efficient. Intelligent energy management systems optimally coordinate electricity production and consumption.
Typical applications:
- Heat pump utilizes solar power during high production
- Household appliances run automatically during the day
- Electric car charges with surplus electricity
- Battery storage buffers evening and nighttime consumption
This significantly increases the proportion of self-consumption—a key factor in the economic efficiency of a PV system.
Do you need a permit for smart home solutions?
Most smart home retrofits do not require a building permit, as they do not alter the structure or appearance of the building. However, it is important that the work is carried out professionally: any modifications to the fixed electrical installation must be carried out and checked by a qualified specialist.
Simple plug-and-play solutions, on the other hand, are considered unproblematic.
Conclusion: Smart homes as an investment in efficiency and the future
A smart home is not a luxury project, but an effective tool for saving energy in a targeted manner and increasing living comfort. Whether individual smart devices or a comprehensive system—every intelligent control system reduces unnecessary consumption. The effect is particularly strong when heating, lighting, household appliances, and photovoltaics work together.
Those who want to reduce their electricity costs in the long term, gain transparency, and make their home future-proof will benefit from smart home technologies on several levels—both financially and in everyday life.
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