Is home automation worth it in India? An honest look
Home automation is easy to oversell. Here is a straight answer, from what our clients in Andhra Pradesh actually use every day and what they stop using after a month.
Updated 26 October 2026 · Written by the Devanika Smart Homes team
What people use every day
- Scenes. One touch for Good night that turns off every light and fan in the house except the bedroom. This is the single most-used feature.
- AC from the phone, switched on ten minutes before reaching home in summer.
- The digital door lock: no keys, and an alert when the children get home.
- Cameras on the phone, especially for families with elderly parents or a house that is empty during the day.
- Schedules for outdoor and balcony lights, so nobody has to remember.
What people use less than they expected
Voice control is fun for a few weeks, then most families go back to the touch panel for everyday use, keeping voice for a few commands. Complicated automations ("if the door opens after 7 pm and it is raining…") are rarely used. Simple, reliable scenes win.
Does it save electricity?
Some. Lights and fans left on in empty rooms, and AC running when nobody is home, are real costs in a Vizag summer. Schedules, scenes and checking from the phone cut that waste. But savings alone rarely pay for the system; the main return is convenience, safety and the feel of the home.
Does it add value to the home?
For villas and premium apartments, buyers increasingly expect it. Well-designed touch panels also replace rows of plain switches, which is often what owners notice first. Choose a system that the next owner can reset and use without you.
How to spend sensibly if you are unsure
- Start with the living room and master bedroom, plus the main door lock.
- If you are building, add a neutral wire and deeper boxes everywhere now, even if you automate later. It costs very little at this stage.
- Plan the Wi-Fi properly; it decides how well everything else works.
- Pick a system with a proper warranty and a local team. SmartNode products we install carry a 5-year warranty (period varies by product).
Who should probably skip it (for now)
If you rent and may move within a year, or your Wi-Fi is unreliable and cannot be fixed, wait. A lock and a camera may be all you need for now.
Common questions
Is home automation worth the money in India?
For most families building or renovating, yes, if it is kept simple: scenes, AC control, a smart lock and cameras give daily value. Elaborate automations rarely get used.
Does home automation reduce electricity bills?
It cuts waste from lights, fans and AC left running, but the main benefit is convenience and safety rather than savings.
Can I start small and add more later?
Yes. Start with one or two rooms and the main door, and add rooms later without redoing the first part.
Planning a smart home?
Send us your drawing or a few photos on WhatsApp. The first conversation and the drawing review are free.