The world of smart home technology, AV equipment, and automation is evolving rapidly. However, alongside innovation comes a new challenge: tariffs and rising costs.
As we move through 2025, these economic shifts are significantly impacting our industry—affecting pricing, availability, and the way we plan projects.
Why Are Tariffs Affecting Smart Home Technology?
Tariffs on imported goods—especially from China and other major tech-producing countries—have steadily increased over the past few years. These tariffs apply to key components used in home automation, AV, and networking equipment, including:
✅ Smart Home Processors & Control Systems (Control4, URC, Josh Ai, etc.)
✅ AV Equipment & Speakers (TVs, receivers, distributed audio solutions)
✅ Networking & Security Gear (Wi-Fi routers, surveillance systems, access control)
✅ LED Lighting & Smart Dimmers
These tariff increases are raising costs across the board, making it more expensive for integrators, builders, and homeowners to implement the latest smart home solutions.
What’s Happening in 2025?
So far this year, we’ve seen:
🔹 Higher import taxes on smart home and AV components, leading to increased prices.
🔹 Supply chain shifts, with some brands moving production to other countries to avoid tariffs.
🔹 Longer lead times, as manufacturers adjust to new regulations.
And there’s more uncertainty ahead—potential policy changes later in the year could increase or remove tariffs, making it difficult to predict long-term pricing.
How to Offset Rising Costs & Plan Smart in 2025
While tariffs may be out of our control, there are ways to minimize their impact on your next smart home or AV project. Here’s what we recommend:
1️⃣ Lock in Pricing Now
Manufacturers adjust prices frequently due to tariff fluctuations. If you’re considering an upgrade or a new build, securing pricing now can help avoid potential increases later this year.
2️⃣ Bundle & Future-Proof Your Purchase
Buying components in bulk or as part of a complete package can help mitigate costs. Additionally, investing in high-quality, longer-lasting technology now prevents unnecessary future replacements at even higher prices.
3️⃣ Consider Alternative Brands & Solutions
Some manufacturers are less affected by tariffs due to different sourcing strategies. At NXT Level Smart Home, we stay ahead of these shifts and can recommend cost-effective alternatives that maintain high performance and reliability.
4️⃣ Leverage Tax Incentives & Financing Options
Certain energy-efficient smart home products may qualify for tax incentives, helping to offset costs. Additionally, we offer flexible payment options to make projects more manageable.
The Future of Smart Home Technology is Still Bright!
Despite these challenges, the demand for home automation and AV solutions continues to grow. The key is smart planning and working with an expert team that understands the shifting landscape.
At NXT Level Smart Home, we’re committed to helping homeowners, builders, and designers navigate these changes strategically—ensuring you get the best value and technology for your investment.
🚀 Ready to future-proof your smart home project? Contact us today to discuss your needs!
