Smart home technology has become more accessible than ever, making it easy to upgrade your home with the latest features. From saving on your energy bills to adding little touches of convenience to your everyday life, smart home systems can provide a long list of benefits. These seven smart home upgrades can be simple but effective ways to make your home work smarter—not harder.
1. Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are one of the most popular home upgrades, and for good reason. They allow you to control your home’s temperature remotely or set it on a schedule, making sure your house is always at the perfect temperature when you get home. Many models also learn your schedule and preferences and can automatically adjust, saving you energy and effort.
Key Benefits:
- Energy savings by adjusting heating and cooling when you’re away
- Remote control via smartphone or voice commands
- Detailed energy reports to track usage and identify ways to save
2. Smart Lighting
Smart lighting systems let you control your lights from anywhere, set schedules, create light groupings, and even change the color of your lights to match your mood. These systems can also be programmed to turn lights on and off when you’re not home, adding an extra layer of security.
Key Benefits:
- Remote control and voice activation through smart devices
- Energy-efficient LED bulbs that last longer
- Ease of use for hard-to-reach lamp switches or multiple lights in one room
- Endless customization options for different rooms, times of day, or activities (i.e., watching a movie with TV backlights)
3. Smart Security Systems
A smart security system can offer peace of mind by allowing you to monitor your home from your phone or tablet, even when you’re away. These systems include smart cameras, video doorbells, smart locks, and alarms, all of which can be controlled through their dedicated app or smart home hub. Whether you’re on vacation or just out for the day, you’ll know what’s happening at home in real time.
Key Benefits:
- Real-time alerts and monitoring from your smartphone
- Two-way communication through video doorbells
- Remote locking and unlocking of doors for added convenience and peace of mind
4. Smart Plugs
Smart plugs are a simple yet powerful way to bring non-smart appliances into the smart home ecosystem. By plugging your devices into a smart plug, you can control them remotely, set schedules, and even track energy usage.
Key Benefits:
- Automate appliances like coffee makers, lamps, and fans
- Monitor energy consumption
- Simple setup and compatibility with voice assistants
5. Smart TVs and Speakers
Smart TVs and speakers bring entertainment and convenience to the next level by allowing you to control your media with just your voice or a smartphone (in addition to a regular remote). Smart TVs come with many streaming services built in, without the need to install apps separately. Some smart TVs can connect to your security system or video doorbell, pulling the video feed onto the TV screen.
If you add smart speakers that connect to your smart home assistant, you can use your voice to quickly play your favorite music, answer questions, or control other smart devices in your home. Smart speakers can also connect throughout your house for seamless audio playback in multiple rooms.
Key Benefits:
- Access streaming services directly from your TV without extra devices
- Sync smart speakers with voice assistants for hands-free control of media, lights, or even thermostat adjustments
- Synced audio for a seamless multi-room experience
- Integration with home automation systems for a complete entertainment experience
6. Smart Blinds and Shades
Smart blinds help you control natural light in your home with the push of a button or voice command. You can schedule them to open with the sunrise or close during the hottest part of the day to help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption.
Key Benefits:
- Improved energy efficiency by blocking or allowing sunlight
- Convenience of adjusting blinds remotely, automatically, or with voice commands (this can be especially helpful if you can only fall asleep with blackout curtains but need natural light to wake up)
- Enhanced privacy with programmable settings
7. Smart Irrigation Systems
If you’re looking to extend your smart home to your outdoor space, a smart irrigation system can help you conserve water and keep your yard and garden looking its best. Many smart irrigation systems are equipped with sensors that analyze the weather and the ground’s humidity, which can then adjust watering schedules based on the data.
Key Benefits:
- Conserve water by preventing over-watering
- Automated scheduling based on weather forecasts and smart sensors
You don’t need to go all-in with a smart home system to enjoy the benefits of a smarter home. Try starting with a simple upgrade like smart plugs or lightbulbs, or install a video doorbell as the first building block of your smart security system. Whether you start small or jump in headfirst, these devices can transform your home into a more efficient and comfortable space. Explore the possibilities today!
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Jul. 13th, 2023