5 Smart Devices to Upgrade Your Home

Buyers love seeing homes with upgrades, whether it’s a brand-new gas stove or a thermostat that can be adjusted from their desk at work. Smart devices have increased in use and are now popular features with homeowners because of the convenience they add. These “smart” devices are technology that can be operated remotely or automatically adjusted to improve the living conditions or home security.

Installing smart technology in a home can be a great way to appeal to home buyers. However, with so many types, which ones do homeowners decide to install in their homes for maximum return? The most popular smart devices for homes are the following five.

Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat is one of the most popular devices to add to a home. These thermostats provide users with more options for temperature control than before. Smart thermostats add convenience because they can be accessed with an app via smartphone or tablet. The remote connectivity allows homeowners to access their thermostats from anywhere, so they can adjust the air conditioning for any reason. Smart thermostats also learn the user’s schedule, factor in climate conditions, and automatically adjust based on it. Some can be synced into an entire home system for automatic adjustments for bedtime, leaving the home, or arriving home. Other have information about the indoor air quality and humidity levels. This helps homeowners save energy and reduces the utility costs. Installing these devices makes smart homes more energy efficient, saving on utility bills.

Some examples on the market today include Google Nest, Ecobee, Amazon Smart Thermostat, and Honeywell.

Smart Security Alarms

Many people like knowing their home has extra protection, and security systems often fill that need. Homeowners have multiple types of security alarms from which to select. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-compatible devices now notify homeowners directly if they sense something has changed. Because of your ability to customize the connected devices, here are all the ways you can create an integrated security smart home system.

Motion sensors

Sensors can be placed on windows or doors and sound an alarm when they open unexpectedly to scare off any would-be intruders. Sensors like these are relatively inexpensive and can be incorporated into an entire home technology system. Their use makes homeowners feel more secure at home. They can also be part of a home child-proofing plan. They don’t always need internet access, making some gadgets easy to install.

Video doorbells

Owners can set up the smart camera with a video feed to record all the time when motion is detected or when a doorbell rings. Some have a security feature where you can talk through the device’s speaker and microphone. Video doorbells are one way to discourage porch pirates because they are caught on camera.

Outdoor cameras

Set up a built-in camera anywhere in the home. Security cameras monitor the home 24/7 and enable you to see who’s there anytime. 

Smart Locks

Tying in with security, the old key-based locks are moving aside in favor of new methods to keep intruders from breaking down doors. Smart locks operate in several ways. Two more common ones use a fingerprint or numeric code to access a house key or unlock the door. These replace the doorknob on a home’s front door. Smart locks that scan a fingerprint typically store several fingerprints, so everyone who lives in the home can use it. Another popular choice uses existing key-based locks but covers the locking mechanism on the home’s interior to control access. The smart lock then connects through Wifi and an app to enable a homeowner to control access–even if they are not home.

Smart locks allow another family member or trusted friend access to the home without giving them their key. They’ll record when a home is locked or unlocked and can be operated remotely in case you forget to lock the door.

Smart Lights

Find energy savings with the automation options of smart bulbs and smart switches. Swap out the light bulbs in any device, even porch lights. Thanks to bluetooth, these smart gadgets can be set up to automatically turn on or off. Set scenes for when you leave home, or someone enters a room. When integrated with voice assistants, you can say, “Alexa, turn off the kitchen lights” from anywhere in the home.

Smart Garage Doors

Smart garage doors remove the need for remote controls that can often be finicky and not work properly. Something a smart garage door can do is sense the homeowner’s car is within a certain distance of the home. As they approach, it will automatically open to allow them entrance. Some smart garage doors also let the homeowner manually open them through an app. This feature can be helpful for letting someone into the home from far away.

The latest innovation enables garage delivery. No more worrying about porch pirates stealing packages. Connected gadgets allow you to give mail delivery companies an option to open the garage and set the package inside. 

Smart home features may not be on top of a home buyer’s “want” list, but they can be a “wow” factor that closes the deal. They see it as a perk. Moving forward, more homes are deploying smart technology. Soon, having something like a smart doorbell or in-home voice control won’t be a perk but something as expected as a refrigerator and oven. Start your smart home journey with these products and see how they can reduce your reduce energy costs while adding security to your home.

FAQs

Do all smart home devices work with all systems?

The various smart home technology companies compete against each other. For that reason, Alexa-enabled devices may not work with Google Home or an Android device. You’ll have the best experience if you can control the smart home from a single device. Always check what systems the smart home products you’re considering work with for optimal integration when building a cohesive smart home system.

What are smart plugs?

Smart plugs are a versatile addition to any smart home setup, providing convenient control over a wide range of devices and appliances. Imagine being able to turn on your coffee maker from bed or ensure your iron is off after leaving the house. These compact gadgets allow you to remotely turn on or off anything plugged into them via a smartphone app or voice command through smart assistants.

What is Google Home?

Google Home is a smart speaker powered by Google Assistant, designed to help you manage your daily tasks, control smart home devices, and provide entertainment. By using voice commands, users can ask Google Home to play music, provide weather updates, set reminders, and answer questions. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with a wide range of smart home devices, allowing users to control lights, thermostats, locks, and more through voice commands or the Google Home app.

How does Amazon Alexa work with smart gadgets?

Amazon Alexa is a cloud-based voice service developed by Amazon, designed to make everyday life easier and more convenient. Alexa can be accessed through Amazon’s line of Echo devices and a range of third-party gadgets to create a smart home hub. Amazon Alexa has become a central home automation hub by integrating with numerous smart home products like lights, thermostats, and locks.

What is Apple Home?

Apple Home, also known as Apple HomeKit, is Apple’s smart home platform designed to streamline the control of smart devices within a home environment. Accessible through the Home app on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac, Apple Home allows users to manage many smart products such as lights, locks, thermostats, cameras, and more. With Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, users can easily operate these devices through simple voice commands. For example, you can say, “Hey Siri, turn off the living room lights,” or “Hey Siri, set the thermostat to 72 degrees.” Additionally, Apple HomeKit supports automation. Users create customized scenes and routines that can be activated based on time, location, or sensor detection, thus enhancing convenience, security, and energy efficiency in the home.

What do smart home devices need to function?

Most smart home devices will need a source of power, access to a Wi-Fi network, or Bluetooth. They can be managed through a smart home app.

Do I need a professional installer?

An expert can be helpful if you’re setting up an integrated smart home ecosystem or if you need some infrastructure installed to support it. However, many of the smart home setups are designed that anyone can install and get them set up.

Updated July 2024