By adding appliances and devices that you can control from anywhere, you can make your home a little more livable—and a lot more automated. Here are some examples of smart home technology that you should not overlook.
Getting up and going to work before the winter light arrives is a chore. But with smart home devices, you can quickly put yourself in a better mood, whether it’s by playing your favorite music, lighting up the hallways, or starting the kettle for a warm cup of tea that’s ready when you walk into the kitchen. If you’re a techie, you’ve probably already got a few “smart” appliances. Even if you don’t have any, you almost certainly know someone who does. Parks Associates, an emerging consumer technology research firm, surveyed 10,000 internet-connected US households in October and discovered that 27% had purchased a smart home device in the previous 12 months.
Even if you don’t own a smart device, you may be considering purchasing one. According to the same report, 44% of American households intend to purchase a smart home device in the next 12 months. According to a recent Underfloor Heating Store analysis, “smart home” is by far the most popular home renovation-related trend watched on TikTok, with approximately 4.2 billion views. In comparison, videos related to the second-most popular home improvement term (“enhanced outdoor spaces”) received only 260,900 views.
At the same time, smart home devices have obvious advantages. Because your shades are unlikely to magically unfold themselves just before you wake up each day, smart blinds are less expensive than daily butler service (or bribing your housemate). Another smart bonus is automating a task like double-checking that the front door is locked. Furthermore, customizing comfort in an instant is difficult to quantify. The ability to change the color temperature of light bulbs to match your mood takes manifestation to a whole new level. That doesn’t even take into account the resource efficiency gains from some smart tools. Overall, your values and budget will dictate the type of smart home technology you try. Here are nine smart home devices that can improve your life.
Which of these are you adding to your home?
Smart Home Security
In today’s world, the need for smart technology devices that ensure safety and security is becoming increasingly important. A smart home security system is one such device that can provide peace of mind to homeowners. A smart home security system uses technology such as cameras, sensors and smart locks to monitor and control access to a home. These systems can detect and alert homeowners of any suspicious activity and can be remotely controlled through a smartphone app. They also provide the ability to monitor and manage the system from anywhere in the world. The smart home security system is a good investment for anyone who values the safety and security of their home and wants to take advantage of the benefits of smart technology.
Video Doorbells with Cameras
When you want to see if it’s a delivery person or an unwanted solicitor knocking on your door, a video doorbell lets you view who’s there without getting up from the couch. Aside from being convenient, video doorbells can act as a first line of defense against property theft, home invasions, and porch pirates. They not only allow you to see and communicate with the person outside, but they also record videos of visitors who approach your door while you are away or unable to answer.
Smart Locks
If you don’t want to hide keys under rocks around your house, this is a wise decision. When you need to let someone in but are unable to be present, a smart lock can save you time and headaches. Never again be concerned about pet sitters or friends who need to come in while you’re away. However, if you decide to purchase one, choose one that does not appear to be a smart lock from the outside, to prevent anyone from trying to outwit a keypad. It should be invisible so that if someone drives by, they won’t be able to target the front door lock.
Smart Speakers and Displays
Televisions and soundbars are the obvious stars of the show when it comes to living room technology. However, in the ultimate smart home, a plethora of other devices collaborate to improve the ambiance, convenience, and security of your main living space. To begin, a smart speaker is a must-have for the living room. Aside from playing music, our favorite models act as a sort of command center, allowing you to control virtually any other connected home device with your voice. The first step in selecting one is determining which voice assistance platform is best for your home: Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri are all options. All three support the majority of the major smart home device brands.
A smart display could be used instead of or in addition to a smart speaker. They provide the same hands-free voice assistant features as a smart speaker, but with the added benefit of a useful touch screen on which you can view live feeds from your smart doorbell or security camera, make video calls (virtual game night, anyone?) and control your connected gadgets with a few taps. When not in use, your smart display in the living room can function as a digital photo frame for displaying personal photos or curated art.
Smart Lightbulbs
One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to upgrade your living room is to replace standard incandescent bulbs with smart light bulbs that support apps and voice control. No one wants to get out of bed at night to turn off the light. When you’re trying to fall asleep, you want your lights to be dimmer and cozier. Smart bulbs eliminate both of these inconveniences while also allowing you to program different times of day to turn on and off via voice control or app selections. Aside from being more convenient than traditional bulbs, smart lights use less energy and last longer, saving you money in the long run.
Smart Thermostats
If you enjoy coming home to a warm house but don’t want to pay to keep an empty room warm, consider smart thermostats. A connected thermostat is another smart living room gadget that can improve your life and potentially save you money on energy. Our favorite models allow you to monitor and control your home’s heating and cooling system via phone or voice, set temperature schedules, and provide energy-saving features that can help you save money on your utility bill. Bonus: You may be eligible for an efficiency rebate depending on where you live.
Smart Plugs
Smart plugs are an efficient and convenient smart technology to have in a home. They are small devices that plug into standard electrical outlets and can be controlled via smartphone apps or voice assistants. Smart plugs can turn any ordinary appliance or electronic device into a smart device. They allow you to remotely turn on or off the device, set schedules for it, and even monitor its energy usage. This feature is particularly useful for saving energy and reducing electricity bills. Smart plugs are also a great way to automate tasks, such as turning on the coffee maker in the morning or turning off the lights when you leave the room. Overall, smart plugs are an affordable and easy-to-use smart technology that can make your life more convenient, energy-efficient and automated.
Smart Kitchen
The best smart kitchen gadgets can bring serious convenience to the heart of your home, whether you’re a master chef or an Uber Eats power user. Can’t decide what to make for dinner? Do you need to convert fluid ounces to cups quickly? Are you looking for a cilantro substitute? It appears that you require a smart display for your countertop. With Alexa or Google Assistant in your kitchen, you can also use your voice to set timers, add items to your grocery list and play your favorite cooking music.
Once you’ve chosen a recipe, the best smart kitchen appliances can assist you at every stage of the cooking process. Finally, there’s a smart version of almost every other kitchen appliance imaginable, from full-size ovens and refrigerators to smaller gadgets like air fryers and the Instant Pot Pro Plus. No kitchen would be complete without a coffee maker, of course. Even your coffee maker is connected to the ultimate smart home. Smart coffee makers support apps and voice control, so the only thing standing between you and a caffeine fix is a couple of phone taps.
When it comes time to clean up after dinner, a good robot vacuum can do the job. Most traditional robot vacuums require emptying after each cleaning cycle. Consider a self-emptying model if you’re tired of emptying your ‘bot’s bursting dustbin daily. A good robot mop is required to remove streaks. Finally, germaphobes may be interested in a smart trash can with an auto-opening lid. For more kitchen smart technology ideas, check out this guide.
Smart Bathroom
Water and technology don’t usually mix, but that hasn’t stopped a flood of connected bathroom gadgets, from self-cleaning toilets to smart scales that can measure much more than just your weight. Consider a smart toilet for your bathroom if you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one. You can even fill the tub with your phone or voice in the ultimate smart bathroom. If you’re trying to lose a few pounds or simply want to keep a closer eye on your waistline, a smart bathroom scale can help. It can help you keep track of your weight, body fat, bone density, water percentage, heart rate, and other vital statistics. For more smart bathroom technology ideas, check out this guide.
By incorporating smart technology into your home, you can make it more efficient and modern. From smart thermostats that can save energy and reduce costs to smart home security systems that provide peace of mind, these devices offer a range of benefits. Additionally, smart lighting and plugs offer convenience, energy efficiency and automation, while smart assistants and entertainment systems offer seamless integration and control. With these nine smart technology devices, you can create a modern and connected home that meets your needs and enhances your lifestyle. So, start exploring these smart devices and making your home the smartest and most efficient it can be. Need help incorporating these smart technologies into your home? No problem, Valor Home Services is here to help! To learn more about how we can help, contact our front office.
