Technology has seamlessly integrated into our everyday routines, and our homes are no exception. We might not have robots that can fold our laundry (yet), but there are plenty of smart home features that can make daily life easier and more convenient. There are lights that can adjust with a voice command and thermostats that can learn your schedule, and so much more.
It doesn't matter if you're tech-savvy or just curious about how you can make your home work for you, there are so many smart home options that can offer something for everyone. Follow our guide to explore some of the top smart home technologies that can start making your life more comfortable.
1. Smart Lighting Systems
Ever walked into your home juggling armfuls of groceries and wished the lights would just turn on by themselves? With smart lighting, that's entirely possible. These systems let you control the brightness and even the color of your lights using voice commands as well as your smartphone.
Advantages of Smart Lighting Systems:
Convenience: Turn lights on or off, dim them, or change colors without getting up. Perfect for those moments when you're relaxing on the couch and the light switch feels miles away.
Customization: Set the perfect lighting for movie night, dinner parties, or a just a chill evening. You can even schedule lights to gradually brighten in the morning to simulate a sunrise.
Energy Savings: Schedule lights to turn off when they're not needed, helping reduce your electricity bill. Some systems can also adjust based on natural light, so you're not wasting energy during the day.
Some smart lighting systems can sync with your music or TV, creating an immersive experience that turns your living room into a personal theater or kitchen into a dance hall.
2. Intelligent Thermostats
Keeping your home at the perfect temperature can feel like a constant battle. Maybe you like the house warm during the day but cool at bedtime. Or, maybe you have children that tend to reach for the thermostat instead of a sweater. Intelligent thermostats can learn your schedule and preferences and automatically adjust the temperature to keep you comfortable, and they can be set to prevent people from changing settings or changing the temperature outside of a restricted range.
Benefits of Intelligent Thermostats:
Set It and Forget It: Once the smart thermostat learns your routine, you don't have to worry about making manual adjustments anymore. You also have the option to lock your settings so they can't be changed by someone else.
Remote Control: Forgot to turn down the heat before leaving for the weekend? Adjust it from your phone. Coming home earlier than expected? Warm up the house before you arrive.
Energy Efficiency: Save money by using energy more wisely. Some thermostats even provide tips on how to save more based on your usage patterns.
Some models can even integrate with weather forecasts to adjust settings automatically. If a cold snap is coming, your smart thermostat can automatically prepare your home.
3. Advanced Security Systems
Home is where you should feel safest, and smart security systems add an extra layer of protection. With features like live video feeds and instant alerts, you can keep an eye on things whether you're in the next room or halfway around the world.
Key Features for a Smart Home Security System:
Smart Cameras: Monitor your home in real-time from your smartphone. Some cameras offer two-way communication, so you can chat with family members, check on the babysitter, or even tell the dog to get off the couch.
Motion Sensors: Get alerts if unexpected movement is detected. Customize zones to avoid false alarms from pets or passing cars.
Glass Break Sensors: Detect the sound of breaking glass and receive instant alerts. No more worrying about the house while you're away on vacation.
Some systems recognize familiar faces, so you'll know when the kids are home safe from school. You can also integrate your security system with other smart devices. For example, you can set your lights to turn on if motion is detected outside at night for extra peace of mind.
4. Voice Assistants
Imagine having a personal assistant who can play your favorite song, set a timer for dinner, or tell you the weather forecast. Voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant make it happen.
What a Voice Assistant Can Do:
Control Smart Devices: Adjust lights, thermostats, and more using just your voice. Great when your hands are full or you just don't want to have to get up.
Answer Questions: From trivia to traffic updates, just ask. Need a recipe for dinner? Your voice assistant can walk you through it step by step.
Entertainment: Stream music, podcasts, or audiobooks easily. Set up multi-room audio to have your favorite songs playing throughout the house.
You can create shopping lists, set reminders, and even order things online using your voice assistant. It's like having a personal assistant available 24/7.
5. Smart Appliances: Making Chores Easier
Benjamin Franklin's famous saying needs an update. It should actually be: “Nothing is certain except death, taxes and chores.” Household chores might not be going anywhere anytime soon, but smart appliances are here to help. There are fridges that can manage your grocery list, ovens that preheat themselves, and many more gadgets that can make everyday tasks a bit easier.
Appliances Worth Considering:
Smart Refrigerators: See what's inside without opening the door and get alerts when you're running low on essentials. Some models even let you order groceries directly from the touchscreen.
Smart Ovens: Control cooking settings from your phone and get notifications when dinner is ready. Take the guesswork out of cooking and access recipes that can even sync with the oven's settings.
Smart Washers and Dryers: Start laundry cycles remotely and receive alerts when they're done. Some can detect fabric types and choose the best settings automatically.
If you're prone to forgetting about laundry, these appliances can be a lifesaver. No more damp clothes sitting in the washer all day. Many smart appliances are also designed to be more energy-efficient, reducing your environmental footprint.
6. Smart Home Hubs: The Command Center
With all these smart devices, you'll want an easy way to control them. That's where smart home hubs come in. They act as a central control point, letting you manage everything from one app or even your voice assistant.
Benefits of a Smart Home Hub:
Simplified Control: No need for multiple apps or remotes. Everything is accessible in one place.
Automation: Set routines like that can adjust lights, play music, and start the coffee maker in the morning. Imagine waking up to a home that's already started your day for you.
Compatibility: Connect devices from different brands and have them work together.
Some hubs offer advanced features like customizable dashboards and even integration with your car, so your home can prepare itself when you're on your way.
7. Smart Locks and Video Doorbells
Have you ever lost your house key and then faced the dilemma of whether or not to replace the lock? With smart locks, your smartphone or a code or even your fingerprint becomes your key. Pair that with a video doorbell, and you can see who's at your door—even when you're not home.
How Smart Locks and Video Doorbells Help:
No More Lost Keys: Unlock your door with your phone or a keypad. Ideal for people who might lose keys or for times when your hands are full.
Guest Access: Provide temporary codes for visitors or service providers. Codes can be set to expire automatically, ensuring security.
Extra Security: See and speak with anyone at your door through your smartphone, even if you're not home. This is great for confirming package deliveries or screening unexpected visitors.
Some smart doorbells can detect packages and send you a notification when one arrives. You'll never have to wonder if that important delivery showed up.
8. Smart Sprinklers: A Gardener's Dream
Love a lush lawn but hate the hassle? Let your smart sprinkler system handle watering your garden. They can adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions, so your plants get just the right amount of water.
Advantages of Smart Sprinkler Systems:
Water Savings: Avoid overwatering by letting the system adapt to rain and drought conditions. Some systems monitor soil moisture levels for even more precise watering.
Convenience: Control and monitor your irrigation from your smartphone. If you're on vacation, you can still make sure your garden is thriving.
Healthier Plants: Consistent, appropriate watering leads to a happier garden. You can even set different zones for various plant types to make sure they are all getting the right amount of water.
Integrating your sprinkler system with a smart home hub allows you to always water at the ideal times, regardless of whether or not you're actually home.
9. Smart Home Entertainment Systems
Transform your home into an entertainment hub with smart TVs, speakers, and streaming devices. Control everything with ease and enjoy a personalized entertainment experience.
Features of Smart Home Entertainment Systems:
Smart TVs Access streaming services and apps directly from your TV. Some models offer voice search, making it easier to find what you want to watch.
Multi-Room Audio: Play music throughout your home, controlling different rooms individually. Perfect for families where everyone has their own taste.
Universal Remotes: Simplify control with a single device or app. No more searching through drawers or couch cushions trying to find a lost remote.
Hosting a get-together? Sync your playlists across multiple rooms so the music follows the party.
10. Health and Wellness
Your home can also contribute to your well-being. Smart health devices monitor everything from air quality to your sleep patterns, helping you create a healthier living environment.
Consider These Smart Health Devices:
Air Quality Monitors: Keep track of indoor pollutants and humidity levels. Some devices automatically adjust air purifiers or humidifiers to maintain optimal conditions.
Smart Sleep Aids: Devices that track your sleep and offer suggestions for improvement. Some smart beds can adjust firmness or temperature based on your sleep patterns.
Fitness Equipment: Smart treadmills or bikes that track workouts and connect to online classes. Stay motivated with live or on-demand sessions from the comfort of your home gym.
With insights from these devices, making small adjustments can lead to big improvements in your overall health. Adjusting humidity levels can reduce allergy symptoms, and better sleep tracking can help improve rest. Some smart home systems can also integrate with meditation apps or provide ambient sounds to help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Conclusion
Incorporating smart features into your home isn't just about having the latest gadgets—it's about making your life a little easier and more comfortable. You no longer have to be as rich as Scrooge McDuck to adjust the thermostat without getting out of bed, check a live video feed of your home while you're away, or have your coffee made and ready for you when you wake up. You also don't have to upgrade everything at once. You can start with one or two devices that meet your most immediate needs and build from there. Before you know it, you might wonder how you ever lived without these devices.
Ready to Make the Switch?
At NewHomeSource, we're here to help you navigate the world of smart homes. Whether you're building new or upgrading your current space, we've got the resources to guide you every step of the way. From understanding the basics to choosing the right devices, we're with you throughout your journey to a smarter home.
Michael Letendre
Michael Letendre is a writer for NewHomeSource and Builder Magazine.