The world is in a time where connection matters so much. Social media platforms allow people to connect to their family and friends regardless of where they are. But aside from staying connected with the people they love, people now also value staying connected with their homes. Thus, the smart home industry continues to grow.
MediaPost reports that 69% of households in the U.S. have at least one smart device. And 12% of that, which is about 22 million homes, have several devices.
And in Canada, a recent survey found that 79% of homeowners are familiar with smart home technology. Furthermore, 78% believe the technology can help reduce their energy consumption. Indeed, smart home devices and appliances can do that.
But what are smart homes again? These are homes equipped with devices that communicate with each other through communication protocols such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. That allows for home automation, resulting in comfort and convenience for the homeowner.
That makes smart homes very attractive to homebuyers. They now expect homes to have at least one to three smart home devices. If it does not have that, the house’s chances of getting sold get lower. So, transforming your home into a smart home is a good investment. You can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while you are there and have an easier time selling the house should you want to leave.
Now, you may be thinking of adding more devices to your smart home. Or perhaps you are designing a fully automated house. You may not know what devices to get first. The rule of thumb is always to consider your current devices and evaluate your future needs first. Then, act based on that.
Here are some of the best smart home devices you should consider getting.
Smart Locks
Prioritizing security is not a bad idea, especially if you plan to add more smart devices to your home. Buying a smart lock is one of the best things you can do. You can maintain access to your home even when you are not there using a smart lock. Furthermore, it will alert you when you have left the door unlocked. So, it will save you plenty of worries.
Video Doorbells
Video Doorbells and smart locks complete each other. This smart home device notifies you when there’s someone at your front door. It also allows you to see them through your smartphone or smart display. Not just that. Video doorbells also enable you to talk to them using its two-way communication feature. Some video doorbells will also keep an eye on your packages.
Security Cameras
To complete your home security system, consider getting a smart security camera. It will give you information about what happens around your home by recording videos and alerting you when it detects motion. You can also access the live feed using your smartphone. Many security cameras are now wireless and weatherproof, so you don’t have to worry about where you place them.
Smart Plugs
Smart plugs allow you to transform any home device or appliance into a smart one. You can control these plugs through your smartphone. That can give you peace of mind. It will allow you to turn off things that should be turned off even when you’re already on your way to work.
Smart Light Bulbs
Remove the need to find the switches for your lights by using smart light bulbs. You can control these remotely using your smartphone. Turning the lights on/off, adjusting the brightness level, and changing the light color are all possible. You can also set schedules to automate lighting in your smart home.
Smart Kitchen Appliances
Smart homes have revolutionized the way we cook. A wide array of kitchen appliances and gadgets makes things a lot easier. Smart fridges ensure you consume the food before they expire. Also, it ensures you have a stock of what you regularly use, such as milk or eggs. Smart ovens check the doneness of whatever you are cooking. And other devices can help you find and read recipes. It’s as if your kitchen itself is your sous chef.
Smart Air Purifier
Air purifier improves the quality of air in your home. Smart air purifiers do an even better job; they detect contaminants in the air. Then, smart air purifiers automatically purify and deodorize it. That inhibits the growth of bacteria, viruses, allergens, and mold.
Smart Thermostat
Temperature control devices make your home as comfortable as possible. Smart thermostats are your best choice. You can make them cool or heat your house even before you arrive or wake up. Also, some of them are integrated with machine learning. Over time, they would learn your habits and adjust based on that. That helps you save up to 50% on energy use.
Smart Hubs
Many smart home devices now don’t need hubs to function. Still, it’s a great investment. A smart hub will allow you to control all your devices in one interface or app.
If you don’t think hubs are necessary, you can opt for voice assistants instead.
Concerns
A fully automated smart home is a great investment. However, the more complex the smart home is, the more difficult it is to make. You need expert electrical and technical knowledge to ensure everything works as intended. So, you may need to consult a professional system installer.
Security is another concern you should not ignore. Research points out that there’s at least one device vulnerable to hackers in 40% of smart homes today. That can put you and your house in danger.
So, you must inspect every device that you buy. Always choose devices that are tested and approved. Furthermore, see if the device offers two-factor authorization. With that, you and only the people you allow can control your home. And after installing the devices, don’t forget to update their firmware whenever one is available.
Add these devices to your home and keep these tips in mind, and you will enjoy a happy, convenient, comfortable life at home.