Last Updated on December 20, 2024 by teamobn
Smart homes are becoming very popular. They offer comfort, convenience, and security while preserving energy and improving home value. Even if your home doesn’t come standard with smart technology, you can upgrade it.
Fortunately, you don’t need to break the bank to upgrade your home with smart technology. This article explores simple maintenance installations to introduce smart technology into any home.
Contents
1. Install Smart Lighting Solutions
Installing smart solutions is one of the simplest ways to upgrade your home to a smart one. You can install smart LED bulbs or replace your traditional bulb switches with smart ones. Smart bulbs and switches can be controlled remotely through voice commands or your mobile app. You can remotely turn them on and off, adjust brightness, and change color to set ambiance and mood. Smart bulbs can also be set on a schedule to turn off at specific times.
LED bulbs have a rapid ‘payback’ period. On average, LED bulbs use only around 20% of the energy required by an equivalent incandescent bulb. This means that LED bulbs are roughly 5 times more efficient than incandescent bulbs.
Not only do LED bulbs save energy, they also last much longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements. So, switching to LED bulbs is a bright idea for both your wallet and the environment!
If you can’t install smart lighting solutions throughout the house, focus on high-use rooms and spaces, such as the living room, bedroom, and exterior.
2. Add Smart Security Enhancements
Many smart security enhancements help secure your home while adding a luxurious feel. These enhancements are easy to install and control and effectively deter and prevent home invasions. Below are some common smart security enhancements you can install:
Smart Cameras
Installing smart cameras around your home allows you to monitor activities inside and outside your house 24/7. These cameras can be connected to your phone and provide a live feed wherever you are.
You can also control them remotely, allowing for wider and flexible coverage. Some smart cameras can detect motion and alert your phone when someone trespasses on your property.
If you have pets, you can even use smart cameras to monitor their activity while you are away and even talk to them using phone to camera voice technology!
Smart Doorbells
Smart doorbells usually integrate cameras, microphones, and speakers to allow you to see and communicate with people at your door. This smart feature lets you easily see who’s at your door, even when you’re not home.
When paired with a smart lock, it allows you to communicate and accept visitors into the house without leaving your chair. You can also take a message with a smart doorbell without opening your door.
Smart Locks
Smart door locks intensify your home security with many extra features. You can control some locks with your mobile device to lock and unlock your doors remotely from anywhere using a mobile device.
With smart locks, you can create and distribute virtual keys to guests to allow and revoke access anytime. Some smart locks also support biometric verification, intensifying security against unauthorized access. Examples of biometric verification include facial and fingerprint scanning and recognition.
A simple biometric or pin-access lock with mobile control is sufficient for a smart home upgrade. It complements a smart doorbell and camera for a complete smart front door setup for good security.
3. Get Smart Appliances
Smart appliances give you true luxury, comfort, and convenience at home. Upgrading your everyday appliances to smart and more intuitive ones simplifies your life and makes daily activities more efficient.
Even when making smart renovations on a budget, you can get smart appliances one at a time, prioritizing according to your lifestyle needs. Start with the appliances you use the most and add others as you go. Here are a few popular smart appliances you can add to your home:
Smart Thermostats
You can control a smart thermostat remotely, even when you’re away from home. Your phone can regulate the home temperature to save energy even on a trip. Smart thermostats can also learn temperature preferences and set them accordingly at specific times of the day. They can also automatically start or stop HVAC systems when someone enters or leaves an area.
Smart Washers and Dryers
Smart washers offer remote control and regulation, so you don’t have to hang around waiting for your laundry. You can start and stop laundry loads from anywhere, responding to alerts from your washer.
Smart Refrigerators
These refrigerators offer many convenient features to improve everyday life. They can connect to your phone, alert you of an open fridge door, prepare a grocery list, track inventory, or even play music while you cook. Some will even suggest recipes based on what is already stored in your fridge!
Smart Ovens
With a smart oven, you can monitor and control your cooking remotely. From adjusting the cooking temperature to receiving notifications when your food is ready, this appliance reduces the time spent in the kitchen while helping you cook excellent meals.
While many popular electronics brands now offer an extensive range of smart appliances that can communicate with each other, be aware that they may use proprietary technology to allow that communication. This could make different brands incompatible so check before buying or perhaps stick to a specific brand so you can integrate them into a single, smart ecosystem throughout the house.
4. Install Smart Automation and Control System
If your home has many smart appliances, enhancements, and features, consider integrating them into a smart automation and control system or smart home hub. A smart hub is a central integration device that allows you to control all smart devices from one place.
This feature allows you to access all appliances and features from a central platform, not individual apps. Many smart hubs are compatible with voice assistants and support voice commands, making remote control simpler and more flexible. Below are some popular smart home hubs to explore:
- Samsung SmartThings
- Amazon Echo
- Google Nest Hub
5. Get Smart Garage Doors
A smart garage door improves convenience for car owners. It offers many convenient features, such as automatic opening and closing. These doors also have built-in cameras and sensors that promote smart control.
With a smart garage door, you don’t have to worry about losing your remote. Your door connects with your phone to facilitate voice and hands-free control. You can also schedule a closing time for your smart garage door to prevent accidentally leaving your doors open at night.
Beyond functionality, a smart garage door also improves your home’s curb appeal to boost its value. You can get a solid, smart garage door from any reliable overhead door company.
Endnote
Upgrading your home to a smart one does not always require a major renovation. You can achieve that by introducing smart technology. As we’ve shown here, you can add smart lighting, security enhancements, appliances, and garage doors prioritizing as your budget allows.
Integrating these features and appliances into a smart automation and control system converts your home into a smart one offering convenience and comfort for the whole family while making your home more appealing to any future owner.
