If you’re planning on renovating your home, now is the perfect time to consider adding some smart home devices to your living space. Smart home devices can make your life more convenient, efficient, and cost-effective. There are many options, from smart thermostats that can save you money on energy bills to smart locks that provide increased security. In this article, we’ll explore 7 smart home devices you should consider adding during your next renovation. We’ll discuss the benefits of each device and how they work and provide examples of popular models on the market.
1. Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat is a modern, energy-efficient device allowing homeowners to remotely control their heating and cooling systems through smartphones, tablets, or other devices. It replaces the traditional thermostat, which requires manual adjustment to set the temperature in your home. A smart thermostat learns your habits and preferences and adjusts the temperature accordingly, providing greater comfort and energy savings.
A smart thermostat connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network, allowing you to control it using an app from your smartphone or other devices. The thermostat has sensors that monitor your home’s temperature and humidity levels. It can also detect when you’re away from home and adjust the temperature accordingly. Some models have geo-fencing technology, which uses your phone’s GPS to detect when you’re getting close to your home, so the thermostat can adjust the temperature before you arrive.
One of the most significant benefits of a smart thermostat is energy savings. Adjusting the temperature when you’re away from home or sleeping can save money on your utility bills. Smart thermostats can also provide greater comfort by learning your preferences and automatically adjusting the temperature. Plus, remote control means that you can adjust the temperature from anywhere, which is especially convenient if you’re away from home for an extended period.
Several smart thermostat models are on the market, each with unique features and benefits. Some popular options include:
- Nest Learning Thermostat: This thermostat is one of the most popular models on the market. It learns your schedule and preferences and can be controlled remotely using the Nest app.
- Ecobee SmartThermostat: This thermostat has built-in Alexa and can control other smart home devices. It also has sensors that detect when someone is in the room so that it can adjust the temperature accordingly.
- Honeywell Home T9: This thermostat can detect which rooms are occupied and adjust the temperature accordingly. It also has remote sensors that can be placed in different rooms, providing more accurate temperature control.
2. Smart Lighting
Smart lighting is an innovative solution that can be controlled remotely, offering homeowners greater convenience and energy savings. Traditional lighting systems require manual adjustment to turn the lights on and off, which can be tedious and time-consuming. Smart lighting, on the other hand, can be controlled through an app, allowing you to adjust the lighting from anywhere and at any time.
One of the most significant benefits of smart lighting is its convenience. You can set schedules and timers for the lights to turn on and off automatically, especially when you’re away from home. This feature can provide added security to your home by giving the impression that someone is home.
Smart lighting can also save energy, which can reduce your utility bills. For example, you can set the lights to turn off automatically when you leave a room, eliminating the need to remember to switch them off manually. You can also adjust the brightness of the lights, which can help to reduce energy consumption.
There are several popular models of smart lighting on the market, including:
- Philips Hue: Philips Hue is a popular smart lighting brand offering a wide range of smart light bulbs and light fixtures. The Philips Hue app allows you to control the lights remotely, adjust the brightness, and even change the color of the lights.
- LIFX: LIFX offers smart light bulbs that can be controlled through an app or voice commands. The bulbs are available in various sizes and shapes, and you can adjust the brightness and color of the lights.
- TP-Link Kasa Smart: TP-Link Kasa Smart offers smart light bulbs and light switches that can be controlled remotely using an app. The devices can also be integrated with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control the lights using voice commands.
3. Smart Locks
Smart locks are a modern replacement for traditional locks that provide added security and convenience to homeowners. A smart lock can be controlled remotely, allowing you to lock and unlock your doors from anywhere and at any time.
Smart locks typically use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to connect to your home network, allowing you to control them using an app on your smartphone or other devices. You can also set up access codes for family members, guests, or service providers, eliminating the need for physical keys.
Smart locks offer several benefits, including increased security. Traditional locks can be easily picked or bumped, but smart locks use advanced encryption to protect against unauthorized access. You can also receive alerts when someone enters your home, providing an added layer of security.
Smart locks can also provide added convenience by controlling access remotely. For example, you can unlock the door for a service provider or family member who forgot their key. You can also set up temporary access codes for guests or contractors, which can be easily revoked after their visit.
Some popular models of smart locks on the market include:
- August Smart Lock: The August Smart Lock is a popular option that can be controlled through an app or voice commands. It also offers a keypad option for added convenience.
- Schlage Encode: The Schlage Encode is a keypad lock that can be controlled through an app. It also offers a built-in alarm system that can alert you if someone tries to break in.
- Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro: The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro is a biometric lock that uses fingerprint recognition technology to unlock the door. It also offers a keypad and app option for added convenience.
4. Smart Security System
A smart security system is a comprehensive solution that provides homeowners with enhanced security and monitoring capabilities. Smart security systems use sensors, cameras, and other devices to monitor activity inside and outside the home and can be controlled and monitored remotely using a smartphone or other devices.
A smart security system’s primary benefits are remote monitoring and alerts. Homeowners can receive alerts on their smartphones or other devices when a sensor or camera detects activity, allowing them to respond quickly to potential security issues. This feature provides an added layer of security, especially for those who frequently travel or are away from home for extended periods.
Smart security systems can also be integrated with other smart home devices, such as smart locks and lighting, to provide a comprehensive security solution. For example, if a sensor detects activity outside the home, the smart security system can automatically turn on the lights and lock the doors to deter intruders..
Some popular models of smart security systems on the market include:
- Ring Alarm: The Ring Alarm is a comprehensive security system with sensors, cameras, and other devices. It can be controlled and monitored remotely using a smartphone or other devices.
- Nest Cam: The Nest Cam is a smart camera that provides high-quality video footage and can be integrated with other smart home devices. It also includes features such as night vision and two-way audio communication.
- SimpliSafe: SimpliSafe is a comprehensive security system with sensors, cameras, and other devices. It can be controlled and monitored remotely using a smartphone or other devices and includes a 24/7 monitoring service.
5. Smart Speakers
Smart speakers have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing a convenient way to control other smart home devices, listen to music, and more. Smart speakers use voice recognition technology to understand and respond to spoken commands.
One of the primary benefits of a smart speaker is voice control. With a smart speaker, homeowners can control other smart home devices by speaking. For example, a homeowner could say, “turn off the lights,” and the smart speaker would automatically turn off the lights in the room.
Another benefit of smart speakers is music streaming. Many smart speakers come equipped with high-quality speakers. They can connect to music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, providing a convenient way to listen to music throughout the home.
Some popular models of smart speakers on the market include:
- Amazon Echo (4th generation): The latest version features improved sound quality and a sleek new design.
- Google Nest Audio: Google Nest Audio provides high-quality sound and can be used to control other smart home devices using Google Assistant.
- Sonos One: The Sonos One is a high-end smart speaker with excellent sound quality and can be used with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
6. Smart Appliances
Smart appliances can be connected to a home network and controlled remotely using a smartphone or other device. They use internet connectivity and advanced sensors to provide a range of benefits to homeowners, including energy savings and remote control.
One of the primary benefits of smart appliances is energy savings. They can be programmed to operate more efficiently, reducing energy usage and lowering utility bills. For example, a smart refrigerator can adjust its temperature automatically based on the time of day and the amount of food inside, reducing energy usage.
Smart appliances also provide the convenience of remote control. Using a smartphone app, homeowners can control their appliances from anywhere, making it easy to check the status of the appliances or make adjustments while away from home.
Several types of smart appliances are available, including smart refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and more. Smart refrigerators, for example, can provide features like built-in cameras that allow homeowners to see the fridge’s contents remotely and set reminders for expiration dates and grocery lists.
Smart ovens can be preheated remotely, and some models can be controlled using voice commands. Smart dishwashers can be set to run at specific times or when the dishwasher is full, reducing water usage and energy costs.
Some popular models of smart appliances on the market include:
- Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator: The Samsung Family Hub refrigerator features a large touchscreen display that can control the fridge, view recipes, and even watch TV.
- LG ThinQ Smart Oven: The LG ThinQ Smart Oven features built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing homeowners to control the oven using a smartphone app.
- Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher: The Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher features a range of smart features, including the ability to adjust settings remotely and monitor the dishwasher’s progress using a smartphone app.
7. Smart Water System
A smart water system is a set of devices that monitor and control water usage in a home, providing benefits such as leak detection and water conservation.
One of the primary benefits of a smart water system is leak detection. Smart water systems can detect leaks in real-time and alert homeowners, potentially saving thousands of dollars in water damage. Additionally, smart water systems can help conserve water by tracking usage and identifying areas where water is wasted.
Several types of smart water systems are available, including smart sprinkler systems and water monitoring devices. Smart sprinkler systems use sensors and weather data to determine the best time to water the lawn and how much water is needed, reducing water usage and potentially saving homeowners money on their water bills.
Water monitoring devices, such as smart water meters and leak detectors, can be installed throughout a home to monitor water usage and detect leaks. These devices can be connected to a smartphone app, allowing homeowners to monitor water usage and detect leaks in real time.
Some popular models of smart water systems on the market include:
- Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller: The Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller uses weather data to determine the best time to water the lawn, reducing water usage and saving homeowners money on their water bills.
- Phyn Plus Smart Water Assistant: The Phyn Plus Smart Water Assistant is installed in a home’s plumbing system to monitor water usage and detect leaks in real-time.
- Flume Smart Water Monitor: The Flume Smart Water Monitor is a device that can be installed on a home’s water meter to monitor water usage and detect leaks in real time. It can also provide water usage data and alerts through a smartphone app.
Adding smart home devices during a renovation can provide numerous benefits, such as increased energy savings, convenience, and security. With options such as smart thermostats, lighting, locks, security systems, speakers, appliances, and water systems, there are plenty of choices based on individual needs and preferences. Incorporating these devices into your renovation plans allows you to create a more modern, efficient, and convenient living space.
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