Excited about moving into your new home? Make your life easy and automate your daily tasks with these 6 Smart Devices every home should have.
One of the best parts about buying a new home is getting to outfit it with all the smart devices you've been dreaming about. However, with so many options available, it can take time to figure out where to start.
So, here are six of the most useful smart home essentials for new homeowners:
1. Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat is one of the smart home products that will make your home more comfortable and help you save on energy costs. Most models connect to Wi-Fi and allow you to adjust temperature settings from your smartphone or tablet. Some models even let you set schedules for when you want certain rooms to be warmer or more relaxed throughout the day, which can help you save on energy costs.
When choosing a smart thermostat, you must consider which features are most important to you. For instance, you may want a remote control or a touchscreen display. Similarly, you may prefer a model with a built-in motion sensor or one you can control with your voice. Also, remember that some models may require hardwiring, while others use batteries.
2. Smart Light Bulbs
Smart light bulbs are another great way to make your home more convenient and comfortable while saving money on energy costs. They're also easy to install since most require simply screwing them into a light socket as traditional bulbs do. However, they'll usually sync up with other smart devices in your home automatically once powered on.
Smart lights can be controlled through an app on your phone or tablet, allowing you to turn them off or dim them as needed. You can also set timers for when you want your lights turned on or off throughout the day, which makes it easy for kids who need help getting ready for school or bedtime.
When buying smart light bulbs, look for ones with a good range of colours and brightness levels. This will ensure that they will work well with your home's lighting fixtures, including ceiling lights and lamps.
3. Smart Doorbells
A doorbell camera lets you see who's at your front door before allowing them in, which helps prevent burglaries by giving you time to hide valuables or call 911 if necessary. It also lets people know they're being recorded when they approach your house, which may deter potential criminals from committing crimes in front of those cameras in the first place.
Consider how many people can view the video feed when purchasing smart doorbells. Some models only allow one person to access it simultaneously, while others can handle multiple viewers. It's also essential to check whether there are any monthly fees involved with the service or any extra costs for storing data on an external hard drive.
4. Smart Home Assistant
A smart home assistant is the hub of all your smart devices. You can control your lights, thermostat, locks, and more with your voice. These assistants are self-explanatory and easy to set up, so I won't go into too much detail. They also usually come with a hub connecting to your router to manage all of the devices connected.
When looking for an intelligent home assistant, consider what other devices it supports and how many people will use it. Some options can control multiple smart devices at once, so they're perfect if you live in a larger home or if multiple people use them.
Smaller options may be better suited for you if only one person uses them. The smaller size makes them more portable if you're planning on moving around often or want something that looks less intrusive in your house.
5. Smart Lock
A smart lock that works with your smartphone is essential for any homeowner. With a smart lock, you can lock/unlock your door remotely or set timers, so you don't have to worry about forgetting to lock up before heading out for the day.
When installing a smart lock, ensure it's compatible with your current deadbolt and door lockset. You'll also need to make sure you have a Wi-Fi connection or at least one that reaches the area of your front door. This way, you can open the door from anywhere using an app on your phone when you get home. Also, if you have more than one smart home device in the house, try getting them all from the same brand, so they all work together seamlessly.
6. Modern Video Surveillance Cameras
Video cameras come in all shapes and sizes, but they all do the same thing: provide an additional layer of protection for your home. If someone tries to break into your house, the camera will record everything that happens and notify the local authorities so they can send help quickly.
When choosing video surveillance cameras, look for ones with high resolution and night vision capabilities. That way, you'll see even when it's dark out. For instance, some credible options may have 1080p high-definition resolution, two-way talk capabilities, and night vision. Some can also allow you to control them from your device with a voice command, making them more accessible.
Key Takeaway
With so many smart home accessories available, knowing which ones you need to buy can be overwhelming. But once you have a handle on the basics, it's easy to expand your accessory collection. With these six smart home essentials, you can establish a modern home that your family can enjoy. In addition, these devices will save you money and energy over time.
