Imagine arriving home from a demanding day at work. Your porch lights turn on automatically as you enter your driveway. The touch of your phone unlocks your front door. Inside, your ideal temperature has been set, and soft background music starts. No, this is simply a taste of what smart home technology can do for you now—not a scene from a sci-fi film.
Smart home appliances simplify daily life and provide security, even with regard to energy efficiency. But given the abundance of devices available, it can be difficult to decide which ones are actually useful. Ten must-have smart home appliances that will let you create a futuristic paradise out of your living environment.
Smart Speakers Are Your Personal Assistant
An Amazon Echo or Google Nest Hub smart speaker serves as the centerpiece of a smart home. Not only can these devices play music, they also provide answers, set reminders, control other smart devices, and even tell jokes when necessary.
Imagine this: you’re elbow-deep in cookie dough and need to set a timer. Just say, “Alexa, set a 10-minute timer.” No messy hands touching your phone or oven!
Smart Thermostat: Save Energy, Stay Comfortable
It’s the Nest Learning Thermostat or Ecobee SmartThermostat that detects your daily schedule and adjusts the temperature to suit your needs. It means that you don’t have to mess with the thermostat or use up energy when you’re away.
Imagine this scenario: It’s mid-winter, and you’ve forgotten to lower the temperature before you leave for work. Instead of fretting about the cost of your energy rising, your thermostat’s smart sensors detect that nobody is at home. It reduces the temperature for you.
Video Doorbell: See Who’s Knocking
Whether you are halfway around the globe or simply out for groceries, a Ring Video Doorbell or Google Nest Doorbell will show who is at your door.
Mike, a buddy of mine, received an alert on his phone one day while working. A delivery worker was clearly visible on his porch, about to leave a bundle. Speaking through the doorbell, he said, “Hey, could you hide that behind the plant?” Mike said. The delivery man followed orders, and the gift arrived free from porch pirates!
Smart Locks: Keyless Convenience
With an August Smart Lock or Yale Assure Lock, unlocking your door with just your smartphone or voice can now be achieved easily and safely. Furthermore, temporary access can even be granted to guests.
Recall when you went for a morning run and realized you forgot your keys? With smart locks, just use your phone or ask Alexa to open the door for you—problem solved!
Smart Lights: Set the Mood
Philips Hue and LIFX smart bulbs allow you to control lighting using your smartphone or voice. Are you looking to lower the brightness for a movie night? or turn them on for a celebration? You can ask your assistant.
I once amused my roommate by switching the lighting to a spooky green and making them flash while I played eerie sound effects. I’m sure he wasn’t impressed, but it was fun!
Smart Plugs: Manage Any Device from Distance
Any conventional appliance can be converted into a smart device by a TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug. Ignored to turn off the coffee maker? You can turn it off from your phone, so relax.
One friend of mine turns on her slow cooker while she is at work using a smart plug. Dinner is hot and waiting when she arrives home. Convenience is great!
Robot Vacuum Cleaner for Hands-Free Cleaning
iRobot Roomba or Eufy RoboVac robot vacuums offer convenient floor care while you relax. These intelligent little robots navigate their way around furniture while returning to their dock when charging is needed.
My cousin owns a Roomba, and her cat treats it like an elegant moving throne! My cousin once caught him sitting regal-like atop it as it glided across the floor–truly an epitome of royalty!
Smart Security Cameras: Track Things Here
Smart security cameras—Arlo Pro 4 or Wyze Cam—offer you peace of mind. You can view live footage and get updates from your phone.
One of my neighbors saw a raccoon pilfering food from his dog late at night. His clever camera helped him to arrange a better storage system and protect the dog food from future heists!
Smart Smoke and CO Detectors: Safety First
Nest Protect carbon monoxide and smoke detector does not just sound an alarm, but also transmits alerts to your mobile even if you’re away from home.
A coworker of mine once mentioned the way the Nest Protect alerted her to an unavoidable fire inside her garage. She was able to contact the fire department before things escalated. The device she used helped her get her home back!
Smart Blinds: Allow The Light To Shine Through
Motorized smart blinds like Lutron Serena or IKEA FYRTUR allow you to set a timer that controls when your blinds open and close, which means no more waking up before your alarm goes off.
Once, I stayed at a friend’s home where the blinds automatically opened at sunrise; it felt like living in a luxury hotel but without paying out thousands in hotel charges.
Final Thoughts: Improve Your Home the Smart Way
Purchasing smart home appliances is about building a house fit for you. These devices are worth thinking about whether they help you stay safe, save energy, or just simplify daily living.
Start with a few smart gadgets and then go from there if you’re ready to bring your house to the next level. For the best house tech suggestions, visit HomeTech1—your first choice for the newest in smart living!
