Smart home upgrades can make your house safer and more comfortable, as well as add a level of convenience to your life. If you’re thinking about getting started in the world of smart devices but aren’t sure where to begin, here is what you need to know.
Why Add Smart Home Features to Your House
The main benefits of smart home features focus on safety, convenience, and energy efficiency. With a programmable thermostat, you could reduce your energy costs by $180. If you opt for a smart thermostat, you can achieve savings with less work.
Smart power strips prevent energy “vampires” from slowly using power. It essentially disconnects devices from the electricity when they aren’t in use, reducing phantom draws that can occur when devices are on standby. In some cases, that can result in savings of around $200 per year.
With smart lights, you can control your lighting from any connected smartphone. Along with giving you money-saving opportunities, it can also make your home safer. You don’t have to worry about coming home to a dark house as you can always flip the switches before you arrive or program the lights to turn on automatically before your arrival.
Plus, smart home technology can increase your home’s value. Buyers appreciate properties with newer solutions already installed, particularly options that can provide them with extra convenience or money-saving opportunities, taking you a step closer to meeting the top end of this price range.
Smart thermostats, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide sensors, and water leak detectors are all great for safety and energy efficiency. Smart lights, shades, and appliances enhance convenience, streamlining their day-to-day. All of those features are desirable, so they can lead to higher prices when you sell your home.
How to Choose the Right Smart Home Products
When you choose products, you want to focus on options that bring you real value. For example, while any smart thermostat may help you save on your energy bills, options like the Nest Learning Thermostat make it easier. As you interact with the device, it gets to know your habits and preferences, allowing it to make adjustments that align with your lifestyle automatically.
In the land of safety, video doorbells are hard to beat. If you’re looking for a high-tech option, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is hard to beat. It comes with 3D motion detection, color night vision, and Alexa integration.
If you have a SimpliSafe subscription, the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro is a solid higher-end option. With the Eufy Security Video Doorbell, you get 2K resolution and a long-lasting battery, all without any subscription costs.
Just think about which devices enhance your safety or lead to savings. Often, that’s the best place to begin your smart home journey.
Blending Your Smart Devices with Your Décor
As you explore products, it’s smart to focus on devices that blend in with your décor. This makes the property more compelling for buyers and renters alike. Color coordination can be a great way to keep your tech from standing out, as similar shades tend to recede into one another, preventing the devices from standing out.
Hiding your cords also makes a difference. Dangling wires look unkempt, causing them to stand out visually. By tucking them behind items, running them along the trim, or placing them in a wiring conduit, they are less noticeable.
Money-Saving Tips for Smart Home Upgrades
When you start making smart home upgrades, focus on options that will save you money first. That offsets the cost of the device and installation, making it a more budget-friendly choice.
Additionally, keep an eye on device prices. Many smart home upgrades go on sale, just like other products. You might find an amazing price on Black Friday, for example, so it could be worth waiting to see if you can score a deal.
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