How to Make Your Home Smart with Simple Tech Upgrades

Making your home smarter doesn’t require one to be a techie or to break the bank. You’ll make your home more comfortable, secure, and energy-efficient with simple tech upgrades. Most smart devices are easy to install and not too complicated even for those who aren’t all that tech savvy.

Here’s a look at some super simple ways to make your home smart without having to break the bank or feel overwhelmed by super-complicated gadgets.

1. Start with a Smart Speaker

A smart speaker is an excellent take-off on maximizing your home. Devices like the Amazon Echo or Google Nest work as a foundation in controlling other smart devices. They work with voice commands, and you’re free to control your home by voice only no more button pressing or even using apps.

Some of the things you can do with a smart speaker include:

• Play music
• Get weather updates
• Set alarms and reminders
• Control other smart devices such as lights and thermostats

These devices come equipped with virtual assistants from Alexa or Google Assistant that can provide you with a sense of command over your daily regimen.

2. Install Smart Lighting

Smart lighting can be one of the easiest upgrades you can make in your house. Philips Hue or LIFX smart bulbs will allow you to adjust the brightness, color, or schedules for on/off lights by an app or voice commands. The advantages of smart lighting include:

• Energy saving: You can schedule lights to shut off once you are not inside.
• Personalization: You can change the color of your lights depending on how you feel and also control a relaxing ambiance.
• Convenience: You can even have light go on or off remotely even when you are not in your home. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, start by using one or two smart bulbs and then expand from there.

3. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat can really make a huge difference in the efficiency and comfort of your home. Devices such as the Nest Thermostat, Eco bee, self-adjust the temperature according to your schedule and preferences.

With this, a smart thermostat:

You can control the temperature by using your phone

Saving energy is one thing because you only schedule heating and cooling depending on your needs

You can make voice commands in commanding the room temperature through a smart speaker

Many smart thermostats also offer energy reports, which enable you to understand your usage and make necessary changes to save you money.

4. Smart Plugs

Smart plugs are small devices that cost pennies to install but will instantly turn any appliance smart. You can put a lamp, a fan, or even your coffee maker and control it remotely via an app or voice assistant.

A good deal of smart plug benefits:

• Create the daily appliances set to automatically come on or off at selected times.
• Avoidable energy consumption: Stop lamps or heaters from running when they are not in use.
• Simplicity in installation: The smart plug is plugged into the wall, connects to your Wi-Fi, and is ready to be used.

You can get top-quality smart plugs from brands such as TP-Link Kasa or Wemo.

5. Make Use of Smart Security Cameras

If you wish to make your house more secure, smart security cameras will do the job easily and effectively. These smart security cameras enable remote viewing with the help of devices like Ring or Arlo and keep an eye on your house from your smart-phone.

Below are some features of smart security cameras:

• Motion detection: Cameras can alert you if they notice any activity.
• Remote viewing: View live feeds or recorded clips on your smart-phone.
• Two-way communication: Talk to visitors or delivery people at your door.

Smart security cameras are quite easy to install and give an individual peace of mind when they are away from home.

6. Set Up a Smart Doorbell

A smart doorbell is one of the most beautiful inventions. It enhances your home’s security. For example, you can see who is at the door with Ring Video Doorbell and know who is knocking even when you are away from home. You will receive a notification on your cell phone whenever someone rings the doorbell, and you can view what’s happening live or even talk to them via two-way audio.

Smart doorbells good for:

Screening visitors without opening the door

• Monitor Deliveries
• Provide you with added security when you are away from home

Installation of a smart doorbell is relatively straightforward and can make all the difference in how secure and connected you feel at home.