Smart home devices offer numerous benefits, including convenience, energy savings, and security. They can be monitored and controlled remotely through mobile apps, and many offer customizable settings.
Devices like smart thermostats can learn to adjust cooling settings based on weather patterns and personal schedules for greater efficiency. Other features, such as integrated speaker capabilities that can respond to voice commands, make the experience even more personalized.
1. Upgrade Your Thermostat
Boosting energy efficiency can save you money and make your home healthier. Having a smart thermostat, for example, can help you avoid pesky temperature fluctuations that lead to energy waste and higher utility bills.
Another way to improve your home's energy efficiency is by switching out standard light bulbs for multicolored or tunable white smart ones. These can adjust their color output to suit the mood or time of day, and they can reduce your energy usage without sacrificing light quality.
You can also install smart appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, that automatically delay their operation to leverage off-peak electricity rates. Choose models that can be monitored and controlled remotely through a mobile app.
2. Upgrade Your Lighting
A smart home upgrade isn’t all about convenience; many devices can help you save on energy consumption. These gadgets typically use timed schedules and specialized sensors to optimize your energy usage.
One of the simplest ways to make your house smarter is by upgrading your lighting. Smart lights offer control over the color and brightness of a room, giving you the flexibility to create any ambiance or mood.
Some smart light bulbs and switches also include motion-sensing features that can turn lights on and off when someone enters the room. This can deter break-ins and make your home look occupied when you’re on vacation.
3. Upgrade Your Appliances
A smart home system lets homeowners control appliances, lighting, and other features using a single app or voice commands. This upgrade saves time and energy, reduces waste, and helps protect the environment.
However, it’s important to be strategic about which smart home products you add to
your house. Not all devices are easy to use and may not work well together. Also, any device that connects to the internet can be vulnerable to hackers.
It’s best to choose simple automations and devices that are compatible with one another. This will help you avoid the cost of expensive devices with complicated setups.
4. Upgrade Your Windows
The prospect of living like a Jetson is a tempting one, especially when smart technology streamlines chores and saves you money on energy costs. Adding automation through smart devices like smartphones, voice control systems, and even replacement entry doors can elevate your home with convenience and style.
However, it’s important to choose wisely when investing in new home technologies. Not all smart devices are created equal. Some can be confusing and difficult to use. Others require a complex setup that may be a turn-off for potential buyers. Opt for products that work well together and have simple user interfaces.
5. Upgrade Your Insulation
The more insulated your home, the less energy it uses. Insulation helps keep warm air from escaping during the winter and cold air from leaking in during the summer, so you don’t have to use as much energy heating or cooling your home.
Smart home devices and systems can help you save time, money, and headaches by automating equipment that is typically manual. However, it’s important to choose the right technologies and smart updates for your renovation project. Some tech upgrades aren’t worth the cost, don’t improve your lifestyle or add resale value, and may even be dangerous.
6. Upgrade Your HVAC System
If you’re upgrading your HVAC system, make sure to choose a model with an Energy Star rating. Energy Star products meet stringent energy efficiency standards, helping you save money and reduce your electricity consumption.
Look for smart appliances that can be controlled with virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, or that are voice-controlled. These features can help you optimize your smart home’s energy efficiency, including the ability to control your cooling systems remotely and on schedule.
By upgrading your smart home this summer, you can improve your comfort and energy efficiency, while reducing your carbon footprint. With a little research and savvy decision-making, sustainability is no longer a tradeoff.
7. Upgrade Your Roof
Whether you’re looking to save money, increase home security, or improve energy efficiency, smart technology can be an affordable, high-ROI upgrade. Many smart home devices can be controlled remotely, such as adjusting the thermostat, reviewing surveillance camera footage, and turning off lights.
However, the most important thing is to make sure your system is optimized and used properly. Too much electricity is wasted by lighting and heating unoccupied rooms, running appliances at peak hours, or by inefficient roofs that trap hot air during the summer and let cold air escape in the winter.
There are times when upgrades can be significantly costly, but other times when kitchen appliances or HVAC systems break down, you can get them replaced or covered under a home warranty. If you are asking, “What is home warranty coverage?” Look online for reputable companies that can offer good warranty coverage. These are service contracts that cover and replace systems in your home. With home improvement and upgrades, this will increase sustainability in your home.