Ways I make my home feel more connected
In our fast-paced world, the importance of a well-connected home cannot be overstated. A connected home not only ensures convenience and comfort but also provides a sense of safety and security. Having the ability to control various aspects of your home from the touch of a button or the sound of your voice can truly enhance your living experience.
In this post, we are going to explore 15 ways in which I make my home more connected and how you can do the same.
1. Install Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are an excellent way to bring connectivity and energy efficiency to your home. These devices allow you to control the temperature of your home remotely using a smartphone app or through voice commands if you have a smart speaker. You can also set schedules for different times of the day or week, ensuring optimal comfort and energy usage.
For example, a smart thermostat like Nest or Ecobee can help you save a significant amount on your energy bill by learning your habits and adjusting the temperature accordingly. Additionally, they can detect when you’re away from home and adjust the settings to save energy.
2. Use Smart Lighting
Smart lighting offers a multitude of benefits including energy efficiency, convenience, and even an element of fun with color-changing bulbs. You can control smart lights via a smartphone app, set schedules, or use voice commands if you have a smart speaker.
I’ve found that smart lighting solutions such as Philips Hue or LIFX bulbs add a whole new level of convenience to my home. For instance, if I’m out of town, I can schedule the lights to come on at certain times to make it appear as if someone is home. Or, if I’m watching a movie, I can dim the lights without having to get up from my cozy spot on the couch.
3. Set Up Smart Speakers
Smart speakers like Amazon Echo or Google Home are the backbone of any connected home. They allow you to control numerous smart devices with just your voice, play music, get news updates, set reminders, and even order pizza.
I have Alexa-enabled devices throughout my home. I can ask Alexa to turn on my lights, adjust my thermostat, tell me the weather, and even read me a bedtime story. The convenience and functionality of smart speakers are truly transformative for a connected home.
4. Use Smart Plugs
Smart plugs are an inexpensive and easy way to make any appliance in your home smart. Just plug your device into a smart plug, and you can control it remotely through an app or with your voice using a smart speaker.
For example, I use a smart plug with my coffee maker. I can schedule it to start brewing coffee just before I wake up, or if I forget to turn it off when I leave in the morning, I can do so remotely. Smart plugs are a simple way to add connectivity to your home.
5. Install Smart Doorbells
Smart doorbells like Ring or Nest Hello allow you to see who’s at your door from anywhere. You can speak to visitors through the doorbell, and it can even alert you when someone approaches your home.
I love the peace of mind my smart doorbell gives me. Whether I’m at home or away, I can see and speak to anyone at my door. Plus, it records each interaction, adding an extra layer of security to my home.
6. Invest in Smart Locks
Smart locks offer convenience and security by allowing you to lock and unlock your doors remotely. You can also give temporary access to guests or service providers, and some models even lock automatically when you leave.
I use a smart lock from August on my front door. It’s great for when I have guests staying at my place, as I can give them a temporary virtual key to let themselves in. Plus, it’s nice to be able to check if I locked the door when I’m out and about.
7. Use Smart Home Hubs
Smart home hubs like Samsung SmartThings or Wink help to streamline your smart home by providing a central control point for all your smart devices.
I use a SmartThings hub in my home, and it makes managing all my smart devices a breeze. I can set routines for multiple devices to act simultaneously, like turning off all my lights and locking my doors when I say “Goodnight, Alexa.”
8. Install Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors like Nest Protect can alert you to potential dangers in your home, whether you’re at home or away.
Having a Nest Protect in my home gives me peace of mind. If the alarm goes off, not only does it tell me where the danger is, but it also sends an alert to my phone, so I can take action even if I’m not at home.
9. Use Smart Blinds
Smart blinds can be controlled remotely, set to a schedule, or even activated by sunlight.
I have smart blinds from Lutron in my home. They are programmed to rise with the sun, helping me wake up naturally in the morning. Plus, if I want to take a nap in the afternoon, I can close them with my phone without leaving the couch.
10. Use Smart Appliances
Smart appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens provide convenience and efficiency.
I have a smart fridge from Samsung that not only keeps my food fresh but also lets me know when I’m running low on something. Plus, I can even use it to stream music or check my calendar while I’m cooking.
11. Install Smart Security Cameras
Smart security cameras like Arlo or Nest Cam provide an extra layer of security for your home.
I have Arlo cameras set up around my home, and they give me peace of mind. I can check on my home from anywhere, and they even alert me when they detect motion.
12. Use a Smart Vacuum
Smart vacuums like Roomba or Neato can be scheduled to clean your home while you’re out, saving you time and effort.
I schedule my Roomba to clean my house while I’m at work, and it’s great to come home to clean floors each day. Plus, I can control it with my phone if I need to.
13. Use a Smart Sprinkler System
Smart sprinkler systems like Rachio or RainMachine help save water by adjusting watering schedules based on the weather.
I have a Rachio system, and it’s not only helped me reduce my water usage, but it also keeps my lawn looking great.
14. Use a Smart Garage Door Opener
Smart garage door openers can be controlled remotely, and some can even alert you if your garage door is left open.
I have a MyQ smart garage door opener, and it’s very convenient. I never have to worry about forgetting to close the garage door when I leave.
15. Use a Smart TV
Smart TVs provide access to streaming services, apps, and even some smart home controls.
I love my Samsung Smart TV. I can stream my favorite shows, control my smart lights, and even display artwork when it’s not in use.
By implementing these 15 smart devices and systems, I’ve transformed my home into a connected, efficient, and convenient living space. I hope you’re inspired to do the same!
