Most of the appliances inside your home can be updated to include smart technology. This means that your thermostat, home security system, and electricity could be controlled through the smartphone sitting inside your pocket, or the voice assistant of your choice. The thought of transitioning to a smart home sounds daunting, but the many benefits outweigh the perceived hassle of installation and setup, especially once your electric bill starts dropping. Here’s why you should convert to a smart home today.

Better home security

Home security has improved over the past few years. Newer smart technologies include doorbell cameras, digital locks, and specialty sensors. These tools can connect to your smartphone and offer peace of mind when you are away. Doorbell cameras provide constant surveillance of your home. These devices offer real-time updates when guests or pests approach your front door. Most doorbell cameras also allow homeowners to talk to visitors through a speaker system. Video is usually automatically stored so homeowners can review previous footage.

Additional cameras can be installed around your home. Digital locks allow access to your home without a physical key. It’s a great option for larger families as every member can have a special code. Companion apps can allow homeowners to remotely open the door if someone left a key or forgot their code. Instead of installing new locks when you move, simply re-install the system and pass out new codes to your family members. You’ll never have to worry about losing your keys and being locked out of your home ever again.

Save on your electric bill

Transitioning to smart home devices can present upfront costs, but will save you money in the long run. Smart thermostats and lighting devices allow your home to automatically adjust to your preference when your home, and to more efficient settings when no one is home. You can program your smart thermostat to adjust the temperature right before you return home.

For vacationers and travelers, a home equipped with smart thermostats ensures you're using the least amount of energy possible while you are gone. Smart lighting systems are another way to save energy. These devices shut off lamps, lights, and devices when you’re not home. Switching to smart lightning can reduce your energy consumption significantly. You can also purchase energy-efficient light bulbs to help save. Both technologies help the environment while putting money back into your bank account.  

Digital room service

If you are still on the fence about transitioning to a smart home, this might change your mind. There are several smart devices that will manage daily chores for you. There’s digital vacuums, trash cans, and even washing machines. The robotic vacuum is one of the most popular smart home technologies. It’s a small robot that roams your floors, searching for dust and dirt. You can program the robot to clean certain rooms or during certain times. These devices can usually be programmed with a companion app or a voice-controlled device.

Digital trash cans have sensors that open as soon as you walk by. Some versions also have a suction option at the bottom of the trash can, allowing you to directly sweep dirt right into the garbage. There are several washing machine and drying sets that can connect to your smartphone through a companion app. This setting allows homeowners to start a load of clothes from anywhere. Just make sure that the machine is filled with clothes and laundry detergent, then hit start.

Added comfort

We’ve talked about smart thermostats and lighting. These two technologies provide plenty of comfort inside your home. But smart home devices can also brew your coffee, stream your favorite music, or provide delightful scents inside your house the minute you walk over the threshold. Several brands have produced a smart coffee machine that connects wirelessly through your smartphone. Homeowners can program the machine to start brewing a cup once their alarm clock goes off in the morning or while you’re heading home on your afternoon commute. Most devices also keep a list of your favorite coffees and special additions like creamer, sugar, or milk. Don't have the money to spend on a high-tech coffee maker? A simple smart plug or outlet will connect and schedule your coffee maker. You'll just need to make sure you add water, beans, and a new filter the night before. 

Smart speakers from Amazon, Apple, Google and Sonos can connect to your music services and stream your favorite artists or playlists. Most devices have a multi-speaker setup so you can listen to music throughout the house. There are even air purifiers and diffusers that connect to Wi-Fi. These devices can be programmed to turn on just minutes before you walk in the door. Simply add your favorite fragrance, set the timer, and enjoy.

Your new personal assistant 

You can’t forget about one of the most popular and best-selling smart home devices on the market. Amazon Alexa allows homeowners to connect to all of their smart home technologies while managing their social media accounts, music playlists, and shopping carts. Voice assistants can handle your personal schedule, order dinner, and report the latest headlines and weather forecasts. All you have to do is ask. While Amazon Alexa is one of the most popular options, homeowners can choose from the Google Assistant, Siri and more. All of these assistants can manage your day-to-day tasks.Voice assistants can also connect to your personal fitness devices, like a Fitbit or Apple Watch. The assistants can then suggest specialized workouts and guide you through them. You can also monitor weight loss, a specialized diet, or vitals throughout the day.

Why go smart?

Once you install a smart home device, it is easy to add more to your collection. If you're comfortable finding your way around a smartphone, you can easily learn how to manage your list of smart home devices. Technology continues to improve as we move towards the future. Expect smart home devices to improve over time and offer even better services. Home automation can improve our daily routines and fulfill almost any need you can think of. These special devices can give you the freedom to truly personalize your home, manage your investments, and protect your family.