How to make your home smart
Can I add smart features to an older home?
Yes, you can! As a new homeowner, I am learning that adding smart features to my older home is easier than I thought. There are so many products available today that can help you connect, protect, and automate your home.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see affiliate disclosure here.
We purchased some Amazon Echo’s upon moving into our new home for the purpose of connecting with a blink camera system and to use as an intercom for easier communication throughout our house. Little did we know, there is so much more available. I am discussing some of the products that my family has personally used and love.
Smart Hubs/ Speakers
Today’s smart hubs can help you connect and automate many of your daily tasks like turning on your Lights, TV’s, managing your security Cameras, Appliances and even starting your vehicle!
There are many options available today in fact, you may have heard of some of the more popular and well-known brands such as Amazon Echo, Google Pixel, and the Apple Home Pod. And more brands are emerging as demand for these smart home features grows in popularity.
To check out these smart hubs follow the links below.
Installing Smart Lights
Alexa-compatible lights were among the first smart products we discovered and started using throughout our home. If you did a quick internet search for smart lights, you would find that there is an endless list of options available. All of which can be set up and controlled by voice through your smart hub.
We have smart bulbs throughout our home so we can easily ask Alexa to turn on or off our lights. My kids enjoy the ability to change the colors of their lights. Companies are jumping on the wagon and making more products compatible allowing you to find just about any design you can think of. Follow the links below to look at the lighting options we enjoy.
Smart Switches
A step above using a smart light would be to add smart switches. A smart switch is a more permanent way to update your home with a smart feature. Most smart switches are designed to easily swap out any existing switch. Once you have a smart switch installed, you can operate the switch using an ap or your voice. These switches will allow you to turn on and off anything plugged into the connected switch.
I have listed some of my favorites below.
Smart Security Cameras
Security cameras are becoming a necessity for many families these days. A smart security camera provides you with the convenience of watching live and recorded footage and receiving alerts. It has been said that even the presence of a security camera can help deter crime. Not only is a security camera good for catching or preventing crime, but they are also wonderful for checking in on the home. I love the ability to keep an eye out for my pets and kids no matter where I am. Today we are provided with many options including pet cams.
To check out a couple, follow the links below.
Smart Doorbell
Most people are familiar with the smart doorbells. This smart product gives you not only security but the convenience of remaining present even if just virtually. They allow you to see and speak to whoever is at your door 24/7 and installation couldn’t be easier. Many of the smart doorbells have the option of becoming wired in or just using a battery. My husband chose to wire ours in and mentioned that the process is much simpler than you may think.
Smart Locks
I want to say that this is another one of my favorite smart installations in our home. We started with a smart front door lock that can be opened with a code. This feature has been wonderful with our kids! No more lost keys here although, our door does have the option to unlock with the key if needed. This would come in handy if the battery were to go dead.
The next smart lock we installed was a simple-looking door handle that was placed on our master bedroom. It unlocks by reading your fingerprint. Essentially, as we reach out to grab the door handle, our fingerprint is read, and the door unlocked. You can program this handle to lock every time the door closes or just when you set it. This smart lock comes with an ap that will log all entries or failed entries into the room.
- GeekTale Smart Door knob (We purchased and love)
- SCHLAGE Z-Wave Connect Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt with Built-In Alarm (We purchased and love)
Appliances
“Alexa preheat the oven to 350”. Can you imagine? I have yet to invest in a smart appliance, but I have researched and drooled over them.
Top brands are making appliances smart and bringing features to your fingertips. You can now find stoves, refrigerators, vacuums, thermostats, washer and dryers, etc. with smart features. Besides the convenience of automated use, many smart appliances can send you alerts to notify you when your appliance is not operating as it should. I have included some links to high rated appliances below that I found appealing.
Adding smart features to your home is much easier than it sounds, and the options are almost endless. Smart features can increase the value of your home, simplify everyday tasks and provide a sense of security. These simple smart updates give you the luxury of convenience at your fingertips. Literally!