Smart technology has moved from our phones to plenty of different spots around our homes. Luckily, even the most technology-challenged homeowners can take some simple steps to incorporate smart devices into their homes. If you want to enjoy some of the latest conveniences without getting in over your head, consider these easy ways to turn your house into a smart home.
Switch to Smart Light Bulbs
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With smart light bulbs, you can turn the lights on and off without being in the room. They’re available in two options: standard white or color. Standard white bulbs light up just like your traditional lights bulbs, and color bulbs offer an array of different colors to light your home. Best of all, you can control these light bulbs with an app on your phone or using your own voice and smart home hubs, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
Plug in a Smart Vacuum Cleaner
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Perhaps one of the first smart home products to hit the market was the smart vacuum cleaner. Popular models from brands like iRobot and Dyson made cleaning floors a breeze. Simply program how often you want your smart vacuum to run, and these little robots head out to clean your floors. You can even place the vacuum on a certain area you want spot cleaned. Additionally, virtual walls will keep your smart vacuum cleaners out of any room you don’t want it in.
Go for a Smart Doorbell
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Popular smart doorbells like Ring are easy to swap out with your traditional doorbell and work with your smartphone to help you see who’s at the door. Some models even run on a battery, so you don’t have to worry about wiring it to your old doorbell. When someone rings your doorbell, you’ll get a video feed on your smartphone so you can decide whether you want to answer it. Most smart doorbells also come with handy features like infrared lighting to help you see when it’s dark out, motion detection, and two-way talk capabilities.
Install a Smart Thermostat
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If the idea of saving energy, adjusting your heating or cooling while you’re away, and getting instant alerts about issues with your HVAC system sounds good to you, you’ll love having a smart thermostat installed in your home. These devices replace your traditional thermostat and help you stay connected to your home through an app on your smartphone. You can adjust temperature settings from your phone, even if you’re not at home. Smart thermostats can also analyze your energy usage to help you save money and send you alerts if the temperature in your home gets above or below a specified range.
Smart Refrigerator
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Smart refrigerators are one of the easiest technologies to install in your home. Simply plug one in and you’re ready to go. These appliances use cameras to show you what you have inside. They can also remind you if you’re running low on items or something is about to expire.
While these smart home items offer amazing advancements in technology, they’re also easy to install and even easier to use.