7 Gadgets to Make Your Home a Smart Home

Thanks to the ever growing Internet of Things (IoT), it is easier than ever to connect smart devices and appliances throughout your home and property to create a smart home for greater convenience and efficiency. Between work, school, sports, and your other responsibilities, that leaves little room for home and lawn maintenance. With the smart gadgets available today, you can save time on chores and save money on energy, giving you the freedom to do the things you enjoy most, like spending time with friends and family. Check out our list for some of the coolest and handiest smart devices available on the market:

1. Virtual Assistants

   While smartphone owners may have become accustomed to requesting weather updates, driving directions, and calendar information from their virtual assistants, the introduction of virtual assistants for the home offers new opportunities for smart home integration. Devices like the Amazon Echo, and the more recent Google Home can perform many of the tasks of their smartphone counterparts, but also offer connectivity to your home’s other smart devices, which can be controlled with a verbal command. You can adjust your smart thermostat’s temperature, play a Netflix show, or turn on your smart coffee pot all with a simple command.
   
   

2. Smart Thermostats

   Smart thermostats offer homeowners a great option for energy efficiency thanks to the devices’ ability to adjust your home’s temperature either remotely via a smartphone app, or on a schedule. Models like the Nest Learning Thermostat and Ecobee3 Smart WiFi Thermostat work on your WiFi and integrate with other smart devices like your virtual assistant for unprecedented control and convenience.
   
   

3. Lighting

   Thanks to Philips Hue Bulbs, you can use your smartphone to adjust the brightness and color of lights in your home, as well as enjoy increased security and convenience with the option to turn your lights on and off from anywhere, anytime.
   
   

4. Cleaning

   While robovacs have been widely available since the early 2000’s, the technology has come a long ways to provide higher quality cleaning and more product options. Some models even offer damp sweeping. Check out the newest products from brands like iRobot, Eufy, and Neato.
   
   

5. Lawn Care

   • Robot Lawnmower

     Similar to robotic vacuums, homeowners can now enjoy the look of a well manicured lawn without the hours of labor mowing each week with a robot mower. You can compare products from brands like Robomow, Husqvarna, Worx, and Honda, and pick the one that best suits your lawn and wallet.
     
     

   • Smart Sprinkler Controllers

     Homeowners can avoid over watering and waste with set weather dependent watering schedules thanks to smart sprinkler controllers like the Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller Generation 2. These devices can integrate with your virtual assistant or smart home hub, and offer detailed water usage analytics with some models.

Are you interested in converting your home into a smart home? Contact the technicians at Walkup Electrical to do a thorough inspection of your home’s electrical to ensure it can safely accommodate your network of smart devices and appliances. Make the smart decision and call Walkup Electrical of Florence today!