The Easiest Smart Home Upgrades You Can Install Yourself
Making your home smarter with automated controls and voice commands will make housework easier and save you money on energy costs. If you’ve ever dreamed of living like a Jetson but thought smart tech would be too complicated or expensive for your budget, here are a few upgrades you can make yourself.
smart locks
A smart lock can give you peace of mind and allow you to remotely lock or unlock doors or let guests in. The best types of these locks will be controlled from your mobile phone or tablet via an app and can cost around $150. up to 300 dollars. Some smart locks can also use facial recognition or read your fingertip for access. Most smart locks on the market come with a wireless hub that plugs into a power outlet and the lock itself is battery powered. They are easy to install and require only a screwdriver to operate.
Smart thermostats
A smart thermostat can be a great upgrade to help you save on heating and cooling bills. Smart thermostats can cost anywhere from $100 to $250. There are several types with features such as “learning” thermostats, which use data from your habits to automate your home’s temperature changes based on activity, and energy-saving thermostats, which regulate temperatures to help you save money.
Once you have chosen the right thermostat for you, installing and using the device is quite simple – you will need a small flat screwdriver for low-voltage electrical wiring, a drill and a screwdriver. Be sure to turn off the power to your HVAC system before beginning installation. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the wiring and attach it to the wall using the included screws. This is a simple project, but it does require some basic wiring.
smart bulbs
Basic smart bulbs start at about $8 each and go up to $50 for fancy models with all the bells and whistles. The advantage of smart bulbs is that they can be pre-programmed, controlled via an app from your phone, and in some cases will respond to voice commands. There are models with features such as color change and “holiday mode” that let you control your lighting even when you’re away from home. They do not require any additional hardware and can simply be screwed into an outlet paired with your device via an app. No tools are needed for this project, and you can start saving on your energy bills by simply replacing old light bulbs.
Smart water sensors
Smart water sensors are a great way to find peace of mind if you’re worried about leaks or flooding. They can cost anywhere from $40 to $400 depending on the area you want to monitor. Placing sensors in the basement or near appliances or sinks that are leaking can help prevent disaster. In addition to the water sensor, some models can also detect sudden changes in temperature to help prevent things like freezing pipes. They are great for washing machines, water heaters and other appliances that can leak and are easy to install. Some models need to be plugged into an outlet, but there are also battery-operated models that can be used in places where a power outlet is not available. You don’t need any tools for this project, but you will probably need to install an app to get alerts from your touch device.
Smart sockets
Smart plugs are a great way to control power usage and turn things on and off remotely. You can install them directly into existing outlets and choose from options with voice control and remote features. It’s convenient and great for saving money on your energy bills. They don’t require any tools to install and can range in price from $12 to $60.