Top Items You’ll Need for A Smarter House

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The writers of the early 60’s prime-time animated sitcom “The Jetsons” depicted a home that is still technologically advanced today. It is this futuristic image that many of us think of when we hear the term “smart house.” 

However, today’s smart homes are not yet up to the level featured in the Jetson’s place of residence. Instead, today’s smart home products simply make living easier, through the utilization of technology. Hopefully, within our lifetime, technology will advance to the point that we can all have our own automatic cook. Until then, voice-activated systems, smartphone technology, and home automation are changing the way we live.

Technology makes us smarter and improves our daily life. With our smartphone, we can check stock prices, navigate road construction and watch how-to videos. That’s why many are now turning their homes into a smart home. The following are our picks of the best products on the market today. Choosing any of them will improve some aspect of your day-to-day life and move you closer to the idealistic existence displayed on “The Jetsons.” If you are looking for ways to make your house smarter, here are some helpful and user-friendly options to consider.

Smart Thermostat

A Smart Thermostat is a device that can automatically control the temperature in your home. It saves energy by optimizing the heating and cooling of your home, based on your schedule and preferences. You can control Smart Thermostats through a smartphone app or using voice commands through smart speakers, and you can program them to turn on or off at specific times of the day or when you leave or enter your home.

There are several Smart Thermostats available on the market, but the top-rated one is the Nest Learning Thermostat. The Nest Learning Thermostat learns your preferences over time and adjusts the temperature so you don’t have to manually change the thermostat every time. It also has a sleek and modern design, a user-friendly interface, and a wide range of compatibility with other smart home devices. We can control it through a smartphone app, which allows you to monitor your energy usage and make adjustments remotely. Other popular smart thermostats include the Ecobee Smart Thermostat and the Honeywell Lyric T5.

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Smart Lighting

You can control smart lighting remotely using a smartphone app or voice commands through a smart speaker or virtual assistant. They compose smart lighting of LED bulbs or light strips that people can control remotely to change color and brightness and turn on or off at specific times of the day or in response to certain events.

Top-rated smart lighting system on the market is the Philips Hue. The Philips Hue system provides a wide range of smart lighting products.  They products includes bulbs, light strips, and fixtures that are using the Philips Hue app.  You can also use voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. We can program the bulbs to turn on or off at specific times, dimmed or brightened, and even change colors to create a specific ambiance or mood.

Other popular smart lighting systems include the LIFX smart bulbs, which offer bright and vibrant colors, and the Nanoleaf smart lighting panels, which allow you to create customizable designs and patterns on your walls. Smart lighting is an excellent way to add convenience and ambiance to your home while also saving energy by automatically turning off when not in use.

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Smart Locks

Smart Locks are electronic locks that allow you to lock and unlock your doors using a smartphone app or voice commands through a smart speaker or virtual assistant. They provide an added layer of security and convenience by allowing you to control access to your home remotely and keep track of who is coming and going.

The top-rated Smart Locks on the market include:

1. August Smart Lock Pro: This Smart Lock features easy installation, compatibility with a wide range of smart home platforms, and automatic locking and unlocking based on your phone’s proximity.
2. Yale Assure Lock SL: This Smart Lock offers a sleek design, touch screen keypad, and compatibility with a variety of smart home systems. It also comes with a physical key for backup access.
3. Schlage Encode: This Smart Lock has a built-in Wi-Fi module, which allows it to be controlled remotely without the need for an additional hub. It also features a touchscreen keypad and voice control through Amazon Alexa.
4. Kwikset Halo Touch: This Smart Lock features a fingerprint sensor for added security, and it can store up to 100 fingerprints. It includes a keypad and users can control it through a smartphone app.
5. Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro: This Smart Lock features multiple unlocking methods, including fingerprint, keypad, and smartphone app. It also has a weather-resistant design and works with Alexa and Google Assistant.

Smart Security Camera

Smart Security Cameras are electronic devices that can monitor your home or property remotely. They provide an added layer of security by allowing you to view live video feeds and receive alerts if any motion is detected. Some Smart Security Cameras also offer features such as two-way audio, night vision, and facial recognition.

The top-rated Smart Security Cameras on the market include:

1. Arlo Pro 4: This Smart Security Camera offers 2K video resolution, a wide viewing angle, and a built-in spotlight. It also has a long-lasting rechargeable battery and can be controlled through a smartphone app.
2. Nest Cam IQ Outdoor: This Smart Security Camera features 1080p HD video, facial recognition, and a weather-resistant design. It also has a built-in speaker and microphone for two-way audio communication.
3. Ring Spotlight Cam: This Smart Security Camera includes built-in motion sensors, a siren alarm, and LED spotlights to deter intruders. It also features 1080p HD video and can be controlled through a smartphone app.
4. Wyze Cam v3: This Smart Security Camera is an affordable option that features 1080p HD video, night vision, and a weather-resistant design.
5. Blink Outdoor: This Smart Security Camera is a weather-resistant, battery-powered option that features 1080p HD video, motion detection, and a two-year battery life.

Smart Speakers

Smart Speakers are voice-activated devices that can play music, answer questions, and control other smart home devices using voice commands. They typically use virtual assistants, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri, to carry out voice commands and provide information.

The top-rated Smart Speakers on the market include:

1. Amazon Echo: The Amazon Echo is a versatile Smart Speaker that offers excellent sound quality, a wide range of compatible smart home devices, and a large selection of skills and capabilities through Alexa.
2. Google Nest Audio: The Google Nest Audio offers impressive sound quality, smart home control, and access to Google Assistant. It also has a sleek and stylish design that can blend well with any home decor.
3. Apple HomePod mini: The Apple HomePod mini offers high-quality audio and excellent smart home integration with Apple HomeKit. It also features Siri, which can perform various tasks and answer questions.
4. Sonos One: The Sonos One offers impressive audio quality and compatibility with both Alexa and Google Assistant. It also offers multi-room audio and can connect to other Sonos speakers for a full home audio system.
5. Bose Home Speaker 500: The Bose Home Speaker 500 offers powerful audio quality, compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, and a sleek and stylish design. It also includes a small LED screen for added functionality.

These Smart Speakers offer different features and designs.

Smart Appliances

Smart Appliances are appliances that can be controlled remotely using a smartphone. They can provide various benefits, such as energy efficiency, convenience, and improved performance.

The top-rated Smart Appliances on the market include:

1. Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator: This Smart Refrigerator features a touchscreen display, built-in cameras, and voice control.
2. LG ThinQ Washer and Dryer: This Smart Washer and Dryer can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app and features smart diagnosis and energy-saving modes.
3. GE Profile Smart Double Wall Oven: This Smart Oven can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app and features voice control through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. It also includes features such as remote preheating, temperature monitoring, and recipe management.
4. Whirlpool Smart Range: This Smart Range includes a touchscreen display, voice control, and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It also features remote start and temperature monitoring, as well as a self-cleaning mode.
5. Philips Smart Air Purifier: This Smart Air Purifier can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app and features air quality monitoring, automatic settings, and energy-saving modes. It also includes a HEPA filter and can purify the air in a room up to five times per hour.

These Smart Appliances offer different features and designs.  It’s essential to research and consider your needs before choosing the right one for your home. It’s also important to consider factors such as compatibility, ease of use, and energy efficiency before making a purchase.

Smart Smoke Detector

Smart Smoke Detectors are electronic devices that can detect smoke and carbon monoxide in your home.  The device will alert you through a smartphone app or voice command through a smart speaker. They offer an added layer of safety and convenience, as they can be controlled remotely and provide real-time alerts.

The top-rated Smart Smoke Detectors on the market include:

1. Nest Protect: This Smart Smoke Detector features a sleek design, voice alerts, and smartphone notifications. It also includes a carbon monoxide detector and can test itself automatically to ensure proper functionality.
2. First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound: This Smart Smoke Detector includes a built-in speaker and Amazon Alexa, which can be used to play music or control other smart home devices. It also features voice alerts, smartphone notifications, and a carbon monoxide detector.

Smart Water Leak Detector

Smart Water Leak Detectors are electronic devices that can detect leaks and floods in your home.  The detector will alert you through a smartphone app or voice command through a smart speaker. They offer an added layer of protection against water damage and can help prevent costly repairs.

The top-rated Smart Water Leak Detectors on the market include:

1. Flo by Moen: This Smart Water Leak Detector features a smart valve that can shut off the water supply in case of a leak. It also includes a smartphone app, voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and real-time alerts.
2. Phyn Plus: This Smart Water Leak Detector features a smart valve that can shut off the water supply and offers real-time leak detection and water usage monitoring.
3. Honeywell Home Water Leak Detector: This Smart Water Leak Detector features a small, battery-operated sensor that can be placed near water sources. It includes a smartphone app, real-time alerts, and a battery life of up to three years.
4. D-Link Wi-Fi Water Sensor: This Smart Water Leak Detector features a simple, battery-operated sensor that can be placed near water sources. It includes a smartphone app, real-time alerts, and voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

These Smart Water Leak Detectors offer different features and designs. It’s essential to research and consider your needs before choosing the right one for your home. It’s also important to consider factors such as compatibility, ease of use, and battery life before making a purchase.

There are many other smart home devices available, depending on your needs and preferences. It’s important to consider factors such as compatibility, ease of use, and security before making a purchase.