If you’re just starting out as a homeowner, then you might be more excited than ever about all the possibilities your new house holds – and that’s great! But with so many smart home devices on the market today, it can be hard to determine which ones are most worth your money and your time. To help make the process of picking out smart home essentials easier, here are 5 smart home devices that every new homeowner needs.
1) Outlet Plugs
One of the first things you should do when you move into a new home is to install outlet plugs. Outlet plugs are an essential part of any smart home because they allow you to control your lights and appliances with your voice or your smartphone. Plus, they can help you save money on your energy bill. Simply plug in your lamp and set it to turn off after one hour of use for example.
Now, every time you walk past that lamp it will turn off automatically without you having to reach over and flick the switch each time. No more wasted electricity! You can also control some other parts of your house such as a fan, TV, computer, etc.
The best part about these devices is that there are no monthly fees and no strings attached. Once you’ve installed them all throughout your house, just ask Alexa to turn off the TV for instance and voila! You won’t have to worry about getting up from the couch to change channels again.
2) Door Locks
The first thing you should do when you move into a new home is change the locks. You don’t know who has keys to your home, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. There are a lot of different door locks on the market, so do your research to find the one that’s right for you.
If you have children, try installing childproof locks or knobs. Also make sure to invest in some good quality deadbolts as well as the normal lock and key varieties; this will help keep burglars out of your home even if they manage to get past your door lock.
While some smart locks connect wirelessly with smartphones and offer added security, the biggest draw back is that there’s an additional monthly cost involved.
If you decide to go with a non-smart lock, we recommend investing in an electromagnetic bolt to add an extra layer of protection. These bolts can only be opened with an authorized key card or code card meaning not even professional thieves can break in!
3) Sensors
Sensors are the unsung heroes of the smart home. They’re what make your lights turn on when you walk into a room, your thermostat adjust when you leave for work, and your door lock when you go to bed. But with so many different types of sensors out there, it can be hard to know which ones you need.
Here are five essential sensors every new homeowner needs:
- Motion Sensor;
- Carbon Monoxide Detector;
- Temperature & Humidity Sensor;
- Smoke Detector;
- Door/Window Sensor.
4) A Video Doorbell
A video doorbell is a great way to see who’s at your door without having to open it. You can also use it to check in on your kids when they’re home alone. Plus, it’s a great way to deter burglars. Here are five reasons why you need a video doorbell:
- It’s a great way to see who’s at your door without having to open it.
- You can use it to check in on your kids when they’re home alone.
- It’s a great way to deter burglars.
- The Ring Video Doorbell Pro has 1080p HD live streaming and a 180-degree field of view so you can always know what’s going on outside your front door!
5) A Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat is one of the most essential smart home devices you can buy. Not only can it save you money on your energy bill, but it can also make your home more comfortable. Plus, with a smart thermostat, you can control your home’s temperature from anywhere.
Here are five reasons why a smart thermostat is a must-have for every new homeowner.
1) It Saves You Money – Compared to manual heating and cooling controls, a smart thermostat will help you spend less time adjusting the heat or air conditioning in your home and therefore use less energy.
2) It Saves You Time – With automation, you don’t have to constantly monitor and adjust your HVAC system which saves time and effort.