Smart Home Upgrades That Add Real Value to Your Home
Smart home technology has come of age. These are the smart home upgrades that genuinely improve daily life — and that buyers value when it comes to resale.
Smart home technology has come of age. These are the smart home upgrades that genuinely improve daily life — and that buyers value when it comes to resale.
Smart home technology has moved beyond novelty. Today’s smart home systems are reliable, easy to use, and genuinely improve the way we live — and the best of them can add real value to your home when it comes time to sell.
But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. In this guide, we share the smart home upgrades that our experts believe are worth the investment.
Smart heating controls
A smart thermostat is one of the most cost-effective smart home upgrades. It learns your routine, adjusts the temperature automatically, and can save you 10–15% on your energy bills.
Smart lighting
Smart bulbs, switches, and dimmers let you control your lighting from your phone or with your voice. You can set scenes, schedule lights to come on at sunset, and never come home to a dark house again.
Smart security
Smart doorbells, cameras, and locks give you peace of mind and make it easy to see who is at the door, even when you are not home. Look for systems that integrate with the rest of your smart home.
Smart smoke and CO detectors
Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors send alerts to your phone, tell you which room the alert is in, and can be silenced from your phone when you have burned the toast.
Smart speakers and displays
A smart speaker or display is a useful addition to any room. It can play music, control your other smart devices, set timers, and answer questions hands-free.
Smart plugs
Smart plugs are an inexpensive way to make any appliance smart. Use them to control lamps, fans, or coffee makers from your phone.
Smart irrigation
If you have a garden, a smart irrigation system can save water and keep your plants healthy. The system adjusts watering based on the weather and your plants’ needs.
Energy monitoring
A smart energy monitor shows you exactly how much energy your home is using, in real time. It can help you identify energy hogs and reduce your bills.
When choosing smart home upgrades, look for systems that work together. A well-integrated smart home is easier to use and provides more value than a collection of disconnected gadgets.
