Smart homes used to be a science fiction fantasy. But gradually, over the last couple of decades, opportunities for integration have proliferated. Now you can hand over scheduling and control of entire rooms to automated systems. Whether that’s something you actually want is another matter.
Property expert Thomas Goodman at MyJobQuote.co.uk has shared his thoughts on the best home gadgets. So dim the lights – or let Lutron Caseta dim them for you – and let’s begin.
Smart bulbs – a ‘great place to start’
Many people have already installed some kind of smart lighting system in their homes. Whether you’ve hooked up a floor lamp to your Alexa console or put Google in charge of a dimming ceiling light, you may already have learned to appreciate the simple joys of voice-automated light controls.
But smart bulbs can go even further.
Automated systems like Lutron Caseta, Leviton Decora and Kasa Smart are capable of scheduling and controlling whole rooms. You can program lights so that they switch on as you arrive home, or dim with the setting sun.
Some offer motion-activated lighting. This can be especially handy in areas like hallways, where people are more likely to pass through frequently and for only short periods at a time. One of the benefits of smart lighting systems is that they have the potential to shave something off your energy bill.
Setting them up to mimic natural light patterns can also create a calming effect in the evenings.
Program your routines into smart thermostats to save time, energy and money
Smart thermostats can actually learn your routines and adjust the temperature of the various rooms in your home accordingly.
Of course, you have to have a heating system that is compatible in order for the system to function. But getting everything hooked up and working together could help you save on your energy bills.
They also give you the option of controlling your home temperature from your mobile phone. This gives you the choice to switch everything off if you decide to stay out of the house overnight. And it offers you the freedom to preheat your home when you’re on your way back.
TechRadar reckons the Nest Learning Thermostat is the best you can buy. Why? Because of its self-learning capabilities, and its ability to automatically control heating based on which room you’re in. Of course, if you’d rather follow a less tech-reliant course, there are ways of keeping your home naturally cool (if not warm) using plants.
Not all ‘smart’ home gadgets were created equal
Goodman has positive things to say about smart speakers and virtual assistants; fridges that display grocery lists and suggest recipes based on what you have on hand; and ovens you can preheat from an app.
Some of these may sound more useful than others.
But there are some home gadgets out there whose “smartness” is worth calling into question. As Business Insider quips, the Quirky Egg Minder solves a question “as old as time itself: ‘Why can’t I connect my egg tray to the internet?’”
Similarly, there may be benefits to using a Brita Infinity WiFi Connected Pitcher, but I personally find it hard to see them.
Thomas Goodman is a property and construction expert for MyJobQuote. According to his bio on TopTenReviews, he has worked in the construction industry for over 20 years.
