10 Smart Home Trends

What is a Smart Home?

A smart home has many appliances connected to a device that allows you to control them remotely.

The connection works via Bluetooth or Wifi, allowing you to control your appliances from an internet-enabled device such as your phone. Smart appliances also allow you to track their functioning and status to determine if they need maintenance.

Many people today look for smart home technology. You don’t have to be tech-savvy to use the appliances, and for many people, it provides peace of mind.

Why are Smart Homes Trending?

Smart homes are trending for many reasons, including the following.

They Simplify our Lives

Being able to adjust the lights or heating/cooling from your phone is a luxury. But they put you in control, no matter where you are. The days of worrying if you set the right temperature while you’re away or if you turned lights on at night to make it look like someone is home are behind you. Smart appliances allow you to control them from anywhere.

You Might Save Money

Automating your appliances or having controls at your fingertips helps you use less energy. When you use less energy, your bills decrease. Smart homes often have energy-efficient appliances, too, so even when you’re using the appliances, they use less energy.

They Make your Home More Secure

Nothing is 100% foolproof to deter crimes in your home; however, smart appliances make it easier for you to know what’s happening and take action. For example, the presence of cameras and burglar alarms will likely prevent criminal activity, but if they do happen, you know immediately and can take action.

Many smart appliances also help you keep your home more secure, such as automated locks or lights, making your home look occupied.

They May Increase your Home’s Value

Many people are willing to pay more for a home with smart appliances than one without. Again, a home that’s safer, easier to live in, and uses less energy is more enticing to a buyer than one without these luxuries.

The return on your investment varies by location and the type of appliances you install, but you may receive a 5% – 11% depending on what you install.

Hottest Smart Home Trends

So what are some of the hottest home trends? Here are the top 7 smart home trends to consider.

1. Smart Lights

If you’re tired of yelling to turn off the lights or coming home to a dark house, smart lights can help make your life much easier.

You can set the lights to an automatic schedule, which is great when you’re away but want lights on in the house. You can also control the lights from your phone, turning lights off in rooms you know aren’t used.

You can also purchase more advanced lighting products that allow you to set up schedules for lighting seven days a week, change the lighting color and even sync your lights with your alarm clock to make waking up easier.

2. Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats have been around for a while but are more advanced today. Now you can schedule your home’s temperatures throughout the day depending on the activity. So, for example, if everyone is away during the day, you can keep the home at a lower or higher temperature, depending on the seasons, and not waste energy, but then have the temperature at a comfortable range for when people arrive home.

Some smart thermostats also gauge the activity in the house and set the temperature automatically, so you save the most energy.

Smart thermostats are one of the smart home trends that help you save the most money and provide a great return on your investment.

3. Smart Security Systems

Security systems aren’t new, but smart security systems give your home even more protection. Not only will an alarm sound if someone triggers a sensor, but you’ll know immediately what’s happening and how to get help.

Smart security systems usually include surveillance cameras that you can use if you need to press charges and keyless entry to make it harder to break into your home. In addition, many home security systems are tied to the lighting system, so lights go on if a sensor is triggered, hopefully deterring the criminal from following through on his plans.

Smart security systems also make it easier to let people into your home (that you allow) without providing a key. For example, if someone is watching your pet, you don’t have to give up a key or provide a code. Instead, you can let them in from your smartphone, keeping your information and keys safe.

4. Smart Refrigerators

Now your refrigerator can make your life much easier by telling you when your foods are about to expire or when you’re running low on a certain item. Smart refrigerators have cameras inside and outside the refrigerator, allowing you to scan foods as you put them in, so it can alert you when they’re about to expire.

You can also program your refrigerator with recipes and reminders or even play music or other entertainment while in the kitchen.

5. Video Doorbell

Forget the days of getting up to see who’s at the door. Instead, a video doorbell lets you see who’s there from your phone and even talk to them through the speaker. Video doorbells also record any activity outside your home, which can be crucial if something happens that requires more information.

A video doorbell also lets you see when packages are delivered and if anyone comes near them. They are also a great way to capture images should you need to share information with the police.

6. Smart Speakers

Smart speakers are the hub of all smart devices in your home. They can play music and other entertainment but also control your other smart devices if you connect them.

For example, your speaker can control the lights, thermostat, or any other device you connect. All you have to do to make it work is talk to your speaker, and the action is done!

7. Smart Pet Tech

Don’t forget about your furry friends! They can have smart technology too. For example, automatic feeders, treat dispensers, and even robotic litter boxes make it much easier to be a pet parent today. You don’t have to worry about your pet’s feeding schedule when away – you can even use security cameras to check in on your pets to ensure they are okay!

8. Energy Management Systems

Smart energy management systems track and optimize your home’s energy use, helping reduce costs and minimize environmental impact. By integrating tools like solar panels and smart meters, homeowners can monitor consumption in real-time, adjust settings for efficiency, and make greener choices that save money while benefiting the planet.

9. Voice-Activated Smart Assistants

Voice control has become a key feature in smart homes, offering hands-free convenience and seamless integration with various devices. With popular systems like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, homeowners can control lights, thermostats, and entertainment systems with simple voice commands, making daily tasks easier and more efficient.

10. Smart Appliances

Is the Smart Home Market Growing?

It’s safe to say the smart market is growing by leaps and bounds. By 2027, the expected revenue is $52.19 billion, with 93.59 million expected users. By 2027, household use is expected to increase from 43.8% to 68.6%.

How to Get Started With Smart Technology

With all of the smart home trends available, it can be overwhelming when deciding where to start. To determine what’s right for you, do the following:

1.  Determine your area of concern and find smart technology that helps.

For example, if you’re worried about home security, start with an alarm system and security cameras. From there, you can integrate automated lighting, smoke detectors, and a smart thermostat, linking all devices and completely controlling your home.

2. Do your research.

Do your research, and determine which products suit your home the most. Some products are plug-and-play and don’t require professional installation. However, others require professional installation and take more work.

3. Determine your budget.

Smart home trends cost money, of course. So be sure they fit your budget and be aware of any monthly costs, especially for home security systems. Even smart doorbells have costs because you must pay for video monitoring. Fortunately, there are many programs available at all budget levels.

FAQ

Are smart homes becoming more popular?

Smart homes are increasing in popularity, with a 25%+ expected increase in use over the next three to five years.

What is the biggest problem with smart homes?

The largest problem with smart homes is the network connection. If your home loses internet, most smart devices won’t work, which can cause chaos in the house. While the problem is fixed quickly, it can be frustrating to deal with most of the time, especially with dropped feeds on security systems and doorbells.

Can smart home devices be hacked?

Yes, smart home devices that are connected to the internet could potentially be hacked if they do not have proper security protections in place. It’s important to use unique passwords, two-factor authentication, security updates, and a protected Wi-Fi network.

Do I need to be tech-savvy to use smart home devices?

You do not need to be tech-savvy to use most smart home devices. Many are plug-and-play and can be controlled via intuitive apps or voice assistants. However, more complex home automation may require technical know-how to set up and program.

Can I control my smart home devices when I’m away from home?

Yes, you can control your smart home devices from anywhere using smartphone apps or voice assistants as long as you have an internet connection. This allows you to monitor and adjust devices even when you are away from home.

Are smart homes worth the investment?

Smart homes often have a higher resale value, giving you a great return on your investment. Today, buyers want as much automation as possible, so smart homes can be well worth the investment, even if it’s only a few appliances.

Final Thoughts

Smart home trends continually change, but only for the better. As more people understand how they work and see the value in them, they will become even more popular.

Start with an area you’re comfortable automating and see how much you like (or don’t) the new smart home trends. Play with your options and make your home safe, convenient, and fun!

Additional Home Security Resources

• Home Security Cost Guide
• 7 Questions to Ask a Home Security Company
• Home Security Checklist
• Smart Home Upgrades that Give You More Time Back