7 TIPS FOR UPGRADING TO A SMART HOME IN 2021


When remodeling your home, it’s nice to have a new basement, lights and garage, but why not also make them smarter? After upgrading to a smart home in 2019, Jon Byman said his house is slowly becoming the high-tech McFly home from 1989’s Back to the Future II (minus the flying cars and pizza hydrator).

Here’s what he learned.

1

YOUR VIRTUAL ASSISTANT

Price: $30 to $200+ per device


A smart home system that can act as your own personal virtual assistant is probably not a necessity, but for smart home owners, the ability to sync all of your smart devices and control them with the push of a button is a must have.


My rating: 4 out of 5

2

SMART PLUGS

Price: $10 to $25 per plug 


Smart plugs create a simple solution to a complex lifestyle by allowing homeowners the ability to transform any outlet into a switch that can be controlled from anywhere in the world. This means starting the coffee maker with the click of a button, scheduling automations based on your routine and not coming back to a dark home after work.


My rating: 3 out of 5

3

SMART LIGHTS

Price: $10 to $50+ per bulb


Having smart lights isn’t just about turning them on and off through your smartphone. It’s about setting the mood with a gradient of colors, levels of brightness and automations that react to customized voice commands.


My rating: 4 out of 5

4

SMART DOORBELL

Price: $100 to $200


The home is the most valuable possession most people own, but how can we feel secure that our most prized possession is being looked after when we leave? Smart doorbells provide a simple solution that give any homeowner confidence and control over what’s happening while they’re away.


My rating: 4.5 out of 5

5

SMART GARAGE

Price: $35-$100+


Smart garage doors are becoming more and more popular these days as people are learning just how convenient they can be. It’s not just about opening and closing the door with ease. It’s about small, yet impactful conveniences, such as controlling the door while you're away to receive deliveries, or receiving mobile notifications that can ensure that the kids didn’t leave the door open while you’re at work.


My rating: 3 out of 5

6

SMART THERMOSTAT

Price: $100 to $200


We all know what it’s like to struggle with thermostats to make sure the house isn’t too cold or too hot. Smart thermostats take climate control to another level by automating the process and even controlling the temperature of each room with minimal energy use.


My rating: 4.5 out of 5

7

SMART SPEAKERS

Price: $150 and up


When wireless speakers came out, everyone had to have one, but now that smart speakers are on the market, audio connectivity is better than ever before. Forget about installing wires throughout the house or messing with bluetooth speakers. Instead, play audio from anywhere and everywhere, from any device or service with the click of a button.


My rating: 3.5 out of 5

Source: www.northwesternmutual.com/life-and-money/what-ive-learned-upgrading-to-a-smart-home/

About The Reviewer

Philip Gardner


Philip has been a homeowner and technology enthusiast for over a decade.

 

He has found a way to combine his passions and become Livmatic's smart home expert where he covers the latest developments in home technologies, Iot, and modern conveniences. 


© Copyrights by LIVMATIC. All Rights Reserved.