Devices Every Smart Home Needs

Imagine every aspect of your home could connect to the internet, not just your phone or computer, but every device in your house. Imagine your clocks, lights, door bells, security system, speakers, cameras, windows, window blinds, home security, hot water heaters, kitchen appliances, and more being not only connected to the internet but being able to communicate, send you information and take commands. A few years ago this would have sounded like science fiction, today it’s reality. Welcome to the internet of things, a key component of home automation and smart home technology.

In 2018 32% of homes use smart home technology. That amounts to a whopping 40.3 million homes. Smart Home technology is already a $19 million dollar industry and is expected to grow to more than $34 million by 2022. In this post we’ll be taking a look at the smart devices that every smart home needs. From smart lighting, security and entertainment to devices designed to save you money such as the iComfort Wi-Fi touchscreen thermostat by Lennox, installed locally in Wichita Kansas by Comfort Systems, we’re going to show you everything you need to get your Smart Home up to speed and start enjoying the convenience and savings that come from having a connected home.

SMART LIGHTING

Smart Lighting continues to grow in popularity and is the third most popular smart home product, behind only home security and thermostats. While there is great appeal in being able to control the lighting of any room from anywhere with an internet connection, there is much more to smart lighting. Smart lighting has many benefits including being able to use smart lighting to improve your sleep, combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and even save money on your power bill. Here are some of the best options available in smart lighting:

Lifx Mini Wi-Fi Smart Bulb

The Lifx Mini Wi-Fi Smart Bulb produces a lot of light and gives you all the colors, features and integrations you’ve come to expect from the full size Lifx smart bulbs, but at a much lower cost. It cost $44.95 and is available on Amazon, Amazon Marketplace and the Apple Store.

Philips Hue White LED Starter Kit

The Phillips Hue White LED Starter Kit has easy-to-use smart controls and are a really good looking lighting kit. It provides all the benefits of Hue’s extensive smart platform and extra’s are available for just $15 each. The cost $69.99 and are available on Amazon, Amazon Marketplace and the Apple Store.

Lutron Caseta In-Wall Wireless Smart Lighting Kit

Bulbs aren’t the only way to control your lighting, smart light switches also provide you with a variety of ways to control your lighting. The Lutron Caseta In-Wall Wireless Smart Lighting Kit is the best performing, most fully featured smart light switches currently available. They cost $159 and are available on Amazon and Amazon Marketplace.

SECURITY

Home security is one of the most popular smart home options. Having the ability to monitor your home and activate / deactivate your home security system from anywhere with an internet connection is a huge benefit. Best of all there are smart home options that don’t require the extra cost of a professionally monitored system. From smart door bells and door locks to security cameras, there are plenty of options available to help keep you family and home safe and secure.

Amazon Cloud Cam

The Amazon Cloud Cam is one of the absolutely best rated smart cameras out there. It’s features include 1080p HD live feed, prompt motion notifications and free 24 hour clip storage. Also at an affordable $119.99 it’s one of the cheapest security options out there. You can find it on Amazon

Nest Hello

Nest continues to revolutionize smart home technology with their Nest Hello smart doorbell. It’s actually been voted the best smart doorbell by the editors of Cnet.com. It allows you to view and speak with anyone that comes to your door while never having to open the door. It comes with optional facial recognition and is capable of advanced integrations with the Nest Cam IQ Indoor and Google Home speakers. It cost $229.00 and you can prick it up at Walmart, Crutchfield and other retailers.

August Smart Lock

August’s Smart Lock doesn’t replace your old school deadbolt but rather enhances it with smart technology. Once installed on your current deadbolt it gives you the ability to lock or unlock your door from anywhere with an internet connection. The interface is simple, it’s reliable and it can integrate with HomeKit. The price varies from $119.20 at Lowest to $195.00 on Amazon or Amazon Marketplace.

ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY

Smart Home technology has grown to include every facet of your home life, including the time you spend sitting around relaxing. From remotes that bring new meaning to the term “universal” to wireless speaker systems, smart home technology will help you make the best of your free time.

Sonos PLAY:5 Ultimate Wireless Smart Speaker

Sonos PLAY:5 is one of the best smart speakers available. It sets up in 5 mins using your home Wi-Fi system and connects to any Amazon echo or Alexa enabled device. Once synched, it wirelessly streams all your favorite music services such as Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora or Spotify. When other speakers are connected you have the option of listening to different songs in different rooms or the same song throughout the house. Each speaker cost $499 and are available on Amazon.

Logitech Harmony Elite

Logitech’s Harmony Elite remote control is decidedly for people who like controlling things the old fashioned way, by pushing buttons. But what it does give you is the ultimate universal remote. In addition to controlling your TV and stereo it also connects with the included Harmony Home Hub to control other Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave or infrared devices in your home. It retails for $349.99 and is available on Amazon.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Smart devices offer unlimited convenience but can also be used to lower your energy bill. Smart Air Conditioners, as well as smart thermostats such as the iComfort Wi-Fi Touchscreen Thermostat by Lennox, help keep your family cool and comfortable while also saving you money on your heating and cooling bill.

iComfort Wi-Fi Touchscreen Thermostat

The iComfort Wi-Fi Touchscreen Thermostat connects with your home’s Wi-Fi network, allowing you to adjust your home’s temperature and control it’s energy costs from anywhere, using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. It uses the GPS in your phones to help detect changes in it’s preprogrammed schedule to help detect areas where it can help find savings in your energy bill. It is available in the Wichita Kansas area at Comfort Systems.

Ecobee4

The Ecobee4 is another smart thermostat that stands out. It’s features include a responsive display, a remote sensor and a ton of smart integrations. It also has a built in Amazon Alexa speaker. It’s price varies from $190 – $249 and is available at Walmart or on Amazon and Amazon Marketplace.