Top 9 Home Tech Options Investments for This Year

There’s no doubt that now is a great time to start adding items to your smart home setup. Not only are there a lot of really cool gadgets out there that make life much easier, but there are also quite a few that can help save you money. Here are nine of the best home tech options to invest in this year.

1. Smart Home Security System

One of the best investments you can make in smart home tech is a security system. By installing a video doorbell, motion sensors, and interior cameras, you can help ensure your family is safe at all times. Best of all, many of these systems also include a special fire alarm feature that helps alert you in the event of an emergency whether you’re home or away. If you’re looking to upgrade your house to a smart home, this is a great place to start. Be warned, however, that some security systems come with monthly monitoring fees, but there are also plenty that do not.

2. WiFi Connected Appliances

Another option you should consider is WiFi-connected appliances. Imagine being able to set the temperature on your oven from across the house or get an alert on your smartphone when the dryer cycle is done. Even items like toasters, dishwashers, washing machines, and more are available with these additional capabilities. Today’s smart appliances are also great at detecting the right settings to ensure better energy savings, which can really make a difference on your utility bills.

3. Smart Bulbs

If you’re not sure whether you’re ready to invest in smart home tech, a good place to start is with smart bulbs. These energy-efficient LED bulbs are simple to install in your current lamps and recessed lighting units. From there, you can control them with an app on your smartphone, use voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, and so much more. In some cases, you can even set up routines that turn the lights in your home on exactly at dusk or when you pull into the driveway. Plus, it is always fun to turn different lights into fun colors to entertain the kids.

4. Robotic Vacuums

When it comes to smart home additions, robotic vacuum cleaners are at the top of most people’s wish lists. Not only have prices dropped to more budget-friendly levels in recent years, the tech capabilities of these devices have grown. There are vacuum-and-mop combination units, those you control just with your smartphone, automated processes, and heavy-duty units for pet owners. If vacuuming floors in your home is a chore you’d rather skip, then this is the best home tech option to invest in this year.

5. Connected Window Coverings

When most people think about having a smart home, they don’t consider their window coverings as part of the setup. The good news is that even blinds are getting in on the automation action. Some of the biggest names in the industry now offer options that can be opened, closed, and even automated via a smartphone app. This is an excellent way to save money on your heating and cooling bills while keeping your space at exactly the right temperature all day long.

6. Automated Thermostats and Ceiling Fans

Speaking of heating and cooling, another smart home addition to consider is automated thermostats and ceiling fans. While most people are familiar with the Nest brand, there are actually dozens of different options available. Some even offer the ability to control temperatures in rooms individually. As far as ceiling fans, imagine being able to have yours come on at the peak of the day or turning it off with your smartphone. Investing in these types of devices offers tons of convenience and can really help save you money.

7. WiFi Enabled Irrigation

Are you one of those people that get irritated when your sprinkler system runs in the rain? With a WiFi-enabled irrigation box, this won’t ever be an issue again. Some automatically check local weather data to ensure there’s no precipitation or check the outdoor temps to reduce evaporative waste. And you can set timers and routines for certain sprinkler heads via a special smartphone app.

8. Smart Televisions

If you’re thinking about purchasing a new television this year, consider buying a smart television. Nearly every brand on the market offers one, giving you plenty of options in size, resolution, and capabilities. With a smart TV, you can download apps, watch tons of free programming, browse YouTube, and more. It’s a great option if you’ve ever considered “cutting the cord” on your cable or satellite provider.

9. Smart Outdoor Living Accessories

Of course, not everything happens inside your home. If you have an outdoor kitchen or a patio, you’ll want to consider adding smart accessories like Bluetooth speakers, automated assistants, and more. Even outdoor grills and smokers now have certain WiFi-enabled features, such as the ability to check the temperature of meat from afar or change the overall temp setting of the grill. Other purchases to consider include automated outdoor lighting, automated pool pumps, and more.

Conclusion: Home Tech Trends Worth Buying

While the market is only slated to increase over the next year, the smart home solutions we’ve mentioned here are definitely worth checking out. With so many different options available, it is easy to turn your regular residence into a fully automated palace with just a few key tech investments.