Smart technology is a proven way to optimize energy use and save on utility bills, but have you thought about what else it can do for you? By integrating the latest smart technology trends, you can improve your daily life in multiple ways. Smart home connectivity can give you peace of mind by saving time, enhancing security, and increasing your home’s comfort. Whether you’re new to the world of home automation or looking to optimize your current setup, these four areas are the essential places to start.

Top 9 Smart Home Trends*

• Smart Home Connectivity - 22%
• Smart In-House Security - 21%
• Personalized Health Management - 14%
• Smart Home Heating - 9%
• Next Generation Entertainment - 9%
• Advanced Lighting - 8%
• Intelligent Energy Management - 7%
• Sustainable Home Design - 6%
• Home Robotics - 4%

^{*Source: StartUs Insights, “Top 9 Smart Home Trends & Innovations in 2023,” January 2023.}

Whole-House Connectivity

Recent advancements allow you to connect practically any device in your home through one central hub. Install smart home hubs that connect to your phone via Bluetooth and to your home via Wi-Fi, so you can control appliances and systems with simple voice commands. Save yourself the stress of, “What did I forget?” No more having to worry if the oven’s on or if you left the door unlocked while away on vacation. It’s all at the tip of your fingertips — helping you conveniently control your home from anywhere.

In-House Security

Home security is a top priority for many homeowners, and smart tech has made it easier than ever to protect your property. Security cameras and video doorbells can help deter and solve home invasion crimes. Today’s solutions use smart sensors and surveillance to detect a person’s presence, but soon there won’t be needless alerts just because a dog walker or mail carrier passed by. Companies are developing artificial intelligence (AI) analytics for capabilities such as differentiating between normal and suspicious activity.

However, as you enhance your physical security, remember to address cybersecurity, too. Hackers can target smart devices connected to your home network if you don’t secure them properly.

To set up your security cameras:

• Install them to capture people’s faces as clearly as possible.
• Set your cameras to alert you when there’s motion.
• Cover all entryways around your home’s perimeter.
• Use strong, unique passwords for your devices and regularly update the firmware.
• Enable encryption settings and secure your Wi-Fi network with a robust password.

With remote access and monitoring, you won’t worry if your home is safe and secure. Investing in these measures helps you avoid burglary losses, high insurance premiums, and potential cyber threats.

Heating and Lighting

Heating, cooling, and lighting account for a major portion of your utility bills. Smart thermostats and energy-efficient lighting can help you curb unnecessary energy consumption. Forgot to set your A/C before leaving for a week-long vacation? A smart thermostat lets you control the temperature while away from home. Want your upstairs bedrooms set to a certain temperature at night? Today’s systems can learn your habits and schedule room temperatures accordingly, no manual programming needed.

Eliminate the need for traditional wall switches with remote or voice-assisted lighting. To reduce energy costs, consider sensors and LED bulbs to save energy and avoid burnt-out lights. And explore customized lighting to create the atmosphere you want. Certain lighting can increase productivity or change the mood of a room.

Energy Management

Smart power strips let you control and monitor energy usage for plugged-in devices. Energy meters give insight into where you can make improvements to reduce energy waste and save money. One easy way to do this is by unplugging fully charged electronics and devices not in use, as these “energy vampires” consume a lot of energy just by being plugged in. Over time, you can notice areas where you can cut back and optimize your energy usage even more.

Beyond energy monitoring, you can use smart plugs to automate “dumb” appliances …. like a basic coffee maker. Turn your coffee maker on, plug it into a smart plug, then use your phone or a voice command to turn on the plug in the morning. Et voilà! You’ll have a hot cup of joe waiting for you.

Future Trends: A Forward-Thinking Approach

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the speed with which technology is advancing, but try to keep an open mind towards future trends in home smart technology. Adopt what you can to enjoy the benefits of smart tech today, while preparing yourself for the next wave of home automation. Before long, it won’t be uncommon to have home-based health monitoring and screening technologies that can detect illnesses, or home robotics that can tackle your cleaning chores.

Embrace the wonders of smart technology in your home, and watch as your life gets easier. Remember to take the necessary precautions to keep your home safe and networks secure. Regularly monitor and adjust for the best settings, and soon enough, your house will be running itself.