Automation, virtual assistants, smart plugs, you name it. In today’s age of technology,
people have the opportunity to bring in some smart home upgrades that will make their
lives easier.

It’s a matter of convenience and saving money, but let’s face it, it’s also cool to start your thermostat through an app or have the lights turn on the moment you park your car.

These days, pretty much everything can be smart and automated. But what are the best options in terms of practicality and convenience?

How about smart locks

Solid Internal doors are simply not enough. Sure, you have one of the densest woods on the market, a high quality build, and a luxurious appearance, but how about some smart locks, then?

Whether you want to open the door with an app or simply by tapping your smartphone on the lock, such technologies are readily available and will make the entry incredibly smooth.

It sounds like a posh feature to have, but people soon get to appreciate its convenience.

Get a video doorbell

Video doorbells offer more than just convenience. Indeed, it pays off seeing who’s knocking on your door, especially if you’re still in bed or in the backyard. But at the same time, you can talk through such a doorbell. For instance, you can give the mailman a safe place for your parcel.

Video doorbells offer a bit of extra security, too, because most of them get activated when they detect motion. They’re practically like cameras, so you can always keep an eye on your home.

Save money and energy with a smart thermostat

A smart thermostat has two major benefits. First, it’s convenient. Too hot? You no longer need to get out of bed and go downstairs to change it. Open the app and adjust it within a couple of seconds.

Second, it can help you save bills. You can control the temperature, sometimes for each room. You can adjust it even when you’re not at home, just to ensure your pets are doing alright.

Coming back home after a long day at work in the wintertime? Turn it on 10 minutes before you get home, so you can step into a warm and welcoming home.

Opt for smart plugs

Smart plugs can be controlled through an app. While most people do turn everything off at night or when not in use, the truth is that plugged appliances will still use a bit of electricity. Take that red light on your TV, for example. It looks insignificant, but if you have a few TVs in the house, the consumption will add up.

You can neglect it over a few days, but such costs will add up in the long run.

Whether you’re going on holiday, at work, or to sleep, it pays off turning all plugs not in use off.

Leave the cleaning to a robot

You work five days a week, only to spend one of your days off cleaning the home. It’s a chore, indeed. From laundry and dishes to vacuuming the whole house and putting things away, such a day can be exhausting. Most people would rather do an extra day at work.

The most difficult part? Carrying a heavy vacuum cleaner all over the house, only to get some back pains once you’re done.

A smart robot vacuum cleaner will recharge by itself, map the area, and travel by itself in order to suck all the dust and dirt in. Just turn it on and go do something else. The robot will stop by itself once the whole house has been cleaned.

Refresh the air with a modern purifier

Air quality is a must for everyone in the household, but especially for those with allergies. Modern air purifiers can take it to another level. Not only can they detect when the air quality goes down and start by themselves, but they can also put out both warm and cool air.

It depends on the season. The purifier will keep the temperature at decent standards while refreshing the air. Mix it with a smart thermostat, and you’ll never have to worry about high bills or your personal comfort.

Digital planner calendar

Often built like tablets, these planners can go anywhere. They can be mounted on walls or just kept on a top. The concept is easy, add tasks to it, and it’ll notify you and give you instructions on what to do, pretty much like a virtual assistant.

Choose when to get notifications, see how long it takes to get to certain places, and so on.

Bottom line, while the list can definitely go further, these are some of the best rated smart home improvements people can go for these days. They’re affordable and convenient, but also cool to have around the home.

Author

Rethinking The Future (RTF) is a Global Platform for Architecture and Design. RTF through more than 100 countries around the world provides an interactive platform of highest standard acknowledging the projects among creative and influential industry professionals.