7 Smart Gadgets That Will Make Your Home More Cost Efficient

The "internet of things" is a commonly used phrase in today's society and smart technology is more available to the average homeowner now than ever before. This smart technology will make your home more comfortable for your family and run more efficiently. They will also increase the value of your home if you ever wish to sell in the future.

Smart Thermostat

It has been possible to program thermostats for the last five decades at least. However, the clock-type thermostats of the past are a little difficult to use and require you to monitor their effectiveness. Smart thermostats take all work and guesswork out of the process. Smart thermostats 'know' when you are in your home and when you are away. They adjust the temperature accordingly for your comfort when you are in the home and to save you money when you are working.

Smart Lighting

EnergyStar reports that the lighting in your home is responsible for approximately 12 percent of the cost to power your home. Smart lighting sensors will allow you to control the lights in your home via your smartphone from remote locations. Lights can also be programmed to brighten gradually in your waking hours and turn off on their own when you leave the house for work. Smart lighting outside your home can also add to security interests. It is estimated that smart lighting can reduce your lighting costs by as much as 60 percent.

Smart Blinds

The Energy Department reports closed blinds can block heat gain in your home by as much as 45 percent on a hot summer day. You can automate the opening and closing of your blinds by purchasing a smart blind automation kit. The kit will work with most brands of blinds and can be programmed to adjust your blinds as you desire. The kit will also adjust settings as the length of days change with the seasons.

Smarter Solar Panels

The clean and green energy provided by the sun is a great way to power your home. Smart technology now allows for the monitoring of solar panel performance and will even turn panels off if needed due to a sudden emergency. Experts estimate that more than $1,500 a year can be saved on the cost of energy by installing solar panels. Additionally, the value of your home will increase as much as $15,000. Solar panels can be expensive to install but tax credits can offset some of these costs. Also, a solar loan can fund the initial installation.

Smart Locks

Smart locks make it necessary to never search your pockets or purse again for your door key. You will also never have to hide a spare under a doormat. Smart locks use Bluetooth and Wifi technology and work through your smartphone to detect when you approach your home. The lock on your front door will unlock as soon as you are standing in front of it. These locks can also be programmed to allow family, friends, and guests to access your home.

Smart Sprinklers

A smart sprinkler system will save you time, effort, and money. This is especially true if you live in an especially warm part of the country in the summertime. A computer or phone app can be used to program the sprinkler system and the gadget can cut their outdoor water usage by 30 percent.

Smart Outlets

It is easy to leave your home in the morning and forget to turn off the coffee pot or curling iron. You can solve this problem with smart outlets that will allow you to check the status of appliances when away from your home and turn them off if necessary. Smart outlets also allow you to track the cost to run each appliance in your home.

The Bottom Line

Smart home gadgets are constantly being improved and are readily available to homeowners. Many of these gadgets help homeowners save money in a variety of ways. The seven smart gadgets above are perfect additions to any home.