Smart Home Technology You Can Add to Your Home Yourself

Kyle Henry • November 6, 2023

Today's homes are getting smarter with connected features that improve efficiency and convenience.

Smart home technology is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. It can make your life easier and more convenient, and it can even help you save money on your energy bills. There are a number of smart home devices that you can easily add to your home yourself.


The demand for smart homes is on the rise with buyers looking for homes that are energy-efficient, convenient, and secure. Smart homes can check all of these boxes. If you’re considering selling your home, adding smart features to your home can improve its value in a number of ways. For one, smart homes are in high demand, so buyers are willing to pay more for them. Additionally, smart homes can save buyers money on their energy bills, which can make them more affordable in the long run.


According to a study by the National Association of Realtors, homes with smart home features sold for an average of 5% more than those without. Additionally, a study by Zillow found that smart homes sell an average of 10 days faster than those without.


If you’re sold on making your home a bit smarter, here are some of the most popular upgrade and smart home devices you can install yourself and bring the biggest bang for your buck on improving your home value.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats allow you to control the temperature of your home from anywhere in the world, using your smartphone or tablet. You can also program them to learn your schedule and adjust the temperature accordingly, so you're never wasting energy.


Smart thermostats can save you money on your energy bills in two ways. First, they can help you to avoid heating or cooling your home when you're not there. Second, they can help you to maintain a more consistent temperature in your home, which can save energy.


In California, PG&E customers can enjoy a rebate for the purchase of a smart thermostat. There are two rebates available, one if you allow PG&E to optimize its use, and one if you want to stay in control of your thermostat.


Some popular smart thermostats include the Ecobee Smart Thermostat, the Nest Learning Thermostat, and the Honeywell T9 Smart Thermostat.

Smart Lighting Systems

Smart lighting systems allow you to turn lights on and off remotely, and even dim them or change their color. You can also program them to turn on and off automatically based on your schedule or location. Imagine arriving at home and your lights turn on to greet you.


Smart lighting systems can save you money on your energy bills by reducing the amount of time that your lights are on. You can also use them to create mood lighting or to make your home more secure when you're away - think lights flashing in case a fire or intruder is detected.


Some popular smart lighting systems include the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit, the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Bulb, and the Sengled Smart Bulb.

Smart Security Systems

Smart security systems can help you keep your home safe and secure, even when you're not there. They can send you alerts to your smartphone if there is any suspicious activity, and they can even allow you to view live video footage of your home from anywhere in the world.


Smart security systems can deter burglars and help you to catch criminals if they do break into your home. They can also give you peace of mind knowing that your home is always being monitored.


Some popular smart security systems include the SimpliSafe Home Security System, the Abode Home Security System, and the Ring Alarm System.

Smart Doorbells and Cameras

Smart doorbells and cameras allow you to see and talk to whoever is at your door, even if you're not home. They can also send you alerts to your smartphone if someone is at your door, even if they don't ring the doorbell.


Smart doorbells and cameras can help you to deter crime and to identify visitors. They can also be helpful for monitoring deliveries or for checking in on your home when you're away. Some doorbells use the power of artificial intelligence to detect packages versus pets which make notifications much more useful.


Some popular smart doorbells and cameras include the Ring Video Doorbell Pro, the Arlo Essential Wire-Free Video Doorbell, and the Google Nest Doorbell.

Voice Assistants

Voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant can be used to control all of your other smart home devices. You can also use them to play music, set alarms, get news and weather updates, and more.


Voice assistants can make your life easier and more convenient by allowing you to control your smart home devices without having to use your hands. They can also be helpful for people with disabilities.


Some popular voice assistants include the Amazon Echo Dot, the Google Nest line of products, and the Apple HomePod mini.

In Conclusion

If you're looking to make your life easier and more convenient, or if you're thinking about selling your home in the near future, adding smart features is a great option. Smart home devices are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, and they can make a big difference in the value of your home.

Do you need reputable resources to help you install smart home tech?


We maintain a carefully curated roster of expert resources provide our clients with anything they might need, from installing that new smart home doorbell or making sure your new smart home security system is ready to protect.


Request Resources

Sources: Special thanks to Wish, Loxone US, Bobvila, Family Handyman, Man of many, Kol Deals, Nfm, and Cielo Wigle


The Caroline K. Huo Group is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with the above sources. All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.

FOR NEWS INQUIRIES

Kyle Henry

Director of Marketing


Kyle.H@CarolineHuo.com

650.727.1308

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