Owning a home is a huge accomplishment, and it comes with a lot of responsibilities. It can be overwhelming to figure out what you need to buy to make your new house feel like home.
Sure, furniture and decor are all important, but what about the little things that make life easier and more enjoyable? That’s where gadgets come in!
With so many options out there, it’s easy to overlook some of the essential gadgets that can make the processes in your home automated and your life easier and more comfortable. Fortunately, here’s a compiled list of seven must-have gadgets that you should consider investing in.
From smart home devices that can help you control your home’s temperature and security to kitchen gadgets that can make meal prep a breeze, these items will help you settle into your new home with ease.
Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat is a perfect addition to any new home, as it allows you to control your heating and cooling system remotely. Not only does this provide convenience, but it also helps you save money on your energy bills.
By learning your preferences and habits, a smart thermostat can adjust the temperature settings accordingly, ensuring optimal comfort and energy efficiency.
Some popular smart thermostat options include:
Nest Learning Thermostat: This device learns your schedule and adjusts the temperature accordingly, offering energy-saving features and integration with other smart home devices.
Ecobee SmartThermostat: Equipped with a remote sensor and voice control, this thermostat can monitor multiple rooms, ensuring even temperature distribution throughout your home.
Smart Door Locks
This gadget adds an extra layer of security to your home while also simplifying your daily routine. With features like keyless entry, remote access, and temporary access codes, you’ll never have to worry about losing your keys.
Consider these popular smart door lock options:
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock: This lock easily attaches to your existing deadbolt, allowing you to control access to your home using your smartphone and even your smart watch. It also integrates with popular smart home systems like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt: With built-in Wi-Fi and a touchscreen keypad, this smart lock offers advanced security features like fingerprint-resistant technology and a built-in alarm.
Smart Lighting
With options like dimming, color-changing, and scheduling, this gadget provides first-time homeowners with a convenient and energy-efficient way to control their home’s lighting. With a smart lighting system in your home, you can create the perfect atmosphere for any occasion.
Here are some smart lighting options you may want to consider:
Philips Hue: This system offers a wide range of bulbs and fixtures that can be controlled through the Philips Hue app or with voice commands via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri.
LIFX: With LIFX’s Wi-Fi-enabled bulbs, you can customize your home’s colors and brightness, allowing you to create unique lighting schemes for your home to fit any occasion.
Smart Home Hub
A smart home hub centralizes control of all your smart home devices, making it easier to manage and automate your home. Hubs offer compatibility with a wide range of devices, giving you the flexibility to mix and match different brands and products.
Popular options include:
Amazon Echo: The Amazon Echo series, including the Echo Dot and Echo Show, serves as both a smart speaker and a hub for your smart home devices. With built-in Alexa voice control, you can easily manage your connected devices.
Google Nest Hub: This hub not only offers voice control via Google Assistant but also features a built-in display, allowing you to visually manage and monitor your smart home devices.
Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
These devices send alerts to your smartphone, ensuring that you’re always aware of potential hazards, even when you’re away from home.
Some top smart detectors include:
Nest Protect: This smart detector not only alerts you to smoke and carbon monoxide threats but also provides voice alerts, letting you know the location and nature of the danger.
First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound: This device combines a smoke and carbon monoxide detector with a premium speaker, offering both safety and entertainment. It also works with Amazon Alexa for voice control.
Smart Kitchen Gadgets
Smart kitchen gadgets can save you time and effort in the kitchen, making meal prep a stress-less event. With features like remote control, pre-programmed settings, and integration with other smart home devices, you can simplify your cooking routine and enjoy delicious meals.
There are tons of smart kitchen appliances, no doubt, but here are two options you should try out:
Instant Pot Smart Wi-Fi: This versatile multi-cooker allows you to cook a variety of dishes with ease. Control it remotely using the Instant Pot app, and enjoy features like pre-programmed recipes and cooking progress tracking.
Anova Precision Cooker: This device allows you to cook restaurant-quality meals at home by precisely controlling the temperature of your water bath.
You can use the Anova app to set cooking times and temperatures, monitor your cooking progress, and access a library of recipes.
Smart Leak Detector
A smart leak detector helps you protect your home from costly water damage by alerting you to leaks, even when you’re not at home. These detectors can be placed near appliances, pipes, and other potential water sources to ensure that you’re aware of any issues as soon as they arise.
You may want to consider investing in any of these popular smart leak detectors:
Honeywell Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector: This device sends alerts to your smartphone when it detects leaks, freezing temperatures, or high humidity, helping you prevent water damage in your home.
Moen Flo Smart Water Leak Detector: This detector not only alerts you to leaks but can also be paired with the Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff (sold separately) to automatically turn off your home’s water supply when a leak is detected.
Are Smart Home Appliances Covered by a Home Warranty?
If you have any intentions of getting a home warranty, you may be looking for helpful resources to guide you on the best options and perhaps even wondering if your home warranty will cover your smart home devices.
Smart home appliances can be covered by a home warranty; however, the extent of coverage varies from one home warranty provider to another, and it is essential to understand the specifics of a particular plan before making a decision.
To ensure your devices are protected, research different providers and their coverage terms. Carefully read the warranty contract to understand coverage limits, exclusions, and additional costs. Inquire about add-on options if your chosen plan does not cover smart appliances by default.
Wrapping Up
Investing in any of these gadgets can help you make your new house feel like paradise, while making your life more convenient and comfortable, giving your home that techy sensation.