The Best Time To Add Smart Home Technology To Your Property

If the idea of a "smart home" sounds like something out of a science fiction novel, you might ask: how much value can smart devices really add to your home? Well, adding smart tech is a brilliant way to make your home more comfortable, adaptable, and efficient, and you can install anything from smart thermostats to electrical outlets, lighting, speakers, cameras, and more. Integrating smart technology into a home can also help it sell faster. However, making the transition from standard "manual" home features to smart devices can feel like a big change, especially if you're eager to do it all at once. If spring is the best time to do a little deep cleaning, then fall is the perfect season to upgrade to smart home features. With more time spent indoors, cooler temperatures, and the holidays coming up fast, making a few simple smart upgrades can drastically improve your experience at home for months and years to come. 

However, bringing your home's technology into the 21st century doesn't have to be done in one fell swoop. In fact, it's important to take your time researching and investing in devices that will suit your household and lifestyle. At the same time, if you're ready to make some smart upgrades to your home this year, fall is the perfect time to hop on the trend. Here's why you should splurge on a few smart home upgrades in the fall and the best devices to consider when the cozy season approaches. 

After cleaning out the gutters, dusting ceiling fans, and pruning back your garden, add a few tech updates to your list of things to do around your house and garden this fall. As temperatures drop, your house will experience a change in its daily energy usage, so it's a good time to make energy-saving upgrades ahead of winter. Additionally, with longer nights, unoccupied homes, and valuable gifts on their way, porch package thefts and break-ins become more common in the fall. Fortunately, smart home technology can help you stay safe. More time spent indoors means you'll also want your house to be as comfortable as possible, and being able to turn off the lights, adjust the thermostat, turn on the fireplace, or activate your security systems without having to crawl out from the blankets is a major plus.

It's never too early to start thinking about the holidays, either. Our schedules tend to get busy very quickly in late fall and winter; yet another reason why fall is the perfect time to enhance your smart home with features that can make hosting (or RSVPing for events) easier. Whether you plan to host parties this year, visit other people's gatherings, or curl up in solitude, installing smart home features in the fall will give you plenty of time to adapt and discover all the many benefits before the holiday rush ensues.  

As fall quickly approaches each year, you may wonder, what are the best smart devices to incorporate in your home? A smart thermostat is the perfect place to start. Heating a home through frigid winter months can be a major drain on energy (and your wallet), but switching to a programmable smart thermostat could save an average of 8% per year on your energy bill, according to Energy Star. Smart LED lightbulbs can also help lower energy costs, and dimmable and color-changing features are perfect for embracing the cozier vibes or setting the mood for holiday parties. If you're looking for other ways to increase comfort in your home, automatic blinds and hands-free voice commands can also add convenience. 

Smart lighting can also imitate household activity while you're away. As you're updating the rest of your home for fall, this season could also be a good time to research and choose the best security system for your home. Smart security systems, door locks, and doorbell cameras can alert you to suspicious activity, deter thieves, and capture vital evidence to keep your family safe. For households preparing for a busy fall and winter season, a smart home hub like the Amazon Echo or Google Nest could also be a wise investment. A smart hub can help you prepare for the weather, add to your grocery list, set reminders for appointments and school events, and control your other smart features all from one place.