Published January 1, 2025
Smart Home Innovations: From Simple Upgrades to High-Tech Transformations

Simple Yet Effective Smart Home Devices
Wi-Fi Routers and Extenders
A reliable internet connection is the backbone of any smart home. Upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system can eliminate dead zones and support multiple connected devices, ensuring seamless automation throughout your home.
Smart Thermostats
Devices like Nest and Ecobee allow you to control your home’s temperature remotely, learn your preferences, and adjust settings automatically. This can lead to significant energy savings, often paying for themselves within a few years.
Smart Doorbells and Locks
Smart doorbells with video capabilities let you see who’s at your door, even when you’re not home. Paired with smart locks, you can grant access remotely or ensure your home is secure from anywhere.
Smart Lighting
Automated lighting systems, including dimmable bulbs and strip lights that respond to sound, can transform the ambiance of your home while saving energy. Smart switches allow for easy scheduling and voice control via assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.
Mid-Range Upgrades: Enhancing Comfort and Security
Smart Smoke and CO Detectors
Modern detectors alert you to issues whether you’re home or away, providing peace of mind and potentially faster response times in emergencies.
Smart Electrical Panels
These devices monitor your home’s energy usage, helping you identify inefficiencies and optimize power consumption.
Moisture Meters and Smart Water Valves
Prevent costly water damage by using moisture meters to detect leaks early or installing water shutoff valves that automatically stop water flow when a leak is detected.
Energy Monitoring Systems
Track energy consumption across your home to identify where you can save. Advanced systems can even suggest actionable improvements.
High-Tech Innovations: Transforming Your Home
Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers
For homeowners with EVs, installing a smart charger ensures faster, more efficient charging with remote monitoring capabilities.
Automated Landscaping
From robotic lawnmowers to smart irrigation systems, advanced landscaping tech can save you time and ensure your yard looks pristine year-round.
Home Weather Stations
Track hyper-local weather conditions with precision to make informed decisions about outdoor activities, gardening, or home maintenance.
Robotic Walls
Perfect for maximizing space in small homes or urban apartments, robotic walls can transform a single room into a multipurpose living area with the push of a button.
Smart Kitchens
From refrigerators that track groceries to ovens you can preheat from your phone, smart kitchen appliances add convenience and efficiency to daily tasks.
Luxury Smart Home Features
Complete Home Automation Systems
High-end systems integrate all smart devices into a single platform, allowing you to control everything—from lighting and security to entertainment and HVAC—through a centralized app or voice commands.
Customized Smart Home Design
Homes designed with automation in mind can include features like motorized blinds, voice-activated showers, and built-in energy storage systems for maximum efficiency and luxury.
Future Home Concepts
Emerging technologies like robotic furniture, AI-driven home assistants, and self-sustaining energy systems are becoming more accessible, setting the stage for the next generation of smart homes.
The ROI of a Smart Home
Investing in smart home technology not only enhances your lifestyle but can also increase the value of your home. Features like smart thermostats, security systems, and energy-efficient appliances are attractive to buyers, offering potential returns when it’s time to sell.
Get Started Today
Whether you’re taking the first steps with a smart thermostat or planning a full smart home overhaul, the possibilities are endless. For more inspiration and expert insights, visit: This Old House's Smart Home Video resources.
No matter your goals, these upgrades can simplify your life, save energy, and add value to your home. Let’s explore how smart technology can make your living space more efficient, secure, and enjoyable!