As the years go on, technology only gets smarter. Most people would be amazed at how much we rely on technology for convenience in our daily lives. That said, several devices for each room in your home or rental property can make your life easier. Today, we’ll review why smart home devices are so popular, some pros and cons, and which devices you should consider for your home in 2024.
Contents of This Article:
- Why Are Smart Home Devices So Popular in 2024?
- Are Smart Home Devices Worth the Money?
- Best Devices for Each Area of Your Home
- BMG Knows What Your Tenants Want
Why Are Smart Home Devices So Popular in 2024?
Smart home devices are becoming staples in many people’s homes–but why? Aside from making life easier, there are several benefits to implementing smart technology in your home, whether you rent or own. For one, technological advancements have made these devices more accessible, affordable, and user-friendly.
Additionally, many people are focused on energy efficiency and sustainability. That said, many smart home devices allow users to optimize their energy consumption and reduce their carbon footprint. For example, automated lighting systems, thermostat control, and energy usage monitoring can all be done with the push of a button, usually right from a smartphone.
As technology advances and artificial intelligence is integrated, smart home devices become more intelligent and adaptable to users’ preferences and routines. They can learn from behavior and adjust home settings accordingly, making life even easier for users. These advancements will only make smart home technology more and more popular as it develops further.
As Northern Virginia property managers, we understand the importance of having new and innovative technology for your rental properties. But before we go over some of the best devices of 2024, are they really worth the money?
Are Smart Home Devices Worth the Money?
Smart home devices aren’t typically the cheapest option, although they may save you money over time. Ultimately, whether or not they’re worth the money depends on a user’s needs, preferences, and personal circumstances. If you’re trying to decide whether or not to use smart home devices in your home or rental, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons.
Pros of Smart Home Devices
- Convenience- Smart home technology offers convenience through remote control, automation, and voice commands, allowing users to manage systems from anywhere.
- Energy Efficiency- Most smart devices optimize energy usage, potentially saving energy bills.
- Security- Enhanced security features like surveillance cameras and smart locks provide remote monitoring and protection for homes and rental properties.
- Integration- Integration with popular platforms like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant allow for seamless communication and coordination between devices, enhancing user experience.
Cons of Smart Home Devices
Cons of Smart Home Devices- Cost- One of the main drawbacks of smart home technology is the initial cost, which may deter some users from using it.
- Complexity- Setting up and troubleshooting smart home devices can be complicated, especially for users who aren’t tech-savvy.
- Privacy Concerns- Smart home devices collect and store data about users’ behaviors, preferences, and activities, which may raise concerns about privacy and data security.
- Reliance on Technology- Relying heavily on smart home technology can be problematic in case of a power outage, network failure, or other technical issues.
Best Devices for Each Area of Your Home
If you like the convenience and efficiency of smart home technology, you may consider installing several devices in your home or rental property. Let’s review some of the best smart home devices you may need in 2024.
Outdoor Smart Devices
Smart devices aren’t just for indoors. In fact, some of the most useful gadgets start outside the home. If you value home safety and security, here are some of the products you might consider installing.
- Outdoor Security Camera
- Video Doorbell
- Smart Locks
Outdoor security cameras are great for keeping an eye on your home, whether you’re there or not. Several high-resolution, water-resistant cameras can capture video and notify you of movement outside your home.
Similarly, video doorbells help you decipher whether it’s a delivery driver or an unwanted solicitor knocking at your door, all from your smartphone. These devices are great for seeing who’s coming and going from your house. Smart locks are another great option for renters or homeowners who want to keep their homes more secure.
Living Room Staples
Stepping inside the home, you can implement several living room gadgets to make your home “smarter.” Here are just a few of the devices you can install to elevate the ambiance, convenience, and security of your main living area.
- Smart Speakers
- Smart Thermostat
- Remote Controlled Lightbulbs
- Pet Camera
Smart speakers are a staple for many living rooms, and most people have heard of Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Aside from playing music via Bluetooth, most smart speakers serve as a central command center, allowing you to control other connected devices by voice.
Smart thermostats are another excellent gadget for homeowners or renters who want to save money on energy. Most current models allow you to monitor and control your home’s heating and cooling system from your phone. You can set schedules or use energy-saving features to help save on your utility bill.
Another smart home option that can help save your energy bill is smart lighting. Most smart lights use less energy and allow you to control them without leaving the couch.
Would your smart living room really be complete without a pet camera? If you have pets, I’m sure you wonder what they do when you’re gone. Well, with a pet camera in your living room, you can check up on them at any time of the day. Some devices even allow you to speak to them or throw treats to let them know you’re there.
Kitchen Must-Haves
Kitchen Must-HavesYour kitchen is most likely a high-traffic area in your home, which means there are plenty of ways to optimize its use. Here are a few popular smart home devices to make your life in the kitchen easier.
- Countertop Smart Display
- Smart Kitchen Appliances
- Robot Vacuum
A smart display for your kitchen is essentially like an Alexa or Google Assistant speaker with a screen attached. So, whether you need to look up a recipe quickly or need to set a cooking timer, you can do so with a countertop smart display.
Once you’ve decided on what you’ll cook for dinner, you can use one of several smart appliances to do so. From large appliances like ovens and refrigerators to smaller gadgets like air fryers or toaster ovens, you can find a smart version that works for you.
Finally, when you’re done making a meal, you can clean up quickly and mindlessly with a robot vacuum. They even make self-emptying robot vacuums these days, making the process even easier.
Bedroom Technology
Do you ever wish you could get a better night’s sleep? Perhaps implementing some of these smart home technology devices can help you achieve just that.
- Smart Air Conditioner
- Remote Controlled Lighting
- Automated Window Shades
If you don’t have central air in your home, consider a smart air conditioner. Most have an app or voice control that allows you to schedule usage, which can help reduce energy costs.
Remote-controlled lighting is a gadget for any part of your home or rental. Some light bulbs have different colors or settings, allowing you to relax and turn off the lights when you’re ready to sleep.
Finally, if you struggle with streetlights or traffic lights coming into your room while you’re trying to sleep, you may want to find blackout shades. These days, you can find smart shades that you can control right from your phone without having to get out of bed.
Smart Bathroom Gadgets
You may be wondering, “How can I make my bathroom smarter?” It’s a valid question, but there are a few different ways to implement new smart home devices in every room–including your bathroom.
- Smart Toilets
- Shower Systems
- Bathroom Scales
While they’re a bit of a luxury, smart toilets offer several benefits. For instance, most have an automatic flush system, air purification, heated seat, and even a nightlight. Additionally, many smart toilets, like the ones listed as WaterSense, allow you to save money on your water bill.
Smart shower systems are another luxury device that you may not consider. However, they allow you to set your shower at the perfect temperature. You can start your shower from anywhere in your home, and you’ll get a notification when your personalized temperature is ready.
Finally, a smaller, more attainable smart home device for your bathroom is a scale. Smart scales give you more information than just your weight. Some can track your weight, body fat percentage, muscle, bone mass, and more. They can also integrate with apps like Apple Health or Google Fit, so you can track your health from your phone.
BMG Knows What Your Tenants Want
Smart home devices are becoming a staple in many people’s homes–including rental properties. Whether you’re a landlord or renter, it’s important to know that you can protect your rental home with smart security or enjoy the convenience of smart home appliances, too.
Here at Bay Property Management Group, we want to offer both rental owners and tenants the best experience possible. So, if you have questions about protecting your rental property or personalizing it as a tenant, ask one of our property managers!
Overwhelmed with too many rental properties to manage? Contact BMG today. We offer comprehensive management services throughout Baltimore, Philadelphia, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC.
