Start 2025 off with a 4.875% (5.859% APR) interest rate Smart home systems are revolutionizing the way we live. These networks of interconnected devices harness modern technology to increase the comfort, functionality, and security of a living space. From innovative mesh Wi-Fi networks and advanced security systems to smart thermostats and door locks, this new wave of home technology enables homeowners to enhance their daily lives in ways once only imagined in futuristic sci-fi blockbusters.
In this article, we’ll cover the best tech gadgets available, highlighting smart home technology that can make your home smarter, safer, and more enjoyable. Keep reading to learn how to create the perfect smart home system.
The Best Tech Gadgets For Your New Smart Home
Purchasing a new home is an exciting milestone, and equipping it with smart home products can elevate your everyday experience. From seamlessly managing your home’s temperature to boosting security and ensuring a connection to fast, reliable internet, the following devices are essential building blocks of a modern smart home.
All-in-one smart home panel
Control panels are essential to the modern home experience, allowing homeowners to monitor and manage all their smart devices in one place. You can control smart light bulbs, security cameras, thermostats, door locks, entertainment systems, and more from this central location. Many smart home hubs feature convenient touchscreens or integrate with popular voice control applications (Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, etc.), allowing you to manage specific features with spoken commands or through an easy-to-navigate display.
For example, the all-in-one panel included in the Century Home Connect® smart home system (available in Century Communities homes in select markets) features an intuitive touchscreen display that makes it effortless to manage settings, receive updates, and assess the status of your smart devices.
Smart thermostat
Creating an energy-efficient and comfortable environment is simple with a smart thermostat that controls your home’s temperature. Using a smart thermostat, you can set home automation schedules to heat and cool your home only when needed, decreasing your electricity and/or gas use and saving you money.
Some smart thermostats (like the thermostat included with Century Home Connect®) enable homeowners to control their home’s heating and cooling remotely through a smartphone application. You can adjust your home's temperature from anywhere, even if you’re away. This precise control allows you to ensure a comfortable environment in every room and every time you walk through the door.
Smart locks
Smart locks provide a new layer of security and convenience, allowing you to control access to your home from anywhere. Most smart locks are unlocked through a smartphone application with a secure pin or biometric authenticator (like your fingerprint). As with Century Home Connect’s® smart lock, you no longer need to worry about hiding a spare key outside or forgetting your keys on a busy morning. You could even grant remote access to guests or generate temporary access codes.
Wireless mesh home network
The modern living experience isn’t complete without reliable, high-speed internet. While traditional routers can struggle to provide a consistent internet connection throughout an entire home, wireless mesh networks pick up the slack. Mesh Wi-Fi networks use multiple connection nodes to blanket your whole home with reliable wireless internet.
If you live in a large home or one with thick walls and struggle to get reliable internet in all your rooms, you might want to look into installing a mesh Wi-Fi network like the one that Century Home Connect® offers. Installing a mesh network is a great way to enhance your connection and give a higher chance for all of your smart devices to be connected.
Smart home security
Smart security systems are a great way to keep your home safe and find peace of mind. Combining a wide range of technologies and devices like motion sensors, security cameras, window sensors, and video doorbells, the best smart home security systems allow you to monitor your home remotely and set up automated responses. For example, you can calibrate lights to turn on when motion is detected or send access alerts directly to your phone when your front door is opened.
The security technology included with Century Home Connect® seamlessly integrates with the all-in-one smart panel, granting homeowners the option to manage their home security through the touchscreen interface or their smartphone, depending on where they are and what’s more convenient.
Other smart devices
Here's a list of other smart home devices available that you can integrate into your smart home system:
- Smart lights
- Smart speakers
- Smart plugs
- Smart security cameras
- Smart doorbells
- Smart appliances
Choosing the Right Smart Home System For Your Needs
When building a smart home system, it’s essential to consider your priorities and needs. Start by asking yourself what you’re trying to accomplish. Are you looking to increase your energy efficiency or enhance security or comfort? Maybe you’re looking for a combination of all three.
Next, consider the compatibility of your existing devices. While most systems integrate with various devices, some work better with specific brands or platforms. It’s important to research and identify any compatibility issues before purchasing any part of your smart home system.
Finally, determine whether you prefer a DIY setup or a professional installation. Some smart home systems are designed for simple DIY installation, but others are more complicated and often require professional services.
Benefits of an Advanced Smart Home System
Smart home systems offer homeowners numerous benefits, including:
- Enhanced convenience: Smart home systems allow you to control all your home’s features from your smartphone or all-in-one smart panel.
- Advanced security: Smart locks, cameras, and motion detectors can send automated alerts directly to your phone.
- Energy efficiency: Smart thermostats allow you to set temperature routines, often decreasing utility usage and saving money on monthly energy costs.
- Increased control: Smart home systems enable you to check in on your home even when at work, out with friends, or on vacation.
- Increased property value: Homes equipped with all-in-one smart systems can attract higher offers and sometimes even sell faster, especially if buyers in your area are interested in innovative technology.
Installing a smart home system is an investment that may pay off in multiple ways—from enhancing your quality of life to saving you money.
Finding Your Ideal Smart Home Experience
Building a smart home from scratch isn’t the only option. For those who prefer a streamlined setup, our Century Communities brand offers the Century Home Connect® smart home system in select markets around the United States. This advanced smart home ecosystem includes an all-in-one control panel, electronic smart locks, smart thermostats, a comprehensive mesh Wi-Fi system, and more.
Smart Home Systems FAQ
What is a good WiFi speed for a smart home?
Most internet experts recommend at least 25 Mbps per device. Remember to factor in your mobile device, laptop, and smart television when calculating your ideal internet speed. Also, consider your regular internet activity to ensure you get a speed that works best for you and your needs.
Is it worth it to get a smart home thermostat?
Smart home thermostats are an excellent investment. These devices can increase convenience, limit energy consumption, and even lower your monthly utility bill. Many models allow users to set temperature schedules to ensure they only heat and cool their homes when needed.
What is the difference between electronic and smart locks?
While sometimes people call electronic locks smart and smart locks electronic, these terms refer to two different technologies. Smart locks are usually electronic and offer additional functionalities like smartphone connectivity and remote access. Electronic locks are keyless locks that typically open with a PIN code, keycard, or fingerprint, but these locks are not always equipped with smart technology.
What components are included in a smart home automation system?
Many of the best smart home devices allow homeowners to schedule or use voice commands to enable automated actions at certain times, like lights turning on when they get home from work or the AC turning on when it's hottest outside. This type of innovative home system may include smart bulbs, lights, plugs, garage doors, appliances (coffee makers, refrigerators, etc.), and entertainment devices like home speakers or a smart home platform.
