10 Smart Home Maintenance Devices That Will Save You Plenty of Time, Energy, and Money

Those who are old enough to know who The Jetsons are. They find themselves living in an era where anything from the Hanna-Barbera classic is fast becoming a reality.

Almost everything can be controlled remotely nowadays. Video chats are now a common thing. And pretty soon, flying cars will be found wherever you look.

As science and technology continue to advance and break barriers, even our homes will inevitably become fully automated. As it is, smart homes are growing in popularity, and as each day passes, breakthroughs and innovations are achieved by scientists, developers, designers, and engineers.

From a motorized window treatment solution to a fully automated home security system, homes are now being equipped with state-of-the-art technology to make life better and a lot more convenient.

Perhaps some of you are quite apprehensive about converting your home into a smart home because you think it'll probably cost you a fortune in the long run. While some of it may be a bit costly to have installed, most are now more affordable than they have ever been. They can help save you plenty of time, energy, and money long-term.

1. Smart ThermostatSmart and practical consumers often look for smart thermostats when buying intelligent appliances. This comes as no surprise as these gadgets lower your heating and cooling monthly bills by about 10% by programming them according to your schedule, like when you wake up when you leave for work and get back home.

2. LightsLED smart bulbs are inexpensive, at around $6 per piece, and use far less energy than ordinary incandescent bulbs. They save you approximately 75% in energy consumption and last three times longer. If you swap out your regular bulbs for an LED, you can save up to $75 a year.

3. Home HubOne of the most remarkable things about a smart home is its ability to control different house items. You can connect several things to a home hub, such as your tablet, speakers, coffee maker, and all your other smart devices. It acts as the brain that controls everything it is connected to.

4. Smart PlugsEven if your devices and appliances are turned off or on standby, they still consume a minimum amount of energy which accounts for 23% of your total energy consumption. Smart plugs can be programmed to ensure that all of your devices do not guzzle and waste energy. 

5. TelevisionSmart TVs are fantastic. They allow you to connect to the internet and give you access to a lot of streaming services. This eliminates the need for expensive cable packages, which can significantly bring down your monthly expenses.

6. VacuumsWho wouldn't want to have extra time to get a lot more things done at home? We all do. Whether it's spare time to prepare a hearty dinner for the family, catch up on some reading, and spend more time with the kids, most of us find it next to impossible between work and taking care of the house.

Fortunately, robot vacuums are now more affordable and give us extra time on our hands. 

7. Smart FridgeSmart fridges may seem a bit frivolous and extravagant, but they do save you a ton of time and money in the long run. They are packed with lots of features that help you keep tabs on expiration dates, update your shopping list and a camera that lets you check their contents anytime, anywhere.

8. SprinklersThe brilliant thing about smart sprinklers is they consider the weather, the soil quality, and your plants' needs to optimize their watering output and schedule. Using a smart sprinkler is believed to save the average American household as much as 7,600 gallons in a year.

9. Security CamerasHome Some security cameras are now very affordable and offer crystal clear images that allow you to see what's happening in and around your home wherever you are. They can be easily installed and can be accessed through your mobile device.

10. Smart Sensors23% of burglars enter a home through the ground floor windows. Placing smart sensors in your doors and windows can help repel would-be robbers and relieve you from anxiety about your home's security.

Please do your research first before deciding to turn it down for those still on the fence about home automation. It has plenty of benefits that will make your life a lot easier.