Plug and Play Your Way to a Smarter Home

Make your home work better and more efficiently with new smart technology.

Hand holding smartphone adjusts smart features inside home iStock

Meet the home of the future.

Today’s technology allows you to turn up your favorite tunes, lower the blinds, dim the lights and set the thermostat with a few taps on your smart device. And you don’t even need to be at home to make it all work.

These cutting-edge features are just a few of those showcased in the HGTV® Smart Home built in 2022. (AAA Insurance is proud to be an official sponsor.) The home, in Wilmington, North Carolina, was custom built with smart-living design elements such as a pet zone under the stairs, a package-drop area off the garage and a pantry near the kitchen. Additional smart technology in the HGTV home includes programmable window treatments, app-controlled message boards in the playroom and even smart toilets.

But while many of the HGTV house features were installed during construction, you don’t need to build a home from the foundation up to live smarter. You can increase the security and livability of your current home with smart plug-and-play devices and technologies.

Here are six smart home upgrades that could make your home more convenient and attractive to buyers: 

With AAA Triple Check*, you can improve your home’s security and save money on home insurance..

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Home security

iStock Consider home security systems. Some systems, such as SimpliSafe help protect against fire or even water damage. Wireless indoor/outdoor security cameras record motion-triggered video and store it in the cloud.


Appliances

iStock Housekeeping isn’t the chore it once was, thanks to smart technology. What if your refrigerator had a camera inside so you could see what items you’re low on while you’re shopping? Want to see how that roast is looking in the oven? No need to open the door—a camera inside shows you. When it comes to laundry, schedule cycles through your phone and then get an alert when they’re done.


Thermostat

iStock Minimize energy costs and control your thermostat remotely through Wi-Fi. Using a smart thermostat can reportedly save an average of $50 on an annual energy bill.


Smart plugs

iStock You don’t need to buy a lot of new smart products to make your life easier. Your existing electronics can become voice- and app-activated with a smart plug. It plugs into your regular outlet, allowing you to control small home appliances—such as a coffee maker or a table lamp—through a connected app with a tap or the sound of your voice.


Lighting

iStock Create a network of motion-detecting security lights outside your home. Once they’re connected, you can control the lights with voice commands or through a smartphone or smart speaker.


Audio system

iStock Turn on lights, schedule appointments, stream music or make a call using a smart speaker, such as those from Amazon, Apple, Google and Sonos.

Want more ideas about how to make your home smarter?

*Discounts apply to select coverages only and vary by state and insurance company. Not all discounts available in each state.

* HGTV, HGTV Home, HGTV Smart Home, HGTV Smart Home Giveaway and their associated logos are trademarks of Discovery or its subsidiaries and affiliates. All rights reserved.

 

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