Bungalo Blog

In a time when you can go grocery shopping from your couch and get a lift to the airport from a complete stranger, smart home technology isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a must-have. Why? Well, we all know being a homeowner already comes with its fair share of responsibilities. So when it comes to everyday life in your home, it’s pretty darn comforting to know you’ve got a house full of cool gadgets all working to help simplify your world. With the help of these fun and functional smart home upgrades, you just might be able to get back some time in your day, some money in your bank account, and even some peace of mind.

Take a look at our favorite ways to upgrade your home… to a SUPER SMART home.

1. Your smartphone is now your house key.

Wish you could unlock the front door with only your smartphone? Wish (and access) granted. Thanks to the sleek igloohome smart lock, you can now get inside your home with an easy-to-use app—no physical keys necessary. Just pair your device, and create a bluetooth key for yourself. Or let’s say you’re not home, but you have a friend or neighbor at the door who needs to get in. You can generate a secure one-time keycode with the app, and your visitor can let themselves in. Igloohome also tracks user logs, so you can rest easy knowing your home is safe and sound.

2. A digital assistant at your beck and call.

Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the all-powerful Google Home. As a smart speaker and an at-home assistant, this gadget makes sure you have the entire Google universe at your beck and call 24/7. Now, you can ask Google all your pressing questions (or not so pressing questions… because sometimes you just need to know what Rihanna’s horoscope is). You can also have Google set a cooking timer or schedule an appointment for you — the more obvious uses. Oh, and Google Home can even read your fur baby a bedtime story. Once again, thanks Google for the endless possibilities (and for clearing up that Rihanna is a Pisces.) 

3. Smart lighting that learns on your schedule.

It goes without saying that lighting is one of the most essential components of your house—and smart lighting takes your interior game to the next level. A Deako light switch controls any bulb, fixture, or fan with up to three custom scenes. Find that perfect ambiance and never let it go. Need that perfect cozy date night setting? Trying to wake your brain up after a night of tossing and turning? Just tell your lighting what to do with voice-activated technology and use your smart home device (hey, Google Home!) or your personal smartphone. And for all you proactive planners out there, rest assured: you can set a meticulous schedule and on-off timers to align with your busy daily routine. 

4. Upgrade your Al Fresco living with this speaker system.

Whether you want to throw an outdoor dance party or just want a soundtrack for those intimate backyard dinners, the Sonos Al Fresco sound system has you covered. Simply connect your Sonos system via AirPlay, Spotify, Apple Music, or whatever music platform you choose to use and then sit back and relax in your patio furniture, and let the vibes flow through you. These high quality speakers are engineered to withstand humidity, water, salt spray, heat, UV rays, and even freezing temperatures. So any time of year, it’ll feel like you have a live concert right in your own backyard.

5. Welcome to your own personal climate zone.

Nest Thermostat allows you the full convenience of adjusting your house’s temperature from your smartphone, no matter where you are. It’s also worth noting that saving energy starts with your thermostat.

Sure, you can unplug your computer when you leave the house, buy energy-efficient appliances, or replace your everyday light bulbs with LEDs… But none of that compares to the power of a smart thermostat. The Nest Thermostat learns the temperatures you like too, and programs to create a custom schedule. No more surprise 4am night sweats. 

At the end of a long day, upgrading your home with smart technology can make your days  smoother, more streamlined, and let’s be real, kind of fun too. Technology truly is making the way we go about our lives so much easier — and we’re not complaining. 

This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, real estate, insurance, or investment advice. Bungalo always encourages you to reach out to an advisor regarding your own situation.