Technology is something that touches all parts of people’s lives nowadays. Both at work and at home, technology is there making things easier, faster, and more enjoyable. One tech trend that is huge right now is transitioning to a smart home. Smart homes embrace a wide array of tech gadgets to make your home more responsive and energy efficient. But which smart home tech features are considered “must-haves”? Here’s a list you can use.

Smart Lights - A Whole New Level of Convenience

Smart lights are easily one of the most popular and useful smart home gadgets and features. These are lightbulbs that speak to a smart hub. Simply swap your existing light bulbs for a smart bulb - make sure you've got the compatible hub installed as well - and now you can control them from anywhere with the companion app. This means you can turn your lights on and off even when you're not at home. You can also create a custom schedule for when your lights turn on/off in specific rooms of the house or the exterior.

Create Peace of Mind with a Security Camera

If you like the idea of a home security system but aren't sure what model is best, you'll want to focus on smart home security systems. These systems can be controlled and accessed remotely, which means you can easily check the status of your home even when you're not there. Think about how comforting that can be when you're at work during the day, on vacation or even in the backyard and someone approaches the front door. There are many great models to choose from at several different price points. You may want to make a list of must-have features to help narrow down the options.

A Smart Thermostat Gives You More Control

Another must-have smart feature for your home is to install a smart thermostat. The Sensi Smart Thermostat from Emerson provides homeowners with more control when it comes to the temperature of the home. These thermostats give you the ability to set the temperature based on the day of the week and the specific time of day or night. You can essentially create a customized temperature schedule. Many models also feature a companion app, allowing you to make adjustments remotely. It's important to point out that adjusting the temperature can result in huge energy savings, so this one is a win-win.

It's Time for a Smart Home Assistant 

Smart home assistants are another feature that isn't new but has evolved a lot since being introduced to the market. These are hubs that can be located throughout your home and are meant to offer information, helpful features, and entertainment and may be compatible with other smart appliances and gadgets in the home. The Google Nest Hub Max is a great example and features a high-quality screen with a smart speaker built in.

Smart homes are all about making the best use of technology in the home so that you create a smoother, more functional environment.