Here is the number that stings: a household that holds 72°F around the clock — including the ten hours a day nobody is home — can easily burn about $100 a year more than the identical house next door that simply lets the temperature drift while everyone is out. The US Department of Energy’s long-standing … Read more
Here’s the number that gets people started with smart plugs: you don’t need $200 of gear to automate a home. You need about $15 per device, a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network you already have, and one evening. The catch is that smart plugs are sold in more pack sizes than almost any gadget on Amazon — … Read more
My bedroom faces east, which sounds nice until the sunrise hits your face at 6:40 AM every single morning. I looked into motorized shades and got quotes north of 900 dollars for one room. That is when I went down the rabbit hole: it turns out there are now three completely different ways to automate … Read more
Expert Reviewed · Last updated June 23, 2026 · This article is regularly updated with the latest information and recommendations. Amazon Prime Day 2026 is live June 23-26, and the smart home deals are some of the best we’ve seen all year. Here are the 15 best deals on smart home gear — verified, in … Read more
Expert Reviewed · Last updated June 23, 2026 · This article is regularly updated with the latest information and recommendations. Philips Hue’s new wall switch modules let you smartify your existing light bulbs without replacing them. Install a module behind your wall switch, and your conventional bulbs become Hue-controllable. Here’s how it works and whether … Read more
Expert Reviewed · Last updated June 23, 2026 · This article is regularly updated with the latest information and recommendations. You don’t need to spend thousands or hire an electrician to get a smart home. These 10 weekend projects each cost under $100 and deliver real, daily value — not gimmicks. Build your smart home … Read more
Expert Reviewed · Last updated June 23, 2026 · This article is regularly updated with the latest information and recommendations. Home Assistant’s 2026.5 release added native RF proxy support — meaning those old remote-controlled blinds, fans, and garage doors you thought were “dumb” can now join your smart home automations. No cloud, no replacements, no … Read more
Expert Reviewed · Last updated June 23, 2026 · This article is regularly updated with the latest information and recommendations. Why Your Smart Home Needs a Summer Tune-Up You set up your smart home in the winter. Your thermostat learns your heating schedule, your lights turn on at 4:30 PM because that is when it … Read more
Your electricity bill goes up every summer, but you probably don’t know which devices are actually responsible. A smart home energy monitor tells you — and some can even automate your savings automatically. Smart home energy monitor installed in electrical panel What Is a Smart Home Energy Monitor? A smart home energy monitor is a … Read more
The Short Answer Yes, a smart thermostat saves most households 8-15% on heating and cooling costs, which is roughly $50-$130 per year. It pays for itself in 1-3 years for most people. The savings depend on your climate, habits, and whether you actually use the smart features. But there are real scenarios where a smart … Read more
