3 Innovative Home Automation Devices You Didn't Know You Needed

In today's fast-paced world, home automation is not just a luxury; it has become a necessity for many homeowners. Embracing smart technology can enhance your daily life by providing convenience, security, and energy efficiency. By integrating innovative devices into your home, you can simplify tasks, monitor your energy consumption, and even enhance your home security. This article explores three groundbreaking home automation devices that you may not have considered but could significantly improve your lifestyle.

Top Picks

• Best Overall: Emporia Gen 3 Smart Home Energy Monitor - $149.99 
• Best Smart Lock: ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Smart Lock - $169.99 
• Best Smart Hub: Home Assistant Green - N/A 

How We Selected Our Top Picks

When selecting the best home automation devices, we considered factors such as functionality, user reviews, ease of installation, and overall value for money. Each product was evaluated based on how well it integrates into a smart home ecosystem and the benefits it offers to the user.

Emporia Gen 3 Smart Home Energy Monitor

The Emporia Gen 3 Smart Home Energy Monitor is a game-changer for anyone looking to take control of their energy consumption. With its eight 50A circuit level sensors, this device provides real-time monitoring of your home's electricity usage, helping you identify where you can save on your bills. Whether you're trying to cut costs or just want to be more eco-friendly, this monitor is perfect for everyday use and special occasions alike, like when you're hosting a party and want to keep an eye on energy spikes. It's easy to install and integrates seamlessly with your existing setup, making it a practical addition to any smart home. If you're looking for a way to manage your energy use more effectively, this is definitely worth considering.

What People Say

Users appreciate the ease of installation and the detailed insights it provides into their energy consumption. Many have found it particularly useful for identifying unexpected energy drains, like a fan running continuously.

• Installation was easy, so long as you are comfortable inside your electrical panel. Gives you real-time data, as well as keeps historical. It will also show you your peak demand, so you can see how loaded your panel is, if you need to upgrade for an EV charger, for example. My intent with this is to look into my usage to determine if going solar or home battery for load shifting is worthwhile in the future. A few hundred $ now before shelling out thousands to get clear answers.

- Jenn Tee

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Easy to install and set up
• Provides real-time data and historical usage
• Helps identify areas for energy savings

Cons:

• Requires some space in the breaker box for installation

Why You'll Love It

• Real-time energy monitoring
• Helps identify high energy usage
• User-friendly app for tracking consumption

Save Money Over Time

By using the Emporia monitor, many users have reported significant savings on their electricity bills, making it a worthwhile investment in the long run.

Current Price: $149.99

Rating: 4.5 (Total: 419+)

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ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Smart Lock

The ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Smart Lock is a fantastic addition to any home looking to enhance security without sacrificing convenience. With its built-in WiFi and biometric fingerprint technology, you can say goodbye to fumbling for keys. Imagine coming home with your hands full and simply placing your finger on the lock to gain entry. It's perfect for everyday use, and for those special occasions when you have guests over, you can easily share access codes without needing to be there in person. Plus, the sleek design fits seamlessly with any door, making it both functional and stylish. If you're in the market for a smart lock that combines cutting-edge technology with ease of use, this one is definitely worth considering.

What People Say

Users rave about the convenience of keyless entry and the peace of mind that comes with remote monitoring. Many appreciate how easy it is to share access with family and friends, making it a great choice for busy households.

• I own 3 Ultraloq deadbolts, this being the most recent one. I have them on my front and back door and my garage door for easy access. The locks are used in Vermont so we have well below zero as well as close to 100 in summer and have no issues. Wifi as well as remote access via the app works great. My only issue is now and then the geofencing to open as I approach the door will sometimes disable, and all I have to do is reenable it in the app.

- Schmedy

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Easy installation with clear instructions
• Reliable fingerprint recognition
• Seamless integration with smart home systems

Cons:

• Occasional issues with geofencing feature

Why You'll Love It

• Keyless entry with fingerprint recognition
• Remote access and monitoring via smartphone
• Weather-resistant and durable design

Invest in Your Security

Investing in the ULTRALOQ lock can save you money in the long run by eliminating the need for spare keys and providing enhanced security that can prevent costly break-ins.

Current Price: $169.99

Rating: 4.4 (Total: 1726+)

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Home Assistant Green

The Home Assistant Green is a smart home hub that makes automating your home feel like a breeze. With its compact design and powerful capabilities, it allows you to control all your smart devices from one place. Imagine dimming the lights for movie night or adjusting the thermostat while you're away, all with just a few taps on your phone. It's perfect for everyday use and special occasions alike, making it easy to impress your guests with a fully automated home. If you're looking for a reliable and user-friendly way to manage your smart home, this device is definitely worth checking out.

What People Say

Users appreciate how quickly they can set up the Home Assistant Green and the seamless integration with various smart devices. Many find it particularly useful for creating custom routines that enhance their daily lives.

• The Home Assistant Green Smart Home Hub exceeded my expectations. I had it up and running in just under an hour, and integrating over 50 devices was a breeze. It works flawlessly with my Hubitat Hub, and together, they make the perfect setup for a powerful and flexible smart home. The advanced automation features are fantastic, allowing me to create custom routines with minimal effort. It’s incredibly user-friendly for both beginners and advanced users, and the system is super responsive.

- Oakweb

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Quick and easy installation
• Supports a wide range of devices
• User-friendly interface for automation

Cons:

• May require some technical knowledge for advanced features

Why You'll Love It

• Easy setup with plug-and-play functionality
• Control multiple devices from one hub
• Advanced automation capabilities for a smarter home

Smart Investment for Your Home

Investing in the Home Assistant Green can lead to long-term savings by optimizing energy use and reducing the need for multiple hubs and apps. It centralizes control, which can streamline your smart home experience and save you time.

Current Price: $99.99

Rating: 4.3 (Total: 84+)

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FAQ

What are the main benefits of using the Emporia Gen 3 Smart Home Energy Monitor?

The Emporia Gen 3 Smart Home Energy Monitor offers several key benefits that can enhance your home automation experience. Firstly, it provides real-time monitoring of your electricity usage, allowing you to identify which appliances consume the most energy. This can lead to significant savings on your electricity bills. Additionally, the device is equipped with eight circuit-level sensors, enabling you to track energy consumption on a granular level. This feature is particularly useful for optimizing energy use in rental properties or for monitoring specific appliances. The user-friendly app allows for easy access to historical data and instant notifications, making it a practical tool for anyone looking to manage their energy consumption more effectively.

How easy is it to install the ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Smart Lock, and what should I consider before purchasing?

Installing the ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Smart Lock is generally straightforward, especially if you have basic DIY skills. The lock comes with clear instructions and can typically be installed in under 10 minutes using just a screwdriver. However, it's important to ensure that your door is compatible with the lock's dimensions and that you have enough space for the installation. Before purchasing, consider your specific needs, such as whether you want to use the fingerprint feature or the mobile app for remote access. Additionally, keep in mind that while the lock is designed to be weather-resistant, extreme weather conditions can affect its performance, so ensure it’s suitable for your environment.

What makes the Home Assistant Green a good choice for smart home automation, and what should I know about its setup?

The Home Assistant Green is an excellent choice for those looking to create a robust smart home ecosystem. It supports a wide range of devices and offers advanced automation capabilities, allowing you to customize routines and control multiple devices from a single interface. The setup process is designed to be user-friendly, taking about 30 minutes to get up and running. However, it’s beneficial to have some basic technical knowledge, as certain features may require coding or deeper configuration. Be prepared to invest some time in learning how to maximize its potential, but the flexibility and control it offers make it a worthwhile investment for any smart home enthusiast.

Wrapping Up

Incorporating innovative home automation devices into your living space can lead to a more efficient, secure, and convenient lifestyle. The Emporia Gen 3 Smart Home Energy Monitor helps you track and manage your energy consumption, the ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Smart Lock provides advanced security features, and the Home Assistant Green serves as a powerful hub for managing all your smart devices. By investing in these technologies, you can enhance your home environment and enjoy the benefits of modern living.