As smart home technology becomes more mainstream, homeowners are increasingly turning to connected devices not just for convenience, but also for added property value, energy savings, and safety. From energy-efficient thermostats to smart garage door openers, these features can make your home more appealing to buyers and potentially lower your utility bills and homeowners insurance premiums.

With most smart home features connecting to the Internet through Wi-Fi and often integrating with voice assistants like Siri or Alexa, monitoring and controlling your home, even while you’re far away, offers more convenience and peace of mind than ever.

Here Are Several Smart Home Upgrades That May Offer a High Return on Investment:

Smart Thermostats–These affordable devices help homeowners reduce heating and cooling costs by learning usage patterns and adjusting temperatures accordingly. They can cut energy bills by up to 10%, and buyers typically see them as a high-value feature.

Smart Security Systems–Video doorbells, indoor and outdoor cameras, motion sensors, and spotlights not only increase peace of mind but also appeal to safety-conscious buyers. Many insurers offer premium discounts of up to 20% for security systems, particularly with professional central station monitoring. Adding fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors and alarms to the system provides added layers of protection.

Smart Water Leak Detectors and Automatic Shut-Off Valves–Water damage is one of the most expensive home insurance claims. Smart water leak detectors and automatic shut-off valves can prevent thousands of dollars in damage and often qualify for insurance discounts.

Smart Lighting–Lighting systems that are programmable and motion-activated help lower utility costs and deter intruders while adding modern appeal. Homes with these systems often feel more sophisticated and sell faster, especially among tech-savvy buyers.

Smart Plugs and Energy Monitoring–Inexpensive yet effective, these units help homeowners cut down on phantom power use and track energy consumption, reinforcing energy efficiency in daily life.

Smart Locks and Garage Door Openers–These devices let you control access to your home from anywhere and receive alerts if a door is left open, improving both security and convenience.

Smart Appliances–Refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines that integrate with smart home systems offer convenience and efficiency, which can boost a home’s resale value.

While adding smart home technology can deliver many benefits, it’s important to update your homeowners insurance policy to reflect these changes. Contact a Westwood agent to help recalculate your home’s value and replacement cost and make sure you receive appropriate discounts for devices that can reduce risks.

By choosing smart features that offer real cost savings and broad market appeal, homeowners can improve their quality of life now while maximizing resale value in the future.

Please Note: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not represent any specific insurance policy and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions of any current policy.