Smart Home Technology on a Budget

Whether you want to dip your toes into smart home technology or dive in head first, these easy, affordable devices are a great way to get started. Refresh the way you wake up in the morning, keep your house more protected, and add a layer of tech-savvy cool to your home.

Smart coffee maker. It’s the best way to start the day and a great way to begin your smart home adventure. This user-friendly device can be programmed or you can control it from your phone while you’re still in bed for early morning coffee — it’s ready when you get out of the shower!

Intelligent grilling. There are nifty devices that track the temperature of your meat, sending your smart phone a notice when it’s done. Up the ante a bit and consider the Grillbot. It’s basically a Roomba that cleans your grill and then sounds an alarm when it’s done.

Wi-Fi connected electrical outlets. Create the smart home of your dreams by turning any electrical device into a smart one. Affordable with easy set-up, outlets like those offered by WeMo (Opens in a new tab) give you the flexibility to customize your connected devices.

Smart bulbs. Go for the cool-factor with smart lightbulbs from Philips. Change the color of the bulbs, the intensity, and more — all from an app on your phone!

Smart locks. Why bother with keys when you can lock and unlock your home from your phone? Imagine the extra peace of mind you’ll have by being able to double check the locks on the go.

Smart sensor to detect water leaks. There are a variety of smart sensors for water leaks, from the relatively inexpensive to more sophisticated models. These devices detect wetness and water, alerting your smart phone as soon as they sense there might be a concern. No matter where the water is coming from or which detector you choose, just one leak intervention and it can pay for itself.

Programmable thermostat. Save money with a smart thermostat that lets you set lower temperatures when you’re away and adjust to changing temps outside, no matter where you are.

Television control from your phone. Take your home entertainment to the next level and control what you watch from your smart phone or tablet. Simply plug the affordable Chromecast device into your HDMI port on the back of your television and you’re now connected for easy television and movie watching. Just swipe from your phone to your TV.

Garage door openers. If you struggle with your garage door — is it up or down, where is the remote, you’re locked out again — then you’ll love having the ability to open or close it from anywhere on your smart phone or tablet.

Smart home security system. A smart home security system gives you several smart device functions in one. This extra peace of mind is well worth it when you figure in all you’re getting and your American Family Insurance discount. A smart home security system is a must to keep you and your loved ones safe. 

Personal assistant. Consider using an intelligent personal assistant, like Alexa or the even more budget-friendly Echo Dot. These devices give you voice-activated Google search results, digitally connect with friends and family, start your playlist and access to the ever-evolving list of connected devices. As smart tech expands, your intelligent personal assistant may become the voice-activated hub for everything.

It’s easy to see how the benefits of smart home technology make it so popular. Add to that, the smart home discount on your homeowners insurance for saving money while protecting your home — it’s a clear win/win situation.

Have questions? Talk with your American Family Insurance agent to learn more about special savings on smart home technology and homeowners insurance.