Smart Home

Modern motion sensors have been around for decades, and smart home sensors are bringing this long-appreciated technology to the next level. With the latest and greatest in detection methods, there are myriad applications to make your home life safer and more convenient. What are smart motion sensors? Motion sensors detect movement using either ultrasonic sound waves or passive infrared (PIR) monitoring. Ultrasonic waves bounce off surfaces to detect movement, while PIR sensors measure temperature. Both can be combined with other smart home devices to perform basic functions like turn lights on, adjust thermostats or activate alarms. Some smart devices will learn your habits and routines to automate everyday things. For example, smart devices can turn indoor lights on when you arrive home from work, or lock every door and window when it’s time for bed. Smart moisture, flood & water leak sensors The usefulness of smart motion detection goes way beyond the convenience of everyday life. Both at home and in industrial contexts, motion sensors are used to detect leaks and prevent potential hazards. A smart water leak sensor can be installed directly on your water main to monitor the flow and pressure of water. In case of malfunction, the sensor will push an alert to your mobile devices or smart home hub – much better than discovering a leak when it’s already caused damage. Security, privacy & smart sensors Security is a classic application of motion sensor technology. Some common examples would be motion detector lights or door and window sensors. Smart doorbell cameras work by detecting motion outside your door to alert you to visitors, deliveries or potential threats. Smart home devices with battery powered or wireless motion sensors have myriad uses – to control your smart thermostat, smart lights or improve your home security system. If you’re interested in taking advantage of this technology, research your options to find the best smart home sensors for your needs.

Trying to smarten up your home? Electrical outlets are an easy place to start. If you’re looking for a low-commitment way to add smarts to your home, consider the electrical outlets. Smart plugs and smart wall outlets add instant connectivity and remote control to anything that’s plugged into one, but there are differences in price, installation and usability that might make one the clear better choice for your burgeoning smart home. Smart plugs are the simpler option: You plug them directly into an existing outlet, and they add a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth receiver between the wall and whatever you’re powering. No installation required. Smart outlets, on the other hand, replace your existing wall outlet entirely, sit flush with the wall and don’t eat up any outlet space. There are clear advantages to both. Having used both types in my own home, I’ve outlined the several pros and cons to consider before making a pick. Smart outlets offer permanence and aesthetics Consider installing a smart outlet in places where a standard smart plug is vulnerable to unplugging, such as a child’s bedroom or a narrow hallway. Likewise, smart outlets are ideal for locations that require extra security. For example, they are a no-brainer for smart home systems in short-term rentals, such as Airbnb and Vrbo. The more permanent nature of smart wall outlets is also beneficial for local smart home protocols that operate without an internet connection, such as Z-Wave, Zigbee and Thread. This type of smart home system remains in place when you sell a house, providing an extra incentive for prospective buyers. However, smart outlets are an intermediate DIY install project that many people would find too troublesome. You also have to consider that hiring an electrician to do the work will drastically increase the price of smart outlets. Better aesthetics come at a price. Smart plugs are generally better for most folks The most significant advantage of a smart plug is its plug-and-play design — literally; any power receptacle can host a smart plug with minimal effort. Alongside smart speakers and smart light bulbs, smart plugs are the easiest type of smart home technology to install. From there, you need only connect the smart plugs to your smart home for full functionality. As a renter, I exclusively use smart plugs because my lease forbids me from doing any electrical work. They form the backbone of my smart home, something I’ve covered extensively in other CNET articles. Roughly, half of my smart plugs control a series of grow lights for my houseplants; some manage a DIY ventilation system, while others control accent lighting, and the rest help me track energy usage during product testing. Although they are best suited for renters like me, smart plugs are equally effective for homeowners. The key is their portability. I can move a smart plug in seconds, while the same task with a smart outlet requires a screwdriver and a trip to the breaker box. If a device needs to switch locations but retain its smart powers, a plug makes that easy, while a full outlet may prevent it. Choose the best fit for you Generally, most homeowners will benefit from using a combination of smart plugs and wall outlets rather than relying on a single type. This helps reduce the costs of swapping most outlets for smart ones, while also giving you the flexibility to add other smart plugs as needed. Renters should consider using smart plugs unless their landlord plans to install smart outlets for them.