December is the perfect time to sprinkle a little smart magic into your home. As we countdown to the holidays, why not treat yourself to a smarter, more efficient home? With just a few daily upgrades, you can transform your living space into the smart home of your dreams—without feeling overwhelmed.
From enhancing security to boosting comfort, here’s your 12 Days of Smart Home Tips to guide you through simple but impactful changes. Whether you’re starting from scratch or already have a few smart gadgets in place, there’s something here for everyone!
Day 1: Secure Your Smart Home with Strong Passwords
The first step toward a smarter home is ensuring it’s secure. Take a moment to update your passwords for all smart devices and apps. A weak password is like leaving the door wide open for hackers.
Tip: Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
Day 2: Set Up Smart Lighting for Comfort and Security
Smart lighting is a great way to enhance both security and comfort. Set schedules for your lights to turn on and off automatically, giving the illusion someone’s home even when you’re away.
Bonus: Use smart bulbs that adjust brightness based on the time of day for a cozy, energy-efficient glow. You can even get into LEDs to brighten up your decor.
Day 3: Install a Smart Thermostat for Energy Savings
Smart thermostats help you save on heating and cooling by learning your schedule and adjusting the temperature automatically. Plus, many can be controlled remotely, so you can come home to the perfect temperature.
Editor’s Note: HomeTechHacker wrote an extensive review of the ecobee smart thermostat that he uses. You should also check out the HomeTechHacker Smart Thermostat Advisor for personalized advice on which one to purchase.
Day 4: Upgrade to Smart Plugs
Want to make your regular appliances smart without replacing them? Enter smart plugs! They allow you to control lamps, fans, coffee makers, and more from your phone or voice assistant.
Pro tip: Set up your holiday decorations on a smart plug so they turn on automatically in the evening and off when you head to bed.
Editor’s Note: HomeTechHacker reviewed many smart plugs that you might be interested in, including:
Day 5: Enhance Home Security with Smart Cameras
Smart cameras are your extra set of eyes when you’re not around. Place them at entry points like doors and windows for full coverage. Many smart cameras even come with motion detection and night vision.
Editor’s Note: Check out the HomeTechHacker Surveillance Camera Advisor to find the right camera for you. You can also check out our article about inexpensive IP cameras for ZoneMinder.
Day 6: Create a Smart Home Hub
If you have multiple smart devices, managing them all can get tricky. A smart home hub allows you to control everything from one app or device. It’s like the brain of your smart home!
Tip: If you use Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, these can act as your hub, simplifying control of your gadgets. Otherwise, take a look at our recommendations for a smart home hub.
Day 7: Automate Your Morning Routine
Imagine waking up to soft lights, your favorite playlist, and a freshly brewed pot of coffee—all thanks to smart home automation. Set up routines in your smart home app to trigger certain actions at specific times or events.
Tip: Pair smart plugs with your coffee machine and smart bulbs with your wake-up alarm for a perfect start to your day.
Editor’s Note: HomeTechHacker has a list of his favorite automations that you should check out.
Day 8: Set Up a Smart Doorbell for Front Door Security
Smart doorbells let you see and speak to visitors (or delivery drivers) from your phone. You can answer the door from anywhere, and some smart doorbells even record footage when someone approaches your doorstep.
Day 9: Integrate Smart Speakers for Voice Control
Smart speakers like Amazon Echo or Google Nest allow you to control your smart home with just your voice. Whether it’s turning on lights, setting reminders, or playing music, voice assistants make everything more convenient.
Day 10: Use Smart Sensors for Extra Awareness
Smart sensors can detect motion, temperature changes, or even leaks. These small devices are often overlooked but can make a huge difference in home automation and safety.
Tip: Place a smart water sensor under sinks or near appliances to catch leaks before they cause damage.
Editor’s Note: HomeTechHacker reviewed many smart sensors that you might be interested in:
Day 11: Set Up a Smart Lock for Keyless Entry
Never worry about losing your keys again! Smart locks allow you to unlock your door with a code, your phone, or even voice control. They can also send you alerts when someone enters or leaves the house.
Day 12: Sync Your Smart Devices for Full Automation
Now that you’ve upgraded your home over the past 11 days, it’s time to bring it all together! Sync your smart devices to work in harmony. Use your smart home hub to integrate and automate groups of smart devices.
Example: When you lock the door with your smart lock, your smart lights turn off, and the thermostat lowers the temperature to save energy. Here are some more automation ideas you should consider.
Final Thoughts: A Smarter, Cozier Home for the Holidays
Congratulations! Over the past 12 days, you’ve taken some key steps toward creating a smarter, more connected home. Each of these upgrades, while simple, adds up to greater convenience, security, and comfort for you and your family.
Whether you’re gearing up for holiday festivities or looking to simplify daily life, these tips will help you make the most of your home tech.
Happy Holidays, and enjoy your newly upgraded smart home!
