Home automation to make life simpler

Your time is valuable. Home automation tools help protect it by performing redundant tasks that a computer can complete. Some devices may even help save you money while delivering peace of mind with added security. To reap the benefits of home automation, consider the following devices.

About home automation tools

Smart home technology can be as complex as a full-featured home security system. It can also be as simple as an app that activates your sprinklers every morning.

While some companies may program devices for a fee, many of these tools are so easy to operate that the cost isn't worth it. If you're uncertain, it may be helpful to consider options with ample setup resources, such as how-to videos and articles.

Consider researching product reviews, return policies and warranties before buying any of these products.

While getting new technology can be exciting, ensure you delete and replace all default passwords and use two- or multi-factor authentication for added personal security.

Home automation tools

The following is a categorized list of home automation tools that may help simplify your life.

Security-related home automation tools

• Cameras: Indoor and outdoor security cameras provide 24-hour surveillance with motion detectors
• Lights: Indoor and outdoor customizable motion- or app-activated lights
• Alarms: Door, window and gate alarms with vibration and motion-sensing capabilities
• Glass break sensors: Window and door sensors that alert you after detecting the sound of breaking glass
• Keychains: Tracking, personal security and fall detection alarms that send alerts to contacts and authorities when activated
• Panic alarms: Wall-mounted panic buttons that can alert authorities or private security companies when activated
• Item locators: Smart locators send alerts to connected devices for rapid lost-item recovery

Kitchen-related home automation tools

• Coffee makers: Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant connected coffee machines with scheduling capabilities
• Refrigerators: App-managed temperature and icemaker controls with water filter and door ajar alerts
• Cooking devices: Programmable crockpots, air-fryers and ovens with app and voice controls enabling temperature and timer management
• Smart detectors: Gas, smoke, carbon monoxide and heat detectors that alert connected contacts when activated
• Herb garden: App-controlled personal planter that grows herbs and plants without requiring soil or sunlight

Indoor home automation tools

• Smart plugs: App-controlled outlets with scheduling, dimming and timing capabilities for lights and appliances
• Family calendars: Smart touch-screen calendar displays that can auto-sync connected calendars and task lists
• Wi-Fi power strips: Voice- and app-controlled energy-use monitors and surge protectors for connected lights, devices and appliances
• Water, temperature and humidity sensors: App-controlled monitors that send flood, ice and moisture alerts to connected devices
• Vacuum: Schedulable Wi-Fi cleaning systems that can be app- or voice-controlled with self-emptying capabilities
• Pet care: Automated litter box maintenance, feeders and water fountains for simplified task management
• Blinds and curtains: Motorized window coverings that can be app-scheduled and controlled for remote operation

Outdoor home automation tools

• Lawnmower: Waterproof lawn maintenance with smart path planning, intelligent charging, edging and collision avoidance technology
• Sprinklers: App-controlled yard maintenance systems with scheduling and real-time automation access
• Outdoor plugs: Weatherproof outdoor electrical outlets with home automation capabilities for connected systems
• Delivery boxes: Keypad lockboxes that secure deliveries with a connected app and programmable driver access codes
• Pool cleaners: Robots that maintain pools of various sizes with app-controlled features enabling real-time temperature readings and multiple cleaning modes
• Bird feeders: Automated bird feeders can identify bird species, snap photos and record shareable videos
• Outdoor grills: App-connected grills can manage cooking times and monitor temperatures

Automate your home insurance billing

The final home automation tip that may help save you time and money is to sign up for AutoPay. It automatically deducts your premium payments, and you get a discount for using the service.

You can enable AutoPay in My Account or contact your American Family Insurance agent to walk you through the process. After upgrading your home automation systems, ask your agent about our Safe, Secure, Smart Home insurance discount, too.

This article is for informational purposes only and includes information widely available through different sources. This article does not afford, offer, or guarantee any coverage. We do not make any guarantees or promise any results based on this information.

Discount and savings amounts and product eligibility will vary by state, property type, policy form and underwriting company. Discounts may not apply to all coverages. Some restrictions apply.

*Customers who bundle home and auto insurance policies may save up to 23% on both policies together (as of December 2023). Discounts may vary by state, property, policy form and company underwriting the home and/or auto policy. Discounts may not apply to all coverages on a home or auto policy.