Why Don't More People Use Smart Home Upgrades?
Fix This Build ThatFix This Build ThatKey takeaways
The upgrades are easy to overlook because some require replacing a switch or outlet, while others need a hub or network setup. Several still work with minimal setup, and the examples include convenience, safety, and potential damage prevention.
Motion and humidity switches automate lights and bath-fan operation, while the smart lock adds fingerprint entry, access logs, and timed guest codes; its LCD failed after about six years. A thermostat paired with remote temperature sensors can prioritize room comfort, and leak sensors can send phone alerts through a gateway—useful safeguards, though savings depend on the situation.
Video Flow
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Quick, low-setup upgrades
The first upgrades work without a network or software: the Zoiinet remote outlet controls a lamp, and the Eaton receptacle combines an outlet with a customizable nightlight. The outlet swap requires turning off the breaker; the nightlight can adjust brightness and color temperature and can be set to stay on.
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Motion-activated lights
The Eaton occupancy sensor turns lights on when someone enters and off after a selected delay, with manual switching and adjustable sensitivity. It supports three-way wiring and can be wired with or without a neutral; power must be shut off before installation.
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Humidity-triggered bath fan
The Eaton humidity sensor turns on a bath fan when humidity exceeds its selected threshold and keeps it running until humidity falls below that level. It requires a neutral wire, offers 45%, 65%, and 80% thresholds, and includes a run-time safeguard that pauses operation after 20 minutes.
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Keyless entry with access controls
The Lockly Secure Pro Deadbolt installs in about 15 minutes and supports keypad codes, fingerprints, a manual key, and a door sensor. The app enables fingerprint setup, access logs, and time-limited guest codes; the keypad's rotating digits obscure PIN entry, though the LCD began failing after about six years of use.
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Thermostat scheduling and lockout
The Aqara thermostat hub W200 needs a C wire and supports schedules, home and away settings, app automations, and integrations including Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon, and Home Assistant. Its screen can detect presence and require a password to prevent others from changing the temperature.
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Remote temperature sensing
The Aqara temperature and humidity sensor reports temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, and can trigger alerts for conditions such as near-freezing temperatures. Paired with the thermostat, readings from a chosen room—or an average across multiple sensors—can guide heating and cooling instead of relying only on the thermostat's location.
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A Wi-Fi smart plug
The Govee dual smart plug connects directly to Wi-Fi and turns one receptacle into two controlled outlets. App control and timers can automate lights such as holiday decorations; network-connected devices may instead require a hub or use other connection types.
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Leak alerts before water damage spreads
The Govee water leak detector uses sensors paired to a gateway, which can connect to the smart-home network and send phone alerts when water is detected. A water test triggered both the audible alarm and a phone notification; suggested placement includes sinks, appliances, and water heaters.
- 0922:43
Door and window status—and a snack reminder
The Aqara door and window sensor detects whether its magnet is together with the sensor, reporting open or closed status through the app. It requires a hub; the Aqara M100 Hub serves as the demonstration connection, and the sensor is mounted with the fixed part on the frame and the magnet on the moving part.
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Pretzel-lid reminder
The closing example turns an open door or window reading into a playful reminder to put the pretzel lid back on.
Tools & Resources
Adds remote control to an outlet and can mount its remote as a wall switch.
- 01Adds remote control to an outlet and can mount its remote as a wall switch.00:28
Replaces a receptacle with one that includes a customizable nightlight.
- 01Replaces a receptacle with one that includes a customizable nightlight.01:46
Finishes the decorator-style outlet installation without visible screws.
- 01Finishes the decorator-style outlet installation without visible screws.02:45
Replaces a light switch with motion-triggered lighting and adjustable timeout and sensitivity.
- 01Replaces a light switch with motion-triggered lighting and adjustable timeout and sensitivity.04:22
Connect the wiring during the sensor-switch installation.
- 01Connect the wiring during the sensor-switch installation.05:20
Controls a bath fan according to the room's humidity level.
- 01Controls a bath fan according to the room's humidity level.06:57
Provides keypad and fingerprint entry, access logs, and scheduled guest codes.
- 01Provides keypad and fingerprint entry, access logs, and scheduled guest codes.09:36
Controls heating and cooling with schedules, automations, and a password-protected screen.
- 01Controls heating and cooling with schedules, automations, and a password-protected screen.12:37
Measures conditions around the home and can supply room readings for thermostat control.
- 01Measures conditions around the home and can supply room readings for thermostat control.15:08
Adds two Wi-Fi-controlled outlets for app control and timed automation.
- 01Adds two Wi-Fi-controlled outlets for app control and timed automation.17:31
Detects water leaks and sends alerts through its paired gateway and connected app.
- 01Detects water leaks and sends alerts through its paired gateway and connected app.20:13
Used to protect hearing during the leak-alarm test.
- 01Used to protect hearing during the leak-alarm test.21:54
Reports whether a door or window is open or closed and can support alerts.
- 01Reports whether a door or window is open or closed and can support alerts.22:49
Connects the door and window sensor to the Aqara app in the demonstration.
- 01Connects the door and window sensor to the Aqara app in the demonstration.23:57