Home Tech That Solves Real Problems

We skip the hype and focus on tech that makes your home easier to run — Wi-Fi that works, sensors that warn you before disasters, and security that doesn’t require a PhD to set up.

Wi-Fi & Mesh Basics

When to upgrade your router

• Dead zones in your home
• Speeds much slower than what you pay for
• Router is more than 5 years old
• Frequent disconnections

Mesh vs traditional router

• Traditional router: Good for apartments and small homes under 1,500 sq ft
• Mesh system: Better for larger homes, multiple floors, or thick walls

Placement tips

• Central location, elevated (not on the floor)
• Away from microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors
• Not inside closed cabinets

Security Cameras & Doorbells

What to look for

• Local storage option (not just cloud)
• Night vision quality
• Two-way audio
• Integration with your existing setup
• Privacy features (activity zones, scheduling)

Placement priorities

1. Front door (most break-ins happen here)
2. Back door
3. First-floor windows
4. Garage
5. Package delivery area

Leak Sensors

The cheapest insurance against water damage. Place sensors:

• Under kitchen sink
• Under bathroom sinks
• Behind toilets
• Near water heater
• Near washing machine
• In basement/crawl space
• Near sump pump

Pro tip: Get sensors that alert your phone — catching a leak early can save thousands.

Smart Thermostats

Worth it if:

• You have a regular schedule
• You forget to adjust the thermostat
• You want remote control when traveling
• Your utility offers rebates

Skip it if:

• Your HVAC system is incompatible (check before buying)
• You already have a programmable thermostat you use properly

Robot Vacuums

Best for homes with:

• Pets that shed
• Hard floors (they work better than on carpet)
• Open floor plans
• Daily light cleaning needs

Not a replacement for deep cleaning, but great for maintenance between vacuums.

Privacy & Setup Checklists

Before connecting any smart device:

• Change default passwords
• Enable two-factor authentication
• Check what data is collected
• Disable features you don’t need
• Set up a separate network for IoT devices (if your router supports it)
• Keep firmware updated