Top IoT Devices for Your Home. Best practice with examples

Are you trying to make your home safer and more comfortable but unsure where to start with IoT at home? Do you worry about things like water leaks, bad air quality, or high energy bills? These are common problems that many homeowners face, and finding the right solutions can be challenging.

Did you know that? By 2022, 30% of new homes built in the U.S. included pre-installed smart home systems, such as smart thermostats, lighting, and security devices, demonstrating a growing trend toward fully integrated IoT technology from the ground up (National Association of Home Builders).

At TEKTELIC, we use our 15 years of expertise to help you find the best solutions available today. We don’t just focus on one product—we collect the right information to ensure you get the top choices for your home. Whether you need to detect leaks, improve air quality, or save on energy, we’ve gathered the best options to make it easier for you. And, of course, we’re here to help you along the way.

Let’s explore some of the top IoT devices that can make a real difference in your home. What challenges are you hoping to solve? Let’s find the best solutions for your home together.

Understanding IoT Home Automation

IoT home automation is all about making your life easier. By connecting everyday devices like lights, thermostats, and security systems to the internet, you can control them remotely or set them to work automatically.

Imagine turning off the lights, adjusting the temperature, or checking who’s at your door—all from your phone, no matter where you are. This is what IoT at home brings to the table.

Exploring the Benefits of Standalone Home Automation System with Smart Internet of Things

A standalone home automation system gives you the flexibility to manage specific areas of your home, like water usage, indoor climate, or even energy monitoring in your appliances. You don’t need to install a complete smart home network to enjoy the perks. These systems are simple to set up and help you stay on top of things like preventing leaks, improving air quality, or tracking electricity consumption, which in turn saves money and reduces stress.

Now, let’s explore the key benefits in details:

• Energy Savings:

Smart devices, like automated lighting or energy monitors, help you track and reduce energy consumption. You can set devices to turn off when not in use, lowering your utility bills and minimizing waste.

TEKTELIC’s smart sensors can track things like temperature and humidity and smart home lighting systems allowing you to adjust your heating, cooling and energy usage system only when needed. You can monitor and manage your home systems from anywhere using simple app or platform such as LeapX Mobile Application. This helps reduce energy waste, which can save you money on your utility bills.

• Increased Security:

Standalone security solutions such as door/window sensors, motion detectors, or smart locks allow you to monitor specific entry points or areas of your home. You can receive instant notifications when something unusual happens.

For example, with TEKTELIC’s motion sensors and security solutions, you can monitor your home in real-time. If a door opens or unexpected movement is detected, you’ll get an instant alert on your phone, keeping your home and family safe.

• Convenience:

Imagine your lights turning on automatically when you walk into a room, or your air conditioning adjusting itself to the perfect temperature before you even arrive home.

TEKTELIC’s IoT devices allow you to automate many everyday tasks, so you don’t have to worry about them.

• Real-Time Monitoring:

IoT sensors give you real-time updates on important aspects of your home, such as water usage and potential leaks. If a leak occurs, the system will immediately alert you, helping to prevent costly water damage before it becomes a major issue.

• Remote Control:

From smart washing machines to coffee makers, IoT-enabled appliances can be managed from anywhere. You can start laundry while at work or make sure your appliances are off when you’re away, all through an app on your phone.

• Predictive Maintenance:

Predictive maintenance is a simple but effective way IoT can save homeowners time and money. Think about your HVAC system keeping an eye on itself, spotting small problems before they turn into expensive repairs. With TEKTELIC’s IoT sensors, this is possible.

For instance, our sensors can monitor your HVAC system in real-time, tracking things like air pressure, temperature, and energy usage. You get an alert when something seems off, so you can schedule a quick check-up instead of waiting for a major breakdown.

This helps your HVAC system last longer and keeps it running smoothly, saving you energy and avoiding costly emergency fixes. It’s an easy, hands-off way to take care of your home without the stress.

With reliable IoT solutions, home automation becomes more than just a convenience – it’s a way to make your home smarter, safer, and more energy-efficient. Whether you want to improve security, save on energy, or just make daily tasks easier, home automation with TEKTELIC devices gives you full control over your living space.

How IoT Technology is Transforming Smart Homes and Connected Appliances

When selecting IoT devices for your home, it’s essential to focus on your specific needs. Are you looking to keep an eye on water usage, optimize your heating and cooling, or monitor air quality? Perhaps you need help managing power consumption across different appliances?

Interesting fact. The average smart home had more than 11 connected IoT devices by the end of 2022, including not just lighting and security systems but also smart kitchen appliances, lawn irrigation systems, and smart locks (Parks Associates).

Choose devices that align with the problems you want to solve. Also, make sure they are easy to install and integrate with your existing systems. With TEKTELIC’s expertise, we’ve curated the top solutions to help you make your home smarter and more efficient. For example:

• Leak Detection with COMFORT: Instantly detects water leaks in areas like bathrooms, basements, or kitchens, and sends alerts directly to your phone. By catching leaks early, it prevents potential damage to your property and significantly reduces the cost of repairs, giving you peace of mind even when you’re not at home.
• CO2 Level Monitoring with BREEZE: Monitors CO2 levels in your home to maintain optimal air quality, promoting better health by reducing risks associated with poor ventilation. High CO2 levels can affect sleep quality and overall well-being, so continuous monitoring allows you to ensure proper ventilation and a healthier indoor atmosphere.

• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Monitoring with COMFORT: Continuously measures temperature and humidity levels to ensure your home maintains a comfortable and healthy indoor climate. Proper temperature and humidity control are essential for both comfort and health, as they reduce the risk of mold growth, prevent dry air issues, and help regulate energy use more efficiently.
• Point of Entry Security with VIVID: TEKTELIC’s VIVID Smart Room Sensor provides a robust, discreet layer of security for your home. Designed to detect motion in key areas such as doors and windows, VIVID instantly alerts you to any unexpected activity, whether you’re on-site or away. Compact and easy to install, VIVID’s motion-sensing technology ensures you’re immediately informed if something’s not right, whether you’re home or miles away. By placing VIVID in strategic spots, you can stay in control of your home’s security without the need for complicated systems or constant surveillance.
• Light Tracking (On/Off) with COMFORT: The COMFORT Smart Room Sensor is more than just an environmental monitor—it’s an energy saver. With its ability to detect ambient light levels, it helps you stay on top of your home’s lighting situation. Did someone forget to turn off the lights when they left the room? COMFORT knows. By giving you real-time insight into lighting usage, you can reduce unnecessary power consumption and keep your energy bills in check. This sensor is the perfect tool for anyone looking to create a more energy-efficient home without compromising comfort.

By integrating TEKTELIC’s sensors and gateways, you can build a fully connected home that automatically adjusts to your needs, whether it’s improving energy efficiency, increasing security, or simply adding more convenience to your daily routine. With TEKTELIC’s robust and reliable IoT devices, you’re not just automating tasks – you’re creating a smarter, safer, and more efficient home.

The future of smart homes looks even brighter, with the smart home market continuously evolving to offer more advanced and user-friendly solutions. As IoT technology continues to advance, you can expect even greater integration and automation capabilities, further enhancing your living experience.

How to Choose the Best IoT Devices for a Smarter Home

The world of IoT devices is full of possibilities, but it’s easy to get lost in the excitement of new technologies. Before you jump into the IoT marketplace, it’s important to approach it with a clear plan.

Here’s how TEKTELIC’s IoT smart home products stand out and why they should be your top choice when building a smart home:

1. Precision Environmental Monitoring

TEKTELIC offers a range of environmental sensors that are perfect for homes where real-time monitoring of air quality, temperature, humidity, and even light levels are essential. These sensors help you optimize your living environment, improving comfort and reducing energy consumption.

• TEKTELIC’s Smart Room Sensor is ideal for monitoring indoor conditions. It can track:
  • Temperature and humidity levels, ensuring your home’s climate control systems (smart air conditioner) operate at peak efficiency.
  • Light levels and even detect motion, allowing automation of lighting systems, home appliances to save energy when no one is in the room.
  • CO2 levels to maintain optimal indoor air quality.

By integrating TEKTELIC sensors with your smart thermostat, lighting, and air purifiers, you can create a healthier and more energy-efficient home.

2. Reliable Home Security Solutions

Home safety is a top priority for any homeowner, and TEKTELIC’s IoT advanced sensors provide leading home automation solutions. With the right combination of sensors, you can automate your security system and receive real-time alerts to your phone or device, even when you’re away.

• TEKTELIC’s VIVID Smart Sensor detects movement inside your home and can trigger alarms or notifications if unexpected motion is detected, making it a great addition to any smart security systems.
• COMFORT Water Leak Detection Sensor helps prevent costly damage by alerting you the moment a water leak is detected. This sensor can be placed in areas prone to leaks, like basements or near plumbing fixtures, giving you peace of mind that potential damage is caught early. If a leak is detected, the system immediately sends an alert to your phone, allowing you to take quick action and prevent further damage.

These security sensors are designed for long battery life and seamless integration with other IoT systems, giving you a smarter, more secure home.

Facility Management Innovations: Smart Robbery Prevention Solution with LoRaWAN

A prime example is TEKTELIC’s collaboration with IVU Softwareentwicklung GmbH, where the VIVID PIR Smart Room Sensors powered a Robbery Prevention Solution.

IVU needed a solution that offered more than just alarms. With TEKTELIC’s VIVID sensors, they achieved real-time monitoring and instant smartphone alerts whenever doors or windows were breached. The system’s remote control capability allows users to manage security from anywhere, making it both flexible and reliable.
Key Features and Benefits of VIVID:

• Real-time alerts: Instant notifications to your phone when motion or entry is detected.
• Remote control: Arm or disarm the system from your smartphone, no matter where you are.
• Long battery life: Up to 10 years of continuous use without needing frequent replacements.
• LoRaWAN technology: Provides long-range coverage with low power consumption, ideal for large homes or offices.
• Seamless integration: Easily connects with other IoT systems for a comprehensive security setup.
  

  Read the full “Robbery Prevention Solution Use Case” to see how these features can protect your space.

  3. Smart Home Automation and Energy Efficiency

TEKTELIC IoT devices enable you to automate daily tasks, helping to streamline your life and reduce energy costs. For example, you can use TEKTELIC’s environmental sensors BREEZE and BREEZE V to:

• Real-time Environmental Monitoring. The BREEZE CO₂ Smart Room Sensor tracks CO₂ levels, temperature, and humidity, adjusting HVAC systems based on actual conditions to optimize air quality and reduce energy consumption.
• Occupancy-Based Automation. The BREEZE-V Occupancy Sensor detects whether a room is occupied and automates lighting, heating, and cooling. Systems turn off when the room is empty, saving energy when it’s not needed.
• Improved Air Quality. The BREEZE Air Quality Sensor ensures optimal air quality by adjusting ventilation automatically when CO₂ levels rise, maintaining a healthier indoor environment.
• Energy Savings. Both sensors work together to prevent energy waste. BREEZE-V ensures systems are off when not needed, while Breeze optimizes climate control based on environmental factors, lowering utility bills.
• Seamless Automation. Automatically adjust your home’s environment based on occupancy and air quality, creating a comfortable space while minimizing energy use.

These features not only make your home smarter but also reduce energy consumption, helping you save on utility bills and minimize your carbon footprint.

4. Seamless Connectivity and Data Integration

At the heart of any smart home ecosystem is seamless connectivity between devices. TEKTELIC’s IoT gateways ensure that all your connected devices can communicate efficiently and securely. The KONA Micro Gateway from TEKTELIC ensures reliable long-range coverage for all your sensors, enabling easy control and monitoring, no matter where you are.

• TEKTELIC’s gateways use LoRaWAN technology, known for its low power consumption and long-range communication, which makes it a cost-effective and scalable solution for homes of all sizes.
• Data visualization and real-time reporting through TEKTELIC’s KONA Element OA&M Server platform or integrated smart home iot applications like TEKTELIC BREEZE application or LeapX Mobile Application let you track and analyze your home’s status from anywhere.

By connecting all your devices via TEKTELIC’s gateways, you can build a robust home automation system that integrates security, environmental monitoring, and energy management under one network.

5. Durability and Reliability

TEKTELIC’s IoT devices are designed for durability and long-lasting performance, ensuring that your smart home systems operate reliably over time. With a battery life of up to 10 years, our smart systems provide extended, maintenance-free operation. Built for both indoor and outdoor use, they can withstand various environmental conditions, making them perfect for diverse smart households setups.

At TEKTELIC, we understand that every home and user has unique needs. That’s why our experts take a custom approach to designing your smart home setup. Instead of other devices and one-size-fits-all solutions, we work closely with you to recommend the best IoT devices that align with your specific use case.

Whether you’re looking to automate energy efficiency, enhance security, or improve comfort, our team ensures that you get a tailored, cost-effective solution that perfectly fits your home and lifestyle.

Essential Tips for Selecting the Right IoT Sensors

1. Define What You Need First

Start by identifying what you want to accomplish. Are you trying to save on energy bills, improve security, or automate certain tasks? Here’s a quick key points:

• Energy Efficiency: Look for smart lighting controls, or power-monitoring devices.
• Security: Focus on cameras, door/window sensors, and smart locks.
• Convenience: Consider automating routines like lighting, blinds, or appliance control.

Prioritize your goals so you don’t get overwhelmed with too many options.

2. Start Simple, Don’t Overload Your Setup

Instead of buying everything at once, start with a few key devices and expand later. For most people, the following are a good starting point:

• Smart air control: Control your home’s heating and cooling remotely, saving on energy.
• Smart lighting systems: Automate lighting schedules or control them from your phone.
• Motion sensors: Keep an eye on your home and receive alerts directly to your phone.
• Leak sensors: Ensure your home is protected from unexpected water leaks and damage.

These essentials will give you immediate benefits, and you can always add more devices later.

3. Check Device Compatibility

Make sure the devices you’re eyeing can work together. It’s frustrating to buy devices only to find out they don’t integrate well. Here’s what to look for:

• Connectivity: Some devices use Wi-Fi, others use Zigbee, Z-Wave, or LoRaWAN. Check if your devices communicate on the same network or require a hub.

The last thing you want is to juggle five different apps for five devices. TEKTELIC’s devices use LoRaWAN, which offers a reliable, long-range, and low-power solution, meaning fewer interruptions and more seamless integration.

4. Think About Long-Term Reliability

Don’t just pick something because it looks good or has a trendy brand name. You want products that will last and perform consistently. Here’s what to consider:

• Battery Life: Especially for wireless devices. Longer battery life means less maintenance.
• Durability: If the device is exposed to elements (like outdoor cameras or sensors), make sure it’s built to withstand weather conditions.
• Security: Ensure the devices come with solid encryption and security protocols to protect your data.

TEKTELIC is known for reliable, long-lasting devices that offer a strong combination of durability and performance, making them a safe long-term investment.

5. Choose Devices That Are Easy to Use

No matter how powerful a device is, if it’s hard to set up or control, it will be frustrating. Look for products that offer:

• Quick Setup: You shouldn’t need a degree in engineering to install a device.
• User-Friendly Apps: The control app should be intuitive and easy to navigate. Complex menus waste time and add stress.

Devices that offer simple, intuitive setup and management are more likely to stay in use long-term.

6. Think About Scalability

Your smart home will likely grow over time, so you need devices that can grow with it. Here’s how to plan for future expansion:

• Check Ecosystem Compatibility: Stick to brands or systems that offer multiple device types, so adding new ones later won’t cause compatibility issues.
• Expandable Systems: Pick devices that support additional devices or features through gateways.

For example, TEKTELIC’s systems are scalable, allowing you to start small and gradually add more devices as your needs evolve without having to change your entire setup.

7. Get Insights to Fine-Tune Performance

Data is your friend. IoT devices can give you real-time feedback on how your home uses energy or how often certain devices are active. Look for:

• Real-Time Monitoring: Get data on energy use, temperature changes, or security alerts instantly.
• Automation Tweaks: Based on the data, adjust your routines or schedules to save even more energy or increase security.

TEKTELIC’s devices, for example, provide advanced technologies, real-time data on air quality, temperature, and energy use, helping you make more informed decisions on how to run your home more efficiently.

8. Look for Future-Proof Devices

Technology moves fast, so make sure your IoT devices won’t be outdated in a year. Here’s what to look for:

• Regular Firmware Updates: Ensure the company regularly releases updates to improve features and security.
• Industry Standards: Stick to devices that use widely-adopted communication standards (like LoRaWAN) to ensure they’ll work with future devices.

Choosing devices with long-term support means fewer headaches and a longer life for your investment.

Choosing the right IoT solutions isn’t about having the latest gadgets — it’s about getting devices that make your life easier, more efficient, and future-ready.

By focusing on compatibility, ease of use, reliability, and scalability, you can build a smart home system that suits your specific needs and can grow with you. Solutions like those from TEKTELIC ensure you get long-lasting, efficient, and easy-to-use devices that integrate seamlessly into your daily life.

Maximizing Efficiency with IoT Solutions

At TEKTELIC, maximizing efficiency is at the core of our IoT solutions. We believe that smart home technology should not only make your life more convenient but also improve how your home operates, making it more energy-efficient and secure. Our IoT devices, from smart air control sensors to motion detectors, are designed to help homeowners automate key aspects of their homes, reduce waste, and optimize resources.

Key Ways TEKTELIC’s IoT Solutions Maximize Efficiency:

1. Energy Optimization
   TEKTELIC’s BREEZE CO₂ Smart Room Sensor and BREEZE-V Occupancy Sensor are perfect examples of how smart technology can cut down on energy consumption. These devices monitor room occupancy, temperature, CO₂ levels, and humidity in real-time, adjusting heating, cooling, and ventilation only when necessary. By automating these processes, you reduce energy waste and save on utility bills, all while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.
2. Long-Term Durability and Efficiency
   TEKTELIC’s devices are designed for long-term reliability, with up to 10 years of battery life. This reduces the need for frequent replacements or maintenance, ensuring your smart home system runs efficiently over time. With low power consumption and durable designs, our sensors are built to provide consistent performance for years.
3. Scalable and Custom Solutions
   We understand that no two homes are the same, which is why TEKTELIC takes a custom approach to smart home automation. Whether you’re starting small or looking for a full-scale automation system, our experts will work with you to find the right solution that grows with your needs. This scalability ensures that you can expand your system efficiently without over-investing from the start.

TEKTELIC’s IoT solutions are built with efficiency in mind—from energy savings to seamless automation and long-lasting performance. By integrating our sensors and smart devices, you can create a home that not only runs smoother but also reduces waste, making your living space smarter and more sustainable.

Summary

Making your home smarter with IoT devices is simpler than you might expect. From preventing water leaks to improving air quality and saving energy, we’ve covered the key solutions to help you get started. By now, you have the information you need to begin creating a more efficient, safer home.

If you still have any questions or want more details, we’re here to help. Feel free to reach out for support or a consultation – we’re ready to guide you toward the best IoT solutions for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of IoT in the home?

IoT in the home can be seen in devices like smart air and temperature sensors that adjust the temperature based on your preferences and habits. Another example is smart lighting that you can control remotely from your smartphone.

An example of IoT in the home is our COMFORT Water Leak Detection Sensor. This sensor is placed in areas prone to leaks, like bathrooms or kitchens, and instantly detects any water leakage. Once a leak is identified, the sensor sends an immediate alert to the homeowner’s phone, allowing for a quick response to prevent costly water damage. This real-time monitoring and remote notification system shows how IoT can make homes more secure and efficient, reducing risks and helping homeowners stay in control, even when they aren’t physically present.

How can IoT be used at home?

IoT can be used at home to enhance convenience and efficiency. TEKTELIC’s KONA Micro IoT Gateway is an excellent example of IoT in the home. It connects multiple IoT devices, enabling seamless communication between sensors and systems. Paired with the COMFORT Smart Room Sensor, which monitors temperature, humidity, and light levels, homeowners can automatically adjust climate settings to optimize energy use and maintain comfort. Additionally, the VIVID Sensor tracks movement and occupancy, enhancing home security by detecting unauthorized activity and sending real-time alerts.

What is a home IoT device?

A home IoT device is a smart device that connects to the internet to collect, share, and act on data, helping to automate and optimize home functions. Examples include motion sensors, leak detection sensors smart lighting and air-control systems, and environmental sensors like TEKTELIC’s Breeze CO₂ Smart Room Sensor, which monitors air quality and adjusts HVAC systems for energy efficiency. These devices work together to enhance convenience, security, and efficiency in the home.

How to make a smart home using IoT?

To make a smart home using IoT, follow these steps:

1. Install a IoT Gateway: Start with a central hub like TEKTELIC’s KONA Micro IoT Gateway to connect and control multiple IoT devices.
2. Choose Smart Devices: Add IoT devices based on your needs. For example, TEKTELIC’s BREEZE Indoor Air Quality Sensor monitors air quality, while the COMFORT Sensor with Leak Detection automates the monitoring of potential water damage.
3. Automate Tasks: Program your devices to automate functions. For instance, use occupancy sensors to turn off lights or adjust thermostats when rooms are empty.
4. Monitor and Control Remotely: Use an app to control your smart home from anywhere, whether adjusting settings or receiving alerts from the sensors.

By integrating various IoT devices, you create a home that’s smarter, more efficient, and easier to manage.