From shower heads that double as audio speakers to refrigerators that open in response to your voice, a large number of new smart home gadgets are launched every year.

Choose the right one this Christmas, and your family can enjoy higher comfort, convenience, and in some cases, lower energy bills.  

Do you need a sock filler or just want to enter the smart technology market? Start with the smart plug. They allow you to turn the socket on and off with the push of a button, or you can program the mode of use. For example, if you wake up in the morning and need a little help, you can program the smart plug to turn on the bedside lamp when the alarm goes off. 

For several years, smart speakers have been a popular idea for Christmas. Many have voice control and wireless technology, allowing you to add speakers throughout your home without running miles of speaker cables. There are multiple options for every budget, with individual speakers starting at less than $50, and whole-house systems up to thousands.  

If you are pursuing smart home technology that can save you money, consider investing in a smart thermostat. Some models learn from your behavior and automatically adjust the temperature according to your preferences and schedule. Others can be preset to turn off when you work or when you don’t need it. Either way, by reducing unnecessary HVAC usage, smart thermostats can save you a lot of water and electricity bills. 

For gardeners in your home, consider using smart sprinklers or smart irrigation systems to beautify your lawn. The smart sprinkler attachment provides an easy entry-level method. They hang between your faucet and the hose, allowing you to control the sprinkler or preset the sprinkling time via your mobile phone.  

Although more expensive, top-of-the-line smart irrigation systems can go far beyond pre-programmed timer settings. Some can help you save water bills by adjusting the watering time and level according to the weather or soil moisture content. 

Before you start using some smart technology this Christmas, there are a few things to consider. The first is interconnectivity or compatibility. Most people want to control all or most of their smart home gadgets from a central location or one application. With so many different smart devices and smart systems on the market, it is important to understand whether the device you are buying is compatible with your other smart home technologies.  

The second thing to consider is installation. Many smart gadgets require almost no installation and very little technical knowledge to set up. Others, such as some smart locks, may require you to hire a handyman. Before investing in any smart home technology, make sure you understand the installation process and any costs that may result from it. 

If you are trapped by the idea of ​​Christmas gifts, or just want to buy yourself some snacks, please consider using these smart home technologies to improve your home’s virtual IQ. 

Ann Hoke and Keller Williams lead the REAL Trends Top 250 real estate team of Ann Hoke & Associates. For more information or comments, please contact Ann at (615) 397-4024 or AskAnn@AnnHoke.com.