In the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Tucson homeowners face unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to home automation. From managing energy consumption during scorching summers to enhancing security in a growing city, smart devices can make a significant difference. Here’s our list of the top 10 smart devices every Tucson homeowner should consider:

  1. Smart Thermostat In a city where temperatures can soar above 100°F, a smart thermostat is a must-have. Devices like the Nest Learning Thermostat or ecobee SmartThermostat can learn your schedule and preferences, adjusting the temperature automatically to save energy while keeping you comfortable.
  2. Smart Irrigation Controller Water conservation is crucial in Tucson’s arid climate. A smart irrigation controller like the Rachio 3 can adjust your watering schedule based on local weather data, soil conditions, and plant types, helping you maintain a beautiful yard while minimizing water waste.
  3. Solar-Powered Security Cameras Tucson’s abundant sunshine makes solar-powered security cameras an excellent choice. The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera or Ring Stick Up Cam Solar can provide continuous surveillance without increasing your energy bill.
  4. Smart Locks Enhance your home’s security with smart locks like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock or Schlage Encode. These devices allow you to control access remotely, perfect for letting in service providers or guests when you’re not home.
  5. Smart Smoke and CO Detectors Protect your home with smart smoke and CO detectors like the Nest Protect. These devices can send alerts to your phone and integrate with other smart home devices for added safety.
  6. Smart Ceiling Fans Ceiling fans are a Tucson staple, and smart models like the Hunter Symphony or Big Ass Fans Haiku can be controlled via smartphone or voice commands, helping you save on cooling costs.
  7. Smart Window Coverings Automated blinds or shades, such as Lutron Serena or Somfy Sonesse, can help manage heat gain during Tucson’s intense summer days, reducing the load on your air conditioning system.
  8. Air Quality Monitor With occasional dust storms and high pollen counts, an air quality monitor like the Awair Element can help you keep track of indoor air quality and integrate with your smart HVAC system for optimal filtration.
  9. Smart Doorbell A smart doorbell like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 or Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wire-Free can enhance your home’s security and allow you to interact with visitors remotely.
  10. Smart Power Strips In a city with ample sunshine, managing vampire power draw is crucial. Smart power strips like the TP-Link Kasa or APC Smart Plug Power Strip can help you monitor and control energy consumption of multiple devices.

By incorporating these smart devices, Tucson homeowners can create a more comfortable, efficient, and secure living environment. Remember to choose devices that are compatible with your preferred smart home ecosystem (e.g., Apple HomeKit, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa) for seamless integration and control.