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Electronics and tech gear are two of the most popular items on the Black Friday wish list every year. With so many new, and redesigned. smart home gadgets available this year, the pre-holiday shopping season may be the perfect time to enhance connectivity in your North County San Diego home.

Creating a Smart Home: What to Look For

Now is the time to look for discounts on tech to make your home run smoother, safer, and cleaner, as in more eco-friendly.

Safety and Security

Security and safety technology continues to evolve. Today's smart home security packages have come a long way from the doorbell alert-to-text that wowed us just a few years ago. You'll find new versions of simple systems with more sensitive programmable cameras and motion sensors, as well as additional voice and facial recognition features, allowing homeowners to recognize guests.

Expanded Connectivity

Living in a larger home comes with many advantages, but consistent, blanketed Wi-Fi coverage is typically not one of them, especially if you have a multistory home with dense walls to enhance energy-efficiency. High-quality mesh Wi-Fi systems with four to six long-range antenn​as cover an impressive 20,000 square feet. Smaller, less expensive, options eliminate dead spots with Bluetooth or satellite receiver hubs that automatically connect your smart devices to the strongest connection point as you move through the home. When comparing Wi-Fi mesh products look for a system that complements your device load and coverage needs. Whether your large home has 1,500 square feet or 10,000 there is probably a customizable bundle perfect for your home and your family.

Water Conservation

Water conversation is something on every California homeowner's mind. Many of you may already own, or are ready to buy, a home with smart washers and dryer, and fixtures in the bathroom that dramatically reduce water use. You may already have technology in your home that could be doing more.

Put that soundbar in the entertainment center to better use than let dimming the lights. Voice activated in-ground sprinkler system technology uses data from satellites, weather stations and local radar to establish watering schedules. Better-equipped systems include functionality that detects leaks and notifies homeowners. Managing your sprinkler system is convenient and vital, especially since Governor Brown recently signed new water restriction guidelines based on climate zone and local precipitation.

Energy Efficiency

You'll find an abundant supply of smart tech for reducing energy consumption. Black Friday specials homeowners can look for include, smart window shades and blinds, thermostats that monitor HVAC performance and send alerts when a filter needs replacing, and smart power strips that eliminate energy vampire power consumption.

Since you're already shopping around for eco-friendly, energy efficient upgrades, think about products that make a huge difference, too. For example, investing a few thousand dollars ($2K to $5K) in a solar water heater will not only reduce your power bill, but you'll "make money," in the long run. It only take about 24 months to recoup the initial investment. For those who have a bigger budget, a solar array (price tag of $30,000 to $40,000) will get you the biggest return on investment long-term. California residents are eligible for Federal tax credits, incentives and California green energy rebates, that combined, cover a significant part of the initial purchase and installation price.

Taking advantage of Black Friday specials is a great way to create a better smart home. Come back and let us know about your best deals.

Photos by Thomas Kolnowski on Unsplash