What are the New Smart Home Features?

Santa Cruz is a place of breathtaking coastal beauty, a community deeply committed to sustainability, and a lifestyle that embraces both innovation and nature. It’s no surprise that smart home technology is gaining traction here. As a homeowner, you may have realized that making your home more energy efficient is not only a win for the environment but also a win for your wallet. Sure, some of the green equipment may seem expensive at first. But they tend to pay for themselves in the long run with lower energy bills and increased home value.

What Smart Home Features Are Most Valuable for Santa Cruz Homeowners?

The most valuable smart home features for Santa Cruz homeowners are those that enhance energy efficiency, sustainability, and security, all while fitting into the area’s unique climate and lifestyle. Consider this: on average, energy-efficient homes sell for about 2.7% more than those without sustainability upgrades. That’s not just a trend—it’s a reflection of how much buyers value homes designed with the future in mind. In fact, a 2023 report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that 63% of homebuyers see smart home features as a deciding factor when choosing a property. For the people of Santa Cruz, this is not just about comfort; it is about joining a community that values innovation and environmental protection. Here are the top smart home features that are becoming popular:

1. Energy-Efficient Smart Thermostats

Santa Cruz County’s mild Mediterranean climate is one of its biggest draws—think sunny days, cool ocean breezes, and evenings that rarely dip too low. But even in this temperate paradise, heating and cooling your home can still add up, especially with energy costs on the rise. According to EnergySage, the average residential electricity rate in Santa Cruz is 36 ¢/kWh, which is 6% higher than California’s average of 33.65 ¢/kWh and a staggering 79% higher than the national average of 20 ¢/kWh. That’s where smart thermostats like the Google Nest come in.

A properly programmed thermostat can cut your heating and cooling (HVAC) energy use by up to 20%. On average, households save about 14% on their energy bills. In a place like Santa Cruz, where electricity rates can be higher than the state and national average, those savings can really add up over time. Plus, with residential thermostats accounting for more than 10% of national energy consumption, making the switch to a smart thermostat isn’t just good for your wallet—it’s a small but meaningful step toward reducing your carbon footprint.

2. Solar Panels and Solar-Powered Smart Systems

Pair energy-efficient smart thermostats with a solar energy system, and you’ve got a winning combination. Solar panels are increasingly viewed as premium upgrades. They are much like a renovated kitchen or a finished basement. Studies, including one by the LBNL (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory), show that homes with solar panels sell for a premium—on average, about $15,000 more than comparable homes without solar. While the exact premium can vary based on factors like local electricity rates and the size of the system, the message is clear: solar homes are in demand.

Solar-powered smart systems are revolutionizing how we manage energy in homes and buildings. Imagine cutting down on your electricity bills while doing your part to protect the planet—sounds like a win-win, right? By tapping into the power of the sun, these systems offer a cleaner, more sustainable way to keep the lights on and the appliances running.

What Makes These Systems Stand Out?

• Real-Time Monitoring: Ever wondered exactly how much energy your home is using—or producing? With real-time data, you can track your energy production, consumption, and even how well your system is performing. It’s like having a fitness tracker for your home’s energy habits.
• Energy Storage: Solar panels keep on working for you even after the sun sets. With smart battery storage systems, you can stash away extra power generated during the day and use it later—like at night or during a power outage.
• Intelligent Automation: They can automatically adjust the way you store or use energy based on factors such as weather forecasts, your daily energy consumption, or even changes in the energy consumption of your appliances. It's like having a personal energy manager who works in the background.
• Grid Integration: Should you have more energy than you use, you may send the extra back to the grid, perhaps earning credits on your account. Some systems even enable you to engage in demand response programs, in which case you assist in balancing the grid during peak hours. It’s a small way to make a big impact.

Where Can You Use This Tech?

A few examples of the most common solar-powered smart home systems based on their functionality include:

• Solar-powered smart security systems, including security cameras, motion sensors, and smart locks that run on solar energy
• Solar-powered smart lighting (outdoor and indoor lighting systems that charge during the day and automatically illuminate at night, often controlled via smart apps).
• Solar-Powered smart HVAC systems
• Solar-powered smart water heaters (they use solar energy to heat water efficiently, often connected to smart thermostats for temperature control).
• Solar-powered smart irrigation systems
• Solar-powered smart energy storage & management, including battery storage solutions that work with solar panels to power smart home devices and optimize energy consumption.
• Solar-Powered Smart Appliances—Refrigerators, ovens, and other home appliances designed to run efficiently on solar-generated electricity, often integrated with smart energy management systems.
• Smart Agriculture: Farmers are using solar-powered sensors and devices to monitor crops, optimize water usage, and improve yields. It’s a game-changer for sustainable farming, helping growers do more with less.

With more than thirty percent of the total solar electricity generated in California, the state is setting the benchmark. By implementing forward-looking policies such as mandating solar installations on all new homes and businesses, the state has confirmed its leadership in the solar industry of the nation. California produces more than 22 gigawatts of solar energy yearly.

3. Climate Control for Comfort

Examples include:

• Smart Thermostats. These smart thermostats learn your temperature preferences over time and adjust automatically. It can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app, making it easy to maintain a comfortable environment.
• Thermostats with Room Sensors: They detect occupancy and temperature in different areas, optimizing heating and cooling for both efficiency and comfort—ideal for facilities with multiple rooms.
• Smart Dehumidifiers (e.g., homeLabs Smart Dehumidifier): These devices monitor and adjust humidity levels automatically, helping to create a healthier indoor atmosphere, especially for individuals with respiratory sensitivities.

4. Features for Adaptive Lighting for Well-Being

Lighting plays a crucial role in mood, productivity, and overall well-being. Innovative lighting systems can automatically adjust brightness and color temperature throughout the day to support natural circadian rhythms, improve sleep quality, and enhance focus. Examples are:

• Wi-Fi-Enabled Smart Bulbs: These allow for adjustable brightness, color changes, and scheduled automation through an app or voice commands, helping to create a soothing and customizable environment.
• Smart Dimmer Switches: These can be installed without replacing existing bulbs, allowing for effortless control of lighting levels and scheduling.
• Automated Window Blinds: Motorized blinds can be programmed to open and close based on a set schedule, improving natural light regulation and energy efficiency. Some systems can also integrate with light sensors for adaptive adjustments.

5. AI-Driven Personalization

Imagine a house that knew you better than you knew yourself. Thanks to artificial intelligence-driven smart home technologies, this is becoming a reality. These systems learn your habits, preferences, and routines and adapt everything from lighting to temperature to suit your way of life. Over time, they adapt to make your everyday tasks easier and more intuitive, and you will have a living room that will feel truly personal.

The impact of this technology is incontrovertible. The global smart home market is booming, with forecasts projecting it to reach a staggering $537.01 trillion by 2030. According to a report by Grand View Research, Inc., between 2023 and 2030, the smart home sector will grow at a whopping rate of 27.07 percent per annum. More and more people are embracing the convenience and personalization offered by smart houses.

6. Entertainment & Accessibility Features

Smart home technologies are not just luxuries—they are a way of making everyday life more pleasant, accessible, and tailored to your needs. They can also change the lives of people with disabilities by offering greater independence and convenience. Some of the most popular smart home features are:

• Voice-Controlled Smart Speakers: They provide hands-free access to music, audiobooks, and other media, enhancing relaxation and engagement. Multi-room speaker setups can create a seamless audio experience throughout a facility.
• Smart TVs: These internet-connected TVs come with built-in streaming apps and can integrate with home automation systems, allowing you to control everything with voice commands or a simple app.
• Smart Displays: By combining voice control with a touchscreen, these devices enable users to stream video, make video calls and manage other features of the smart home and offer both entertainment and accessibility at the same time.

7. Features for Enhanced Safety & Security

• Video Doorbells: Live video streaming and two-way communication allow you to speak with your visitors for that little extra security remotely. The facilities ought to examine their privacy policies concerning the recording and storage of such video.
• Smart Security Cameras: These systems offer high-definition video, motion detection, and remote monitoring. Cloud storage options may be available, but privacy compliance should be considered in sensitive environments.
• Keyless Smart Locks: Secure, app-controlled locks enable remote locking and unlocking. They can also provide transient access codes for caregivers or visitors, enhancing security and convenience.
• Comprehensive Security Systems: Motion sensors, door/window sensors, and alarms can all be connected to a central hub, sending real-time alerts to your phone. Some features might require a subscription, but the added security is often worth it.

8. Wellness-Focused Design

Health and well-being are top priorities for Santa Cruz homeowners. Smart air purifiers, water filtration systems, and circadian lighting are becoming staples in local homes. Moreover, particularly in cancer treatment, new research looking forward to wearable technology and remote monitoring in healthcare emphasizes their transforming power. The study underlines that usually, in real-time, wearable and mobile devices provide scalable, reasonably priced alternatives for remote patient monitoring. More informed clinical choices are made possible by the abundance of objective measurements and patient-reported information this technology offers healthcare practitioners. The outcome is improved general results, greater quality of life, and more patient compliance with treatment strategies. Healthcare systems may provide more individualized, responsive therapy at important periods of treatment by combining these instruments.

Are Smart Homes a Good Investment in Santa Cruz's Real Estate Market?

Absolutely! Smart homes are not only convenient but also add significant value to properties in Santa Cruz and elsewhere. When you’re searching for a home, chances are you’re looking for more than just four walls and a roof. According to research conducted by CNET and Coldwell Banker, 81% of buyers are more inclined to choose a home that comes equipped with smart home technology. This isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a shift in what homeowners value. Sarah K. Richardson of the Arizona School of Real Estate Business echoes this sentiment, noting that 80% of homebuyers actively seek out properties with smart technology already integrated. A recent survey found that most renters—about 82%—want at least one smart device or system in their home.

Smart home features are not just a question of keeping up with the times; they also reflect comprehension and meeting of the changing expectations of today's house purchasers if you are in the Santa Cruz real estate market and want to update your property to increase its selling value. Smart living is, clearly, what people want and expect, not a luxury anymore.

How Can Smart Homes Enhance Santa Cruz's Coastal Lifestyle?

Smart home technology can help enhance the unique coastal lifestyle that Santa Cruz residents cherish in many ways, including:

• Climate Control: Smart thermostats and humidity sensors help maintain a comfortable indoor environment, even during Santa Cruz’s foggy mornings and warm afternoons.
• Saltwater Corrosion Protection: Smart home systems can monitor and alert homeowners to potential issues caused by saltwater exposure, such as rust or corrosion.
• Outdoor Living: Smart outdoor lighting, sound systems, and Wi-Fi-enabled grills make it easy to enjoy Santa Cruz’s year-round outdoor living spaces. With remote work on the rise, Santa Cruz residents are creating flexible spaces that serve multiple purposes. Smart lighting and voice-controlled systems make it easy to transition between work, relaxation, and entertainment.

Ready to explore smart homes and the New Real Estate Trends in Santa Cruz? Contact a local real estate expert today to find the perfect property for your needs!

Paul Burrowes, CRS, CCEC, SFR, NHCP, LHC, REALTOR® Licensed REALTOR® with over 15 years of experience and expertise. Commits to being on time and transparent. Acts as your consultant to ensure you make the best decisions to fit your transaction at every step in the process. Negotiates towards a low-stress, win-win outcome. Handles all the details for you, ensuring the hundreds of steps in your real estate transaction go smoothly. Proudly serving Silicon Valley, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Santa Clara Counties! | DRE# 01955563 | (831) 295-5130 | paul@burrowes.com.

Tags

• energy storage (1)
• smart systems (1)
• smart home (1)
• energy efficient (1)
• solar powered (1)
• new home features (1)