Everyone’s heard of smart homes, but have you considered making a smart garage? Smart garages have just as many benefits as smart homes, and in some cases, maybe even more. Learning how to make your garage smart is an investment that could save you time, money, and a lot of extra work in the future.
This is why, as you begin your garage cleaning list this year, you should consider how you can redo your space with a few easy smart garage solutions.
What are the Benefits of a Smart Garage?
We mentioned a smart garage has almost as many benefits as a smart home, but what exactly are those benefits, and how can they affect you?
Security
With advanced detection systems and sensors, smart garages add an extra layer of security to your home. This can also lead to a safer environment by minimizing the risk of injuries to children or pets caused by traditional garage doors.
Another smart garage security benefit is that you don’t need to worry about losing the remote control, which is a safety concern as well as an inconvenience to you. Since most smart garage doors can be controlled with your phone, you don’t need to worry about this.
Many smart garage door openers can be linked to other home security systems, creating a complete safety network. Real-time alerts keep you informed of any activity detected in your garage, and some systems even incorporate smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for enhanced safety.
Convenience
A smart garage allows you to control various aspects of your garage from your phone. It doesn’t matter if you’re down the street or in a different city; you can easily manage your garage.
These systems offer a practical solution for deliveries and visits from friends or family. Instead of having to interrupt your activities or rush home, you can securely open the garage door remotely to allow a delivery driver to drop off a package or grant temporary access to a guest. This feature adds a significant layer of ease and flexibility to your daily life.
Also, if you have a smart thermostat, you can often adjust the temperature remotely, ensuring that it’s set just right before you even step inside, which is not only convenient, but it can help you be more energy efficient.
Energy Efficiency
Many smart garage door openers have features that ensure the door is properly closed and can alert you if it’s accidentally left open. This helps you save money by keeping the heat inside during the winter and cool air in during the summer.
The smart garage door openers themselves are designed to be more energy-efficient than traditional models. They can use less power consumption in standby mode, which leads to energy savings that can accumulate over time.
You can also integrate your smart garage system into your smart home system by connecting it to your home’s thermostat or lighting system. This could allow for automated adjustments, such as lowering the thermostat if the garage door is open for an extended period, or automatically turning off garage lights when the door closes.
4 Smart Garage Solutions to Consider
As you research “how to make your garage smart,” there are some features you’ll want to make sure you’re looking into. We’ve outlined some of the most popular smart solutions you can install in your garage to give you some inspiration.
1. Smart Garage Door Opener
It’s important to keep every entryway to your home safe, which is why keeping your garage door secure is also a necessity. Learning how to make your garage smart means being prepared, and that’s what smart garage door openers do. There are many ways to make your garage door smart, even if it’s adding new features to an already existing opener or lock.
Smart garage door openers come with a variety of features that allow you to automatically lock/unlock, open/close, and even monitor your garage’s surroundings. Like other smart home devices, these actions can be achieved by simply using an app on your phone.
We’ve listed some of the most secure and efficient smart garage door openers that will keep you safe with just the click of a button.
- Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Hub– Compliant with most smart home products, this system adds smart features to a variety of garage door openers. Using the MyQ app, you can check on the status of your garage door and control it remotely. It’s easy to install and uses a bolting bracket to ensure it’s secure on your ceiling.
- Garagdget- Reliable and convenient, the Garagdget adds voice control and remote access to your already existing garage opener. The garage door sensor system is made up of a reflective tag that’s placed on the top panel of your garage door, making it easy to install as well as providing extra security.
Investing in your garage is just as important as investing in your home. Learning how to make your garage smart can boost your curb appeal and bring your home to the next level while making your life easier.
2. Smart Garage Thermostat
Whether it’s cooling your garage down in the summer or warming it up in the winter, purchasing a smart garage thermostat can bring many benefits to your home. These thermostats allow you to control the temperature automatically without having to change it manually inside the garage.
Before you choose a smart garage thermostat, you’ll want to make sure your garage is insulated properly. You’ll also need to find a heater or AC unit that’s compatible with a smart thermostat.
Here are some popular smart thermostats you can research more, depending on your BTUs, voltage, and garage area.
- Honeywell Home Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat– Compatible with all voice assistant devices, this thermostat is easy to install and can be operated from anywhere with Wi-Fi. You can control it through an app on your phone or with voice assistance. The settings are also stored, allowing you to access them wherever and whenever you want.
- Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat– Saving about 23% on HVAC energy, this thermostat will help you save on your heating and cooling bills. It can be accessed remotely from anywhere with Wi-Fi on an app or with a voice controller. Compatible with all voice assistant devices and comes with an in-built level sensor that makes installation simple.
- Black & Decker Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat– As a multifunctional device, this thermostat works with your home’s systems and energy use. It allows you to save up to 23% on HVAC energy costs and gives alerts for extreme temperature changes. It’s compatible with all voice assistant devices and comes with an easy-to-use interface.
3. Smart Garage Storage
Maximizing your storage space in your garage can be a daunting task, but learning how to make your garage smart makes it much easier. Smart garage storage solutions allow you to free up floor space for your vehicles or other larger items that can’t be tucked away.
Smart garage storage covers a wide range of features, whether it’s bikes, cargo boxes, or other bulky items. These storage options guarantee your belongings are secure but still easy to get to.
If you’re looking to easily stay organized, here are some examples of smart storage solutions you can use.
- Universal XL Lifter– Whether it’s cargo boxes or kayaks, this lifter is designed to hold any large items at various heights. The universal XL lifter can be controlled by Bluetooth on your phone and allows you to set weight limits, keeping you and your family safe. The straps are adjustable, giving you the option of balancing multiple items.
- Platform Lifter- Smart and sturdy, this platform lifter is capable of storing a variety of heavy items. Controlled by Bluetooth, you can determine your platform’s dimensions to increase storage capacity as well as the speed and stopping points of the platform. It’s easy to install and is designed to prevent items from rolling or tipping off.
4. Smart Garage Lock
A smart lock on your garage’s entry door provides an essential second layer of security beyond the main garage door by eliminating the risks associated with physical keys by using a smart garage keypad. Activity logs track entries and exits, and real-time alerts can notify you of unusual activity.
A smart garage keypad allows you to grant temporary codes for deliveries and visitors when you’re not home. The auto-lock feature ensures the door is always secured.
- Kwikset SmartCode 955– This secure and convenient keypad lock offers keyless entry and boasts a long-lasting 3-year battery life and exceptional durability. Manage access easily with up to 30 customizable user codes, a one-time code option, and a programming code for simple editing. Three lock modes, including Auto-Lock and Passage, provide flexible functionality, with the option to disable the turnpiece for enhanced security in Auto-Lock mode.
- Yale LiftMaster Smart Door Locks– Enhance security and convenience by pairing this lock with the included Lock Wi-Fi Bridge to manage door activity remotely via the myQ app. The Delivery Auto-Lock feature automatically secures your door after an in-garage delivery and allows you to enjoy the added security and convenience of keyless entry.
