Smart homes aren’t the future anymore — they’re happening right now. From app-controlled heating to voice-activated lighting, more and more Exeter homeowners are asking:
“Which smart upgrades are actually worth it — and which ones are a waste of money?”
If you’re planning a renovation or just curious about bringing your home into the 21st century, this guide breaks it all down. No tech jargon. Just straight answers from our point of view.
Worth It: Smart Thermostats
Great for: Energy savings, convenience, and comfort
Smart thermostats like Nest or Hive learn your routine, adjust heating automatically, and can be controlled from your phone — perfect for chilly Devon mornings when you want the house warm before you get out of bed.
Pro Tip: Pairing a smart thermostat with a modern heating system (like an unvented cylinder or energy-efficient boiler) gives you even better control and savings.
Maybe Not: Cheap Smart Plugs & Sockets
Tempting? Yes. Reliable long-term? Not always.
Budget smart plugs you find online often lose connection, don’t work with UK systems properly, and can even pose fire risks. We’ve removed plenty from homes in Exeter after they failed — or when customers gave up on trying to get them to sync.
If you’re serious about smart upgrades, invest in trusted brands or speak with an installer.
Worth It: Smart Lighting (Done Right)
Great for: Convenience, ambience, and energy efficiency
Voice-controlled lights, motion sensors, and app-controlled scenes are all great — when installed properly. Smart lighting systems like Philips Hue, or hardwired solutions integrated into your consumer unit, give you the most reliable results.
Avoid cheap bulbs that need constant app updates and drop off your Wi-Fi. If you’re renovating, consider a full smart lighting system wired in professionally.
Probably Not Worth It: Smart Fridges, Microwaves & More
We get it — it’s cool to have a fridge that tells you when the milk’s low. But for most households, these kinds of upgrades don’t offer much practical value.
They cost a lot upfront, require ongoing connectivity, and if the smart tech fails… you’ve got a very expensive regular appliance.
Worth It: Smart Security & CCTV
Peace of mind, wherever you are
From doorbell cameras to full motion-triggered CCTV systems, smart security upgrades are becoming standard in many homes across Devon.
The key? Use quality systems like Ring, Eufy, or Hikvision — and make sure they’re installed professionally so they’re tamper-proof and always working when you need them most.
EPM installs smart CCTV and alarm systems — we can advise what works best for your property size, layout and internet speed.
Worth It: Smart EV Chargers
With more electric vehicles on UK roads than ever, having a smart EV charger at home is a serious upgrade. It lets you schedule charging at off-peak times (cheaper), monitor usage, and future-proofs your home.
Government grants may still be available — so it’s worth checking.
Don’t Forget: Get the Wiring Right
Many smart upgrades need more than just plugging in a device.
You may need a new consumer unit with RCBOs or an SPD
Outdoor kit like EV chargers and security lights need Part P notification
Wi-Fi signal strength matters more than you’d think
We’ve worked on smart homes in Exeter where poor cabling or overloaded circuits undid all the benefits of the tech.
Final Thoughts from EPM
Smart home tech isn’t about having flashy gadgets. It’s about making your home work better for you — safer, more efficient, and easier to live in.
If you’re unsure what’s worth it in your own home, we’re happy to have a no-pressure chat. Whether it’s just a smart thermostat or a full home upgrade, we’ll give you straight advice and honest recommendations.
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