For many households in Toronto, the concept of a smart home starts and ends with voice assistance in the kitchen or a few smart plugs around the home. Sure, these devices are useful, but they’re largely surface-level. The smart appliances industry is booming, and investing in upgrades can truly elevate your home to the next level.
With Toronto’s freezing winters, humid summers, rising energy costs, and mix of condo and suburban living, the right tech can make a measurable difference. Here are four must-have additions to a smart home that can bring tangible benefits in efficiency, security and everyday comfort.
1. Smart Thermostats
One must-have addition for every modern home is a modern thermostat. It’s not only a device that can improve the comfort of your home — smart thermostats have been shown to save approximately 8% of heating and cooling bills. This energy efficiency is a significant advantage, especially in colder climates like Toronto, where heating is a necessity.
Smart thermostats use learning algorithms and advanced sensors to manage your heating and cooling costs — and homeowners in Ontario can often find rebates for upgrading their homes with energy-efficient smart technology. Another key feature of smart thermostats is that they use remote sensors that ensure even temperatures throughout multi-story homes or condos, a common feature in Toronto housing.
2. Automated Blinds & Curtains
Automatic blinds and curtains are a smart upgrade that provide year-round comfort and improved energy efficiency. In winter, they offer passive heating, a particular benefit for Toronto residents, by opening on sunny days to let in solar heat and lower heating costs. In summer, they do the opposite and can be scheduled to close during peak sunlight, blocking heat and reducing AC usage, which helps save money during Toronto’s humid months.
But energy efficiency isn’t the only reason why automated blinds and curtains can take your smart home to the next level. This tech also features voice recognition, allowing it to respond to quick and easy commands – handy if you’re watching a movie or want to take a nap.
3. Smart Garages
A smart garage is another great way to take your high-tech home ot hte next level. The garage is often overlooked, but for many in the Toronto area, it’s a primary point of entry — so making sure it’s secure is crucial. The days of a manual lock and key for a garage door are long gone. With recent advances in tech, garage doors can be remotely opened and locked via a smartphone app.
The smart garage industry is booming. According to Vantage Market Research, the market is projected to grow to $1.24 billion by 2032. And it’s likely that these types of garages will become commonplace in smart homes, as they provide significant advancements in both convenience and security — offering capabilities such as remote operation, status monitoring, and real-time alerts.
4. Advanced Security Systems
Another way to elevate a smart home is by implementing a comprehensive range of security features. Security isn’t just about a video doorbell. The best smart homes include a multifaceted security system, with integrated smart locks, door and window contact sensors and cameras. Although the crime rate in Toronto has fallen, with overall crime rates falling 9.6% in 2025, home break-ins still happen.
That’s why protecting your home from any scenario is crucial. This is more than just being able to see who’s at the door—it’s about interconnecting technology to make your home a secure haven. The Home Assistant app, for instance, can support 1,600 add-ons, working as a central hub for your smart home, connecting lights, cameras, doors and locks together in one efficient place.
Take Your Home To The Next Level
There’s no place like home. And in today’s modern and interconnected world, smart homes are becoming increasingly commonplace. It’s for good reason, smart homes can enhance energy efficiency, security and daily convenience. But while smart technology in homes is on the rise, many fail to seize the full benefits.
Smart technology is more than just a gimmick, it brings numerous tangible benefits to your life. That’s why it’s essential to incorporate must-have additions to elevate your smart home to the next level. Crucially, however, ensure that you choose the technology that first meets your unique needs. A smart home isn’t just brick and mortar — it’s a residence that adapts to your life and environment.
About The Author
Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about cars, fitness, the outdoors and more. Check out @TModded for regular updates, and subscribe to Modded Minute for more!
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