Welcome to the future—where your home listens, responds, protects, and adapts to your life. But with so many devices on the market, what upgrade comes first?
You’ve seen the sleek ads: a thermostat you talk to, lights that dim when you say “movie night,” a doorbell that shows you who’s there from anywhere in the world. It all sounds amazing—but if you rush into smart home upgrades without a game plan, you might end up with a chaotic mess of apps, networks, and gadgets that don’t speak the same language.
This isn’t just a tech trend—it’s the new standard. At Jett Electrical Services, we’ve helped Edmonton homeowners move from confusion to control with well-planned smart home upgrades that actually improve everyday life.
This guide breaks it all down. We’ll show you:
- The best smart home upgrades to start with
- What actually matters to your comfort, energy use, and safety
- How to avoid wasting money on “meh” tech
- And why a licensed electrician should always be part of the plan
Ready to make your home not just smart—but genius? Let’s go.
Start Smart: The 3 Questions Before You Buy
Before you plug in another device, ask yourself:
- What problem are you solving?
- Want to cut your energy bill?
- Improve home security?
- Automate daily routines?
- How tech-savvy are you?
- Some systems need apps, routines, hubs, and Wi-Fi know-how. Others? Just plug, sync, done.
- Are your current electrical systems ready?
- Spoiler: many homes in Edmonton aren’t. Some older panels or wiring setups can’t support multiple smart systems safely.
The Top 5 Smart Home Upgrade to Do List
Here’s what we recommend most to our clients at Jett Electrical Services—with real-world results in mind.
1. Smart Thermostat – Control Comfort & Costs
Why first? It pays for itself fast. Heating and cooling eat up almost 50% of your energy bill. Smart thermostats like Nest or Ecobee adapt to your habits and even know when you’ve left the house.
Bonus: In Edmonton’s wild winters and short summers, automatic seasonal switching is a game-changer.
🔧 Pro tip: Some models need a C-wire (common wire) for power. If you’re missing one, we can install it fast.
2. Smart Lighting – Instant Mood, Maximum Efficiency
Why first? Lighting is one of the most noticeable, satisfying upgrades. You can schedule, dim, or change color from your phone or voice assistant.
What to upgrade first:
- High-traffic areas: kitchen, entryway, bedroom
- Exterior lights with motion sensors or dusk/dawn settings
💡 Smart bulb vs. smart switch: Bulbs are easy for renters. Switches are better long-term and work with regular bulbs.
3. Smart Plugs & Outlets – Budget-Friendly Power Control
Why first? These turn any plugged-in device into a smart one—perfect for lamps, fans, coffee makers, or Christmas lights.
Why it matters: They help prevent overloading circuits and let you shut off forgotten devices remotely.
📱 Bonus: Track energy use per outlet with some models to see which appliances are draining the most power.
4. Smart Doorbell & Security System – Eyes on What Matters
Why first? Peace of mind. From package thefts to unexpected visitors, you’ll always know who’s at your door—even if you’re across the country.
What we install most often:
- Video doorbells (Ring, Nest Hello, Arlo)
- Smart locks (August, Yale, Schlage)
- Full camera + alarm systems integrated with your phone
🚪 Tip: We recommend hardwired setups for reliability—no batteries, no signal drops.
5. Whole-Home Surge Protection – The Unseen Shield
Why first? Your smart tech is only as good as the power behind it. A sudden spike can fry your new devices, and it happens more than you think.
⚡ Surge protectors installed at your panel protect everything—from your fridge to your router.
✅ Installed by Jett Electrical = peace of mind included.
Smart Upgrade Impact Chart
Want to see which upgrade gives you the biggest bang for your buck? Check this out:
| Smart Upgrade | Estimated Cost | Avg. Monthly Savings | Effort Level | Jett’s Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Thermostat | $250–$400 | $15–$25 | Low | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Must-Have |
| Smart Lighting (Switch) | $60–$150/room | $5–$10 | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great Start |
| Smart Plug | $25–$60 | $3–$5 | Easy | ⭐⭐⭐ Quick Win |
| Video Doorbell | $150–$300 | N/A (security benefit) | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Worth It |
| Whole-Home Surge Protect | $400–$800 | High protection value | Low | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Essential Safety |
👷 Why You Need a Licensed Electrician for Smart Upgrades
Smart tech might be plug-and-play—but your home’s electrical system isn’t.
- Older wiring? Many smart switches won’t work without a neutral wire.
- Overloaded panels? Adding 10+ devices could cause tripping, flickering, or worse.
- Wrong amperage? Some devices draw more power than your outlets can handle.
That’s where Jett Electrical Services comes in.
We evaluate your system, upgrade your panel if needed, and install your devices with precision and safety—so everything works now and years from now.
Why Jett Electrical Services Is Edmonton’s Smart Choice
We don’t just install—we advise, upgrade, and protect your home’s electrical future.
✅ Master & Red Seal Electricians
✅ Trusted since 2024
✅ Clear, competitive pricing
✅ Residential & commercial smart systems
✅ New construction, renovations, LED lighting, basement wiring, panel upgrades & more
We’ll help you create a smart home plan that matches your needs, your lifestyle, and your budget.
🚀 Ready to Get Smart (The Right Way)?
Don’t fall for flashy devices and half-baked systems. Get a smart home that’s safe, reliable, and actually makes your life easier.
Call us today at 780-246-3852 or book a consultation online:
👉 https://jettelectrical.ca/contact-us/
Because the future is electric—and with Jett, it’s brighter than ever.
