“What’s one home gadget you purchased that completely transformed your daily routine? How has it improved your quality of life compared to before you owned it?”
Here is what 13 thought leaders had to say.
Smart Thermostat Transforms Life Through Personalized Comfort
As the founder of VitalBoost, I can confidently say that one home gadget that has completely transformed my daily routine is the smart thermostat. This device not only manages the temperature in my home but also learns my habits and preferences over time, making it an invaluable addition to my daily life.
Before I installed a smart thermostat, adjusting the temperature in my home was a manual task that often led to discomfort. I would forget to adjust the settings before leaving for work, only to return to a house that was either too hot or too cold. This not only affected my comfort but also my energy bills, as I was wasting energy heating or cooling my home when it wasn’t necessary.
Now, with the smart thermostat, I can control the temperature remotely using my smartphone, which means I can adjust it while I’m on my way home. The device learns when I typically leave for work and when I come back, optimizing the heating and cooling schedules accordingly. This feature has significantly improved my quality of life by creating a more comfortable living environment and providing peace of mind knowing that I’m not wasting energy.
Moreover, according to a study by the U.S. Department of Energy, smart thermostats can save homeowners an average of 10-15% on heating and cooling costs. For someone who is conscious about both comfort and energy efficiency, that’s a win-win situation.
At VitalBoost, we believe that technology should enhance our daily lives, and the smart thermostat is a perfect example of how a simple gadget can lead to substantial improvements in routine and overall well-being. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about making informed choices that contribute to a healthier lifestyle and a more sustainable home.
In short, the smart thermostat has enhanced my daily routine by providing comfort, convenience, and energy savings, and I would encourage anyone looking to improve their home environment to consider this transformative gadget.
Kevin Mark, founder, VitalBoost
Smart Thermostat Automates Comfort While Cutting Energy Costs
A smart home thermostat transformed daily routines by automating climate control throughout the house. Before using it, manually adjusting temperature settings consumed time and often led to inefficient heating or cooling. With automation and remote control via a smartphone app, the home maintains consistent comfort while reducing energy waste. Unexpected benefits included lower utility bills, improved sleep quality from optimized nighttime temperatures, and the ability to precondition rooms before returning home. This device not only simplified household management but also enhanced comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency, demonstrating how targeted technology can have a tangible impact on daily life.
Belle Florendo, Marketing coordinator, RGV Direct Care
Water Filtration System Streamlines Daily Tasks
A smart water filtration system completely transformed my daily routine by ensuring consistently clean, great-tasting water without the hassle of frequent bottle purchases or manual filtering. Installing the system provided instant access to filtered water for drinking, cooking, and even coffee preparation, streamlining everyday tasks.
The improvement in quality of life has been tangible. Hydration became effortless, reducing reliance on sugary beverages and improving overall energy levels. Time previously spent buying, storing, or replacing bottled water was reclaimed, and the reduction in plastic waste added an environmental benefit. This simple upgrade made daily routines more efficient, healthier, and environmentally conscious, highlighting the impact of well-chosen home technology.
Maegan Damugo, Marketing coordinator, Health Rising Direct Primary Care
Smart Thermostat Delivers Energy Savings From Bed
My smart thermostat has totally changed the game for me. I’ve recommended it to so many people at this point! It’s always my goal to be as energy-conscious as possible in my home, so having a smart thermostat is one way I know I am intentionally accomplishing that goal. Beyond that, I really like having such easy control over my thermostat from my phone. I’m able to change the temperature without even getting out of bed if I don’t want to, or I can adjust things before I get home so that my home is exactly how I want it to be when I arrive.
Rassan Grant, Founder, Norstone
Smart Thermostat Creates Perfect Home Environment Effortlessly
As the founder of RBC, I often reflect on how the right home gadgets can truly enhance our daily lives. One gadget that has completely transformed my routine is a smart thermostat. This seemingly simple device has had a profound impact on both my comfort and energy efficiency in my home.
Before I installed the smart thermostat, managing the temperature in my home felt like a constant battle. I would often forget to adjust the temperature before leaving for work, which led to unnecessary energy consumption and discomfort when I returned. However, since making the switch, my daily life has changed dramatically.
The smart thermostat allows me to control the temperature remotely via my smartphone. This means I can adjust the heating or cooling from anywhere, ensuring that my home is always at the perfect temperature when I walk through the door. In particular, I love the scheduling feature, which lets me set different temperatures for different times of the day. For instance, I can program it to lower the temperature during the day when I’m at work, and then warm up the house just before I come home. This not only enhances my comfort but also significantly reduces my energy bill.
Moreover, the smart thermostat learns from my habits over time. It gathers data on my preferences and automatically adjusts settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort. For example, I noticed a 20% reduction in my energy consumption in the first month alone, which is not only good for my wallet but also for the environment.
Additionally, the integration with voice assistants has made it even more convenient. I can simply say, “Hey Google, set the temperature to 72 degrees,” and it’s done-no more fumbling with dials or apps.
In summary, the smart thermostat has transformed my daily routine by providing enhanced comfort, significant energy savings, and a level of convenience that I didn’t know was possible. It’s a perfect example of how technology, when used thoughtfully, can improve our quality of life at home.
For anyone looking to upgrade their home, I’d say investing in a smart thermostat is a decision you won’t regret. After all, comfort and efficiency are vital components of a happy home life.
Shahar Mayorov, Owner/Founder, RBC
Smart Faucet Revolutionizes Kitchen Tasks
I’d say a smart faucet is one of the best investments I’ve made just for simple quality of life in the kitchen. This is one of those gadgets I never considered necessary before I owned one, but I’d find it difficult to go back now! It’s convenient being able to adjust how much water I need at a time (for filling pots, etc), along with easily adjusting temperature down to the degree. It’s not only made cooking and general kitchen tasks more convenient but also really helps cut down on water wastage.
Carr Lanphier, CEO, Improovy
Sunrise Alarm Clock Energizes Dark Morning Routines
Something that’s been the ultimate game-changer for me has been my Hatch alarm clock. This is the alarm clock that essentially mimics a sunrise and lights up your room in a way that feels very much like there is an actual sunrise shining in. I often have to wake up before the sun, so having this kind of an alarm clock has made it so helpful for me to get up those mornings. It helps me wake with more energy and I just generally feel like I am starting my day on the right foot. I would highly recommend it to anyone, especially if you wake up before sunrise or live in an apartment or bedroom that doesn’t face the sun in the morning.
Seamus Nally, CEO, TurboTenant
Programmable Coffee Maker Sets Calmer Morning Tone
A programmable coffee maker with a built-in grinder changed mornings entirely. Before owning it, starting the day required several steps—grinding beans, brewing, and waiting—often rushed and inconsistent. Now, fresh coffee is ready at the exact time set the night before, which removes friction from the morning routine. The difference goes beyond convenience. The consistency of having a reliable, high-quality cup upon waking sets a calmer tone for the day and eliminates reliance on hurried stops at coffee shops. The result is both time saved and a steadier start that improves focus throughout the morning.
Ydette Florendo, Marketing coordinator, A-S Medical Solutions
Robotic Pool Vacuum Slashes Maintenance Time
I purchased a robotic pool vacuum for my inground pool in my backyard and it makes my life so much easier! Living in SoCal, I use my pool during most of the year, and because of that, I also have to clean and maintain it regularly for most of the year as well. I’m a busy person with a lot on my plate, so all of that manual effort is sometimes too much for me to take on. Having a robotic pool vacuum has made such a difference since it slashes my personal manual efforts significantly.
Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO, Cabana
Home Espresso Machine Creates Cost-Saving Morning Ritual
A couple of years ago, we invested in a nice espresso machine for our home. I never anticipated how much I would appreciate it and how it has changed our routines for the better. Rather than spending $10 or more each day on two cups of coffee for me and my wife, I can make something just as good from the comfort of my home in my pajamas. I spent $1,000 on the machine, but I recouped that cost after only 100 days and have been saving money ever since. And we now have a lovely routine of sipping coffee together, discussing the day from the comfort of our living room sofa in front of the fire.
Alex Capozzolo, Co-Founder, House Flipper, & Realtor, Brotherly Love Real Estate
Robot Vacuum Eliminates Mental Load of Cleaning
The one gadget that completely transformed my daily routine is a robot vacuum. I used to spend a surprising amount of time sweeping and vacuuming, especially since dust and pet hair seemed to appear out of nowhere. It always felt like a chore that had to be done but never stayed done for long. When I finally invested in a robot vacuum, I didn’t expect it to make such a big difference.
Now, it quietly takes care of the floors while I’m working or out running errands. The first week I had it, I realized just how much mental energy I’d been spending on the small but constant task of cleaning up. That extra time and the sense of a consistently tidy space lifted a weight off my shoulders. Instead of planning when I’d need to vacuum next, I could focus on things that mattered more—whether that was work, reading, or just relaxing without feeling guilty about chores waiting for me.
The real improvement in quality of life came from the consistency. My home feels cleaner every day, not just after I’ve done a big sweep. It may seem like a small change, but having that one background task handled has created a calmer atmosphere at home. It’s made me appreciate how even one gadget, when it fits seamlessly into daily life, can shift the balance from managing mess to actually enjoying the space I live in.
Sovic Chakrabarti, Director, Icy Tales
Smart Thermostat Ensures Comfortable Home Year-Round
Believe it or not, the gadget that changed my daily routine the most was a smart thermostat. I didn’t think I needed one, but now I can adjust the temp from my phone before I even walk in the door. No more coming home to a freezing house in the winter or a sauna in the summer. It’s cut down on my utility bills too, but the real win is just how much more comfortable the house feels every day.
Stoney Hayhurst, Owner, Upright Construction
Heated Bidet Seat Brings Unexpected Bathroom Luxury
Honestly? A heated bidet seat. My first experience with a heated bidet seat in Japan made me wonder why such a device did not exist in every bathroom. The installation of this product at my home brought me both comfort and better hygiene and reduced my toilet paper usage.
I shared my experience with a spa guest who expressed interest in enhancing his home bathroom facilities. I shared with him that this product serves as a form of self-care even though we both found it amusing. The guest sent me an email two weeks after our conversation to confirm that I had been correct about the product. The product brought a complete transformation to my life.
Damien Zouaoui, Co-Founder, Oakwell Beer Spa