--- title: Essential Home Gear description: Discover the must-have tools and smart devices every homeowner needs to enhance comfort, safety, and efficiency in their home. image: https://asknavarro.com/hubfs/airthings%20view%20plus%20indoor%20air%20quality%20iaq.jpg --- [![Logo - Ask Navarro - white 250px](https://asknavarro.com/hubfs/Logo%20-%20Ask%20Navarro%20-%20white%20250px.png)](https://asknavarro.com?hsLang=en) - [Listings](https://listings.asknavarro.com) - [Connect](https://asknavarro.com/connect) - [Resources](https://asknavarro.com/resources) Show submenu for Resources - [Buyers](https://asknavarro.com/buyer-timeline) - [Homeowners](https://asknavarro.com/resources) - [Go Solar](https://asknavarro.com/gosolar) - [Deals](https://asknavarro.com/deals) - [West Newbury](https://asknavarro.com/west-newbury) - [Learn](https://asknavarro.com/blog) - [FAQ](https://asknavarro.com/faq) - [Listings](https://listings.asknavarro.com) - [Connect](https://asknavarro.com/connect) - [Resources](https://asknavarro.com/resources) Show submenu for Resources - [Buyers](https://asknavarro.com/buyer-timeline) - [Homeowners](https://asknavarro.com/resources) - [Go Solar](https://asknavarro.com/gosolar) - [Deals](https://asknavarro.com/deals) - [West Newbury](https://asknavarro.com/west-newbury) - [Learn](https://asknavarro.com/blog) - [FAQ](https://asknavarro.com/faq) Essential # Home Gadgets If you're one of my clients, you've definitely heard me reference at least one of these awesome gadgets. I use each of them personally in my home and recommend them wholeheartedly for you to use in yours. [ASK NAVARRO](https://asknavarro.com/connect?hsLang=en) [MORE RESOURCES](https://asknavarro.com/resources?hsLang=en) ![reno icon](https://asknavarro.com/hubfs/reno%20icon.png) ##### [![home assistant logo](https://asknavarro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/home%20assistant%20logo.png?width=214&height=214&name=home%20assistant%20logo.png) Smart Home Monitoring & Safety](https://asknavarro.com/gear#smart) ##### [![air quality icon-1](https://asknavarro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/air%20quality%20icon-1.png?width=420&height=419&name=air%20quality%20icon-1.png) Appliances Efficient Upgrades](https://asknavarro.com/gear#appliances) ##### [![tv](https://asknavarro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/tv.png?width=365&height=366&name=tv.png) Great Stuff Lifestyle & electronics](https://asknavarro.com/gear#electronics) ##### [![deals for homeowners](https://asknavarro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/deals%20for%20homeowners.png?width=512&height=512&name=deals%20for%20homeowners.png) Deals! Homeowner Must Haves](https://asknavarro.com/deals?hsLang=en)   ### Smart Home ## Monitoring & Safety These are the gadgets I use in my own home to keep my family comfortable and safe. While all of them work with Alexa, Google Home and Apple Homekit I personally prefer Home Assistant; a much more versatile and secure self-hosted option. [![airthings](https://asknavarro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/airthings.png?width=400&name=airthings.png "airthings")](https://amzn.to/4eeosII) ## AirThings #### Radon & Air Quality Monitor - Industry leading home indoor air quality monitoring. - Measures VOCs, PM 1, PM 2.5, CO2, Radon, Humidity, Temperature - Use one device or multiple to monitor your whole home - Seamless Smart Home integration with Home Assistant, Alexa, Google Home and Apple Homekit - I personally use a couple [View Plus](https://amzn.to/3Edj0YW)units and a [Wave Plus](https://amzn.to/4iaF1FU) for my living spaces and basement respectively [SHOP AIRTHINGS](https://amzn.to/4i42Oac) [![ecobee](https://asknavarro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ecobee.png?width=400&height=200&name=ecobee.png "ecobee")](https://amzn.to/44eENJy) ## Smart Thermostats #### It's the EcoBee for me! - I've been using these units for over 10 years across two homes; they work perfectly - Full integration with Home Assistant, Google Home, Apple Homekit and Alexa - Way more customizable than [Nest](https://amzn.to/42vFUDg) and the rest; if you like more control, use these [SHOP ECOBEE](https://amzn.to/4eeosII) [![simplisafe](https://asknavarro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/simplisafe.png?width=1372&height=686&name=simplisafe.png "simplisafe")](https://share.simplisafe.com/x/JoEkj6) ## SimpliSafe Security #### Custom Home Monitoring - SimpliSafe is a customizable, easy-to-install home security system offering flexible monitoring options, including DIY or professional service, with no long-term contracts and remote access via its mobile app. - My clients get 50% off their subscription and a free indoor security camera! [SIMPLISAFE](https://share.simplisafe.com/x/JoEkj6) [![lutron diva set](https://asknavarro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/lutron%20diva%20set.png?width=400&height=200&name=lutron%20diva%20set.png "lutron diva set")](https://amzn.to/42nOUKz) ## Lutron Smart Switches #### #1 Brand for Switches - If you are looking to upgrade to better light switches, change their look or make them all smart, this is the #1 recommended brand by electricians and smart home developers - and by me! - This kit will get you started but you can upgrade one or all of your switches - no requirement to do them all at once. - Even if you don't want them smart, Lutron has classic options as well. [SHOP LUTRON](https://amzn.to/42nOUKz) [![moen2](https://asknavarro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/moen2.png?width=400&name=moen2.png "moen2")](https://amzn.to/4jrtao2) ## Moen Flo Meter #### Smart Water Monitor - Automatically detects leaks and shuts off your water to prevent damage - Sends real-time alerts and lets you control water remotely via the Moen app - Performs daily system checks with MicroLeak technology to catch tiny leaks - Tracks water usage in real time and helps you set conservation goals - Really helpful for well owners, like myself, to keep track of usage, especially [during droughts](https://asknavarro.com/blog/massachusetts-climate-resiliency-water-conservation?hsLang=en) [SHOP MOEN](https://amzn.to/4jrtao2) [![smart oil gauge wifi](https://asknavarro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/smart%20oil%20gauge%20wifi.png?width=400&name=smart%20oil%20gauge%20wifi.png "smart oil gauge wifi")](https://amzn.to/42e3XaI) ## WiFi Oil Guage #### Never Go Empty! - I only just recently learned these existed while out with some clients at an open house! - Never worry about running out of fuel again! [SHOP GUAGE](https://amzn.to/42e3XaI) [![leak detectors](https://asknavarro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/leak%20detectors.png?width=2000&height=1000&name=leak%20detectors.png "leak detectors")](https://amzn.to/424wob9) ## Leak Detectors #### Cheap & House-Saving! - Put one under each sink, by your water heater and laundry - cheap and no install required - 1 Hub is included to pair as many detectors as you'd like - Provides instant alerts via a loud alarm and phone notifications upon water detection - Seriously a must have for any homeowner, especially if your laundry is upstairs [SHOP GOVEE](https://amzn.to/424wob9) [![smoke detector](https://asknavarro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/smoke%20detector.png?width=400&name=smoke%20detector.png "smoke detector")](https://amzn.to/4ljKkFG) ## Smoke Detectors #### Essential Safety - MA law requires only sealed 10-year battery units (wired or un-wired); be sure not to buy the wrong kind - they still sell them at the local stores! - MA Regulations on placement can be [found here](https://www.mass.gov/doc/consumer-guide-to-smoke-detectors-when-selling-home/download). [SHOP DETECTORS](https://amzn.to/4ljKkFG) [![dehumidifier](https://asknavarro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dehumidifier.jpg?width=1600&height=800&name=dehumidifier.jpg "dehumidifier")](https://amzn.to/4kH79lY) ## Dehumidifer #### Spluge for the Pump! - Basements are prone to excess moisture and limited airflow, which can lead to mold, mildew and musty odors. [A dehumidifier helps maintain healthy humidity levels below 55%,](https://asknavarro.com/gear) which helps protect your home’s structure and your health. You should be monitoring [all of your home's air quality too](https://asknavarro.com/blog/indoor-air-quality?hsLang=en) - it's more important than you think! - And definitely get a pump model if you can use gravity to drain into a sump basin or laundry drain. No one ever empties these and they don't work if they're full! [DRY IT OUT](https://amzn.to/4kH79lY)   ### Must Have ## Appliances Appliances define your kitchen and finding the right fit for your needs can add a level of comfort to your home that goes beyond expectations. Here are some of my favorite efficient and reliable appliances [![midea u air conditioner](https://asknavarro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/midea%20u%20air%20conditioner.png?width=400&name=midea%20u%20air%20conditioner.png "midea u air conditioner")](https://amzn.to/4eeosII) ## U-Shaped Air Conditioner #### Seriously Smart Efficiency - Quite literally the best AC I've ever used; why didn't anyone think of this sooner?! - Your window closes through the middle and the provided insulation is attractive and incredibly effective - no more bugs or wasted energy - If you're upgrading from a tradition unit, this will pay for itself within your first summer [SHOP MIDEA](https://amzn.to/4eeosII) [![kitchenaid](https://asknavarro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/kitchenaid.png?width=400&name=kitchenaid.png "kitchenaid")](https://amzn.to/42oUVGT) ## Kitchen Aid Pro #### Classic & Unstoppable - If you like to cook as much as I do, there is no better a workhorse than this mixer - I've been using mine weekly for the past 5 years to make everything from pizza dough and cookies to even stuffing homemade sausages for my annual Oktoberfest. [SHOP MIXERS](https://amzn.to/42oUVGT) [![coffee grinder](https://asknavarro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/coffee%20grinder.png?width=824&name=coffee%20grinder.png "coffee grinder")](https://amzn.to/4i3PYc8) ## The Coffee Grinder #### Coffee Snob? I gotcha- - Whether you need an espresso grind, French press or prefer a pour over like me, this beast will do it all. - Super easy to clean and by far the most resilient unit I've ever owned. [SHOP BARATZA](https://amzn.to/4i3PYc8)   ### Geek Approved ## Lifestyle, Electronics & Tools As a lover of all things media and gaming, I am always happy to share my favorite speakers, TVs, computer and gaming gear. Looking to dive deep in to an electronics hobby and need a soundboard who's seen it all? Give me a call! [![rtic cooler](https://asknavarro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/rtic%20cooler.png?width=400&name=rtic%20cooler.png "rtic cooler")](https://share.rticoutdoors.com/x/SKDtoQ) ## RTIC Coolers #### Yeti for the Half Price - Let's be honest, these coolers are a luxury good! Sure they work way better than a Coleman but they're still not cheap! - That being said, don't bother paying for the Yeti brand, buy an RTIC for half the price and get a [10% discount with my link](https://share.rticoutdoors.com/x/SKDtoQ) (yes I'm that big of a fan)! [SHOP RTIC](https://share.rticoutdoors.com/x/SKDtoQ) [![wifimesh](https://asknavarro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/wifimesh.png?width=400&name=wifimesh.png "wifimesh")](https://amzn.to/3RHazbq) ## Mesh WiFi Sysetm #### Unobtrusive Reliability - I'm a huge geek and run a small business grade [UniFi system](https://amzn.to/4icHEaf) but when I need consumer level stuff, TP-Link is my go to. - These are easy to setup and easy to add on to - you really can't beat them for the price. [SHOP TP LINK](https://amzn.to/3RHazbq) [![denon heos 250](https://asknavarro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/denon%20heos%20250.png?width=400&name=denon%20heos%20250.png "denon heos 250")](https://amzn.to/3R6dGJO) ## Denon Heos 250 #### Better Whole Home Sound - If you're an home theater geek like me, you'll know the Denon brand but what you might not know is that they also offer [WiFi/Ethernet speakers](https://amzn.to/3DYWW4t) that will sync across all your devices, including your receiver. - The sound quality is leagues above Sonos and the ubiquitus smart speakers we all suffer through. - I have a few of these in the house and a [Denon 7-channel receiver](https://amzn.to/3R6dGJO) on my TV that I can sync up and play Spotify, radio or my own music collection on. - Pricey, but the quality is well beyond the price tag - truly a great deal for an audiophile. [SHOP DENON](https://amzn.to/3R6dGJO) [![flashlight](https://asknavarro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/flashlight.png?width=400&height=200&name=flashlight.png "flashlight")](https://amzn.to/44oVdzx) ## My Trusty Light #### You might recognize this beast! - I think I've bought, used and given away at least a dozen of these. If you have walked a house with me, you've seen me use it. - [These batteries](https://amzn.to/4jiDOxL) are pricey but they give the light an impressive extra boost! [GRAB ONE](https://amzn.to/44oVdzx) [![dewalt driver set](https://asknavarro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dewalt%20driver%20set.png?width=400&height=200&name=dewalt%20driver%20set.png "dewalt driver set")](https://amzn.to/4lselmV) ## Essential Drivers #### My Ride or Die - I've had this set since 2014, I leave it in my garage, it's taken a beating and has never given me a single issue - except that time I used the hammer drill on a concrete wall inside a concrete building, my ears rang for a month! (Wear ear protection!) - These go on sale all the time but are worth every penny and if you like DeWalt the batters work on all their other gear too. I'm a life long fan. [SHOP DEWALT](https://amzn.to/4lselmV) Information is Power # Weekly Newsletter Sign up for our newsletter, stay updated on the local real estate market and learn something new about home ownership, MA real estate regulations and healthier, more efficient homes. [SIGN UP](https://asknavarro.com/newsletter?hsLang=en) ![Headshot---Circle Casual](https://asknavarro.com/hubfs/Headshot---Circle%20Casual.png) Questions? Ask Navarro! Curious about the market, looking for advice or just want to learn more about real estate? Let's setup up a call so I can answer all your questions and help you achieve your goals. [CONTACT](https://asknavarro.com/connect?hsLang=en) [CAREERS](https://asknavarro.com/careers?hsLang=en) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.youtube.com/@asknavarro) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/asknavarro) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.instagram.com/asknavarro) [![Logo - Ask Navarro - white 250px](https://asknavarro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo%20-%20Ask%20Navarro%20-%20white%20250px.png?width=390&height=250&name=Logo%20-%20Ask%20Navarro%20-%20white%20250px.png)](https://45098166.hs-sites.com/en/ask-navarro-local-real-estate-expert?hsLang=en) Alex Navarro [978-886-3271](tel:9788863271) [alex@asknavarro.com](mailto:alex@asknavarro.com) Green Realtor & Broker [Coldwell Banker Realty](https://maps.app.goo.gl/zixd1Xpbe3yjnZoQ9) [50 Dodge St. Suite 105 Beverly, MA 01915](https://maps.app.goo.gl/zixd1Xpbe3yjnZoQ9)   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. *