Smart Home Control and Security Products from CES 2021
The 2021 Consumer Electronics Show, held virtually for the first time, delivered a range of smart home products that residential builders should know about. While the show typically previews consumer gadgets, many of the innovations unveiled have direct applications in new home construction and home building. From touchless entry systems to water conservation technology, these products represent where the residential construction industry is heading. Builders who understand these trends can make informed product selections for their projects, offering homeowners greater convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind. Here is a closer look at the most significant smart home innovations from CES 2021 and how they apply to building better homes.
Smart home technology continues to expand its footprint in residential construction. According to recent surveys, homebuyers increasingly expect connected features in new homes. Essential home technology products that professional builders recommend for new homes include everything from smart thermostats to integrated security systems. The CES 2021 lineup confirms that these categories will keep growing, with manufacturers focusing on ease of installation, reliability, and interoperability.
Touchless Entry and Access Control
One of the standout categories at CES 2021 was touchless door entry. The pandemic accelerated demand for hands-free interaction, and several companies delivered products that builders can specify for new homes. AutoSwing introduced a residential automatic swinging door system that integrates with existing smart locks and can be controlled through voice commands or a mobile app. This system, scheduled for release in early 2021, turns any standard hinged door into a touchless entry point.
Fingerprint-enabled smart locks also gained attention. The eufy smart lock, for example, can recognize a fingerprint and unlock in 1.3 seconds, offering four ways to enter: fingerprint scan, the eufy app, electronic keypad, or a traditional key. For builders, this flexibility means homeowners can choose their preferred access method without compromising security. Shepherd Lock took security a step further with a system that detects lock tampering and responds with an alarm and a deadbolt freeze, alerting homeowners through their mobile devices.
Smart Security and Sensor Systems
ADT introduced Blue, a centralized hub for all security devices and sensors. Homeowners can mix and match exactly the components they need, creating a customized security setup. This modular approach appeals to builders who want to offer tiered security packages across different home models. The system works with a range of sensors, including door and window contacts, motion detectors, and glass break sensors.
Water detection is another area where smart sensors are becoming essential. The D-Link DCH-S1621KT water sensor kit connects to an existing router without requiring a separate hub, making installation straightforward during the construction phase. Builders can position these sensors near water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and under sinks to provide early warning of leaks. This type of modern building technology that is transforming home construction gives builders a way to differentiate their projects with proactive protection features.
HVAC, Water Heating, and Energy Efficiency Innovations
CES 2021 featured several products aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing utility costs. For builders focused on high-performance homes, these innovations offer practical ways to meet energy codes and buyer expectations.
Heat Pump Water Heating
LG unveiled its Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater, a system that uses condensation heat generated during the cooling process to heat water. This approach significantly reduces energy consumption compared to conventional electric resistance water heaters. The unit features a sleek exterior designed for flexible installation, which matters for builders working with tight mechanical room spaces. The technology aligns with the growing interest in ductless minisplit HVAC as a smart choice for modern home building, where heat pump technology delivers both heating and cooling efficiently.
Key specifications builders should consider when evaluating heat pump water heaters include:
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) rating, which indicates overall efficiency
- First-hour rating, determining how much hot water the unit can deliver during peak usage
- Physical dimensions and clearance requirements for mechanical room layout
- Noise levels, especially when units are installed near living spaces
- Warranty coverage and expected service life
Smart Lighting Controls
Kasa introduced a smart Wi-Fi dimmer that works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and SmartThings. The dimmer features light detection technology that automatically adjusts brightness based on natural daylight levels. When someone enters a room, the lights turn on automatically. For builders, specifying smart dimmers as standard or optional upgrades adds minimal cost while delivering a premium experience that buyers notice during model home tours.
The Domalys Aladin lamp addressed the growing aging-in-place market with three practical features: an automatic night light that activates when the homeowner gets up, a motion-activated pathway light, and a fall detection system that can alert caregivers. These features make it a strong option for builders working on multigenerational homes or active adult communities.
| Product Category | CES 2021 Innovation | Builder Application | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Heating | LG Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater | New construction mechanical rooms | Reduced energy consumption |
| Smart Lighting | Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Dimmer | Model home standard upgrade | Automatic occupancy detection |
| Aging in Place | Domalys Aladin Lamp | Active adult communities | Fall detection and night guidance |
| Water Conservation | Hydraloop Water Recycling System | High-performance green homes | Up to 45% water savings |
| Pet Access | Wayzn Smart Sliding Door | Custom home convenience feature | Voice and app controlled pet door |
Water Conservation and Smart Appliances
Water conservation emerged as a major theme at CES 2021, with products that help homeowners reduce consumption without sacrificing convenience. For builders in drought-prone regions or areas with strict water efficiency requirements, these innovations offer compliance pathways and marketing advantages.
Whole-Home Water Recycling
Hydraloop, a CES 2020 Best of the Best winner, showcased its residential water recycling system that captures and treats water from showers, bathtubs, and washing machines. The system can save up to 45 percent of water use in new homes, making it a compelling option for green building projects. The unit requires connection to the home’s plumbing system during construction, so builders need to plan for the additional plumbing rough-ins and dedicated space during the design phase.
Water sensor technology also advanced at the show. The D-Link system mentioned earlier is just one example of how builders can integrate leak detection as a standard feature. When installing smart water sensors, builders should follow these steps:
- Identify all potential leak locations during the rough-in phase, including water heater areas, under sinks, behind washing machines, and near dishwashers.
- Run low-voltage wiring or position Wi-Fi-enabled sensors at each location before drywall installation.
- Configure the sensors to connect to the home’s central smart hub or router.
- Program automated shutoff valve integration so leaks trigger immediate water supply cutoff.
- Verify system operation during final walkthrough and provide homeowner training.
Robotic Kitchen Technology
The Moley robotic kitchen represented the most futuristic product at CES 2021. This dexterous robot can cook complete meals, monitor ingredient inventory, suggest recipes based on available items, and clean up after cooking. While still aspirational for most residential projects, the underlying technology signals where kitchen automation is heading. Builders designing high-end custom homes may want to prepare for this trend by ensuring adequate power, data, and structural support in kitchen designs.
The convergence of smart appliance trends in new home construction shows that homebuyers increasingly expect their kitchens to include connected features. Even if a builder does not plan to install a robotic kitchen today, specifying the infrastructure for future smart appliances adds long-term value to the home.
Practical Guidance for Specifying CES-Inspired Products
The innovations seen at CES 2021 offer builders a glimpse into the future of residential construction, but practical considerations determine which products make sense for actual projects. Builders should evaluate smart home products based on several criteria before adding them to their specifications.
Installation and Integration Requirements
Not all smart home products are equally suited for new construction versus retrofit applications. Builders have the advantage of being able to plan for wiring, data cabling, and mechanical connections before walls are closed. Products like the Hydraloop water recycling system and the LG heat pump water heater require planning during the design phase. Others, such as the Kasa smart dimmer and the D-Link water sensors, can be added with minimal pre-wiring.
Smart LED smart technology in residential lighting is becoming smaller and more efficient, giving builders more flexibility in fixture placement and control system design. When specifying smart lighting, builders should verify compatibility with the home’s chosen ecosystem, whether that is Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, or a dedicated platform like SmartThings.
Warranty and Support Considerations
Builders should evaluate the warranty terms and technical support offered by smart home product manufacturers. Products that rely on cloud services or mobile apps may have different support requirements than traditional building components. Key questions to ask include:
- What is the warranty period for the hardware versus any software subscription?
- Is there a dedicated builder support line or program?
- What happens if the manufacturer discontinues the product or the cloud service?
- Can the product operate locally if internet connectivity is lost?
- How are software updates delivered and who manages them?
Market Differentiation Through Smart Technology
Smart home features can set a builder’s projects apart in competitive markets. Products like touchless entry systems, integrated water leak detection, and smart lighting controls create a modern living experience that resonates with technology-oriented buyers. The key is to select products that are reliable, easy for homeowners to use, and supported by manufacturers committed to the residential construction channel. Builders who stay informed about innovations like those shown at CES 2021 position themselves to offer homes that feel current and forward-looking, without overcommitting to unproven technology.