A Wired writer describes the process of gradually adding smart home technology to a 1907 Craftsman house in Portland, Oregon, without compromising its historic character. The house, listed on the National Historic Registry, had no modern systems in place when the couple bought it at the end of 2025, so they have been working through a limited budget and considerable DIY effort to blend period features with modern conveniences. The exercise matters as a practical guide for owners of older or historic properties who want efficiency and convenience gains without visible, jarring alterations.

Key choices so far include replacing a carbon monoxide-leaking furnace and pairing it with an Ecobee Enhanced smart thermostat, chosen for its larger touchscreen, motion-detecting radar and ease of setup; it also provides monthly energy-use reports and has qualified the household for roughly $10 off monthly utility bills through a local rebate scheme. For cooling, rather than installing costly whole-home air conditioning, the couple opted for U-shaped Midea window units, which fit older, only-partially-opening windows (needing just six inches of clearance versus the usual 20), run quietly since the condenser sits outside, and also dehumidify and ventilate the two main bedrooms.