6 Products for a Connected Smart Home
By now you’ve probably heard about smart homes, connected devices, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Not only can this technology simplify your life by allowing the majority of your home to be controlled from a single device from any location, it can also reduce costs and conserve energy. Take a look at some of the ways you can utilize smart home technology in your own home:
1. Voice Assistants
There are many voice assistant devices on the market today – Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Siri to name a few. Aside from playing a specific song, checking the weather, or adding an item to your virtual shopping cart, this assistant is the point of communication between you and all of your smart home connected devices. Of course you could control all of those devices through an app on your phone, but most can agree that calling out a request to dim the lights and turn up the heat while you’re curled up on the couch is the ultimate convenience!
2. Thermostats
Smart home thermostat features include learning thermostats that adapt to your schedule over time to adjust the temperature automatically, recommend energy-saving temperature settings, and provide your energy history over time. By lowering the thermostat while you’re away, you can save up to 20% on your energy bill.
3. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Have you ever wondered if your standard detectors are even working? The smart home version has an array of features including alerts notifying which room the alarm is coming from, the option to silence alarms if everything is under control, safety testing with the tap of a button, and low battery alerts (no more dreaded chirping). The device also functions as a built-in night light when you walk past it.
4. Home Security Systems & Cameras
Enjoy the peace of mind that your home is safe and secure when you’re not there. With a smart home security system, you’ll receive alerts when doors or windows are opened or motion sensors are triggered. You can also set a schedule to let someone in at a specific time and remotely lock your doors if you forget before you leave.
5. Flood & Freeze Detectors
Flooded basements and burst pipes can cause a significant amount of damage to your home, resulting in unexpected costly repairs. If your basement frequently floods after heavy rain and melting snow or you’re worried about freezing pipes in the winter, rest assured knowing that you can monitor this from your phone on the go with a smart home flood and freeze detector.
6. Smart Appliances
Aside from the practical products mentioned above, there’s a whole line up of smart home appliances on the market today. Now you can close the refrigerator door, power up your robotic vacuum, pre-heat the oven, start and stop the washer & dryer, turn the lights off and on, open or close the window shades or blinds, and much more all from the tap of an app on your phone, whether you are home or hundreds of miles away.
While these products certainly aren’t necessary, there are many options to choose from that can make your life easier and your home more safe and comfortable.
