Looking for ways to upgrade your house while making your life easier? Consider these smart home upgrades that can add value to your home and functionality to your life.
Security
One of the best ways to invest in smart home technology is installing security features that will provide you with peace of mind. There are many smart home security options you can consider, including:
- Doorbells with video feed, so that you can see who is at the door or look back on any activity at your front door from earlier in the day. This can help deter package theft, and allow you to “answer” the door when you are away by talking through the doorbell speaker.
- Smart sensors on doors and windows to alert you if any are opened or shattered. You will get the alert at your phone, and can choose settings that will alert police straight away if glass was shattered.
- Locks with keypads instead of keys. This allows you to keep your home secure, changing the code whenever necessary to control who has access to your home. Never leave a house key under the mat again, hoping that it only ends up in the right hands.
Window Coverings
Dallaire Realty in Green Bay Wisconsin offers these tips: Smart window coverings can be controlled by a panel on the wall, from an app on your phone, or set to automatically open or close at certain times of day. This is particularly convenient for windows that are difficult to reach or in rooms with many windows to cover. If you like sleeping with blackout shades, you can even set them to open at a certain time to gently wake you with sunlight instead of a traditional alarm.
Appliances
There are numerous benefits of smart appliances, including:
- Refrigerators that can tell you what you have at home, by checking from the market on your phone.
- Turning on your oven on the way home to preheat and be ready when you arrive.
- Laundry that can be started or flipped whether you are home or not. Delay the start of a wash cycle to get the timing right and avoid musty clothes.
- Energy saving appliances that sense how much water is needed for the job.
- Garage doors that can be closed or opened from anywhere via your phone.
Lighting
Imagine being able to customize the lighting in your home without walking around to turn lights on or off. Smart lighting can be controlled from a panel on the wall or your phone, dimming or even changing color to suit the mood. You can also check to see that lights were turned off when you left the house by checking your phone.
Thermostat
A smart thermostat can be controlled remotely, so that you can turn on the heat or air on your way home from work or a trip to avoid using energy to keep the temperature constant even when you are not home. These thermostats will also learn your habits and preferences to keep the home at your preferred temperature while maximizing energy savings, saving your money and helping you be kinder to the planet.
Voice Control
Nearly all smart home features can be programmed to be voice controlled. This way, even if you don’t have your phone on your or want your kids to be able to control the features, the home can be easily managed based solely on voice commands.
