We have all been there — driving in the car and wondering, “Did I lock the back door of the house?” or “How long did I set the laundry for?”
With an increase in smart home technology, you can ease your nerves with a click of a button. Smart home technology, also referred to as home automation, allows homeowners to check the status of their house directly from their smartphones or an app.
Smart home technology benefits range from safety and security to comfort and convenience — but did you know it also increases your home’s market value? More buyers are looking for turn-key opportunities and want all the bells and whistles of a modern home. According to Realtor.com, smart technology was listed as items that attract Millennial buyers, currently the largest buying generation.
To help provide more insight into the options available and the benefits of smart home technology, we rounded up five easy ways you can upgrade your home:
Smart Appliances
Smart home appliances make tasks around the house more efficient and easier than ever. Smart refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, washing machines, and more not only help free up your time, but they also can monitor the energy they are using and help to reduce waste. The list of available appliances is endless, and as we enter a new year, we are looking forward to seeing what will be invented next.
Smart Lighting
Remember when it was impressive when lights turned on and off with a simple clap? Smart lighting just took that up a few notches. From your phone, you can schedule your lights room by room, adjust the dimness, and change the color. You can also use your lights as notifications, for example, if you don’t want your doorbell ringing all night on Halloween, you can set a light to turn on and off to alert you that someone is at the door.
Smart Home Security System
A smart home security system will help you and your family enjoy vacations or a night out worry-free. With an integrated alarm system, you can check in on the status of your home at any time. Settings allow you to turn on exterior lights, lock your doors, communicate to visitors at your door, and many other things.
Climate control with smart thermostats
Smart thermostats learn you and your family’s lifestyle and can update the temperature to any room accordingly. In our opinion, the best feature is its ability to provide energy-efficient reports, which will help you adjust your usage. With proper changes, smart thermostats will help you save money in the long term.
Smart Smoke Detectors
Your home is likely your biggest asset, and smart smoke detectors will help protect it. Unlike traditional smoke detectors, smart technology will not only alert you when there is smoke in a room; it will also provide an update when there has been a dramatic increase in temperature. You also don’t have to worry about changing the batteries a few times a year. Your app will keep you updated on the power life.