We all use technology daily in our lives, but it’s time that we start incorporating this technology into our homes. It may seem like these devices are too difficult to set up or would clash with your home décor, but there have been so many advances that make technology prettier and easier to use.
If having your own smart home calls to you, here are a few tips and product recommendations for you to keep in mind.
3 Tips for a Great Smart Home
You’ve heard of the saying “There’s an app for that,” right? Well, now there’s an app for almost any home appliance you can think of. This not only simplifies using the device, but it keeps your home even more clutter-free.
Imagine not needing to find room for all your remotes anymore! To avoid using up too much space on your smartphone, it’s a good idea to have a shared tablet for these apps so any house guests or family members can control the devices without asking for your phone.
If the devices you have improve how efficiently you use your energy, your power company may provide rebates to encourage saving energy.
A great example of devices that work for this is smart thermostats. They have sensors that manage the temperature throughout your home and can sense when to use less energy.
With so many devices now connected to the internet, it’s important to make sure your network is secure. If someone is able to get into your network, they may be able to control even more of your home.
To combat this, make sure your have your network protected by a strong password that isn’t easy to guess.
Smart Home Products
The wide variety of smart products on the market may seem overwhelming, so here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Robotic Cleaners
Say goodbye to your least favorite chores. Smart cleaners continue to expand into new categories. These small, compact devices are easier to store and look nicer than the bulky manual machines you’re used to. They’re a great first step to getting your own smart home as they’re not difficult to use and have a great benefit.
iRobot Roomba 690 Robot Vacuum
This Roomba is a more affordable option that has all the great features you’ve heard about. You can use the app to conveniently arrange cleaning times that work for your schedule. This vacuum uses sensors to navigate your home as well as to spend more time on dirtier areas.
iRobot Braava jet 240 Robot Mop
iRobot now has an automatic mop for your home as well. It has similar features to the Roomba but has the ability to sweep and mop instead. You choose which type of pad to attach to the machine so it can best clean the types of floors you have. The cleaning spray might look worrisome, but there are sensors constantly checking for obstacles so it’s won’t spray on any furniture.
WORX Landroid Robotic Lawn Mower
This definitely isn’t as affordable as the previous two devices, but it has wonderful features. Its algorithm and compact size allow it to cut intricately and navigate narrow paths. It has a sensor to stop cutting when it’s raining and even has an anti-theft system. Its compact size makes it so much easier to store than traditional push and riding mowers.
Home Security Systems
Technology not only makes daily tasks easier, it also protects your family, home, and possessions. Take advantage of technological advances by investing in your family’s safety.
SimpliSafe Home Security System
This home security option is one that you can install on your own which is great news if you’re a DIY kind of person. There are a variety of sensors that work with the system, so you can add up to 41 of them to best protect your home.
The home base has a modern look and a soothing blue light, so it looks great with your decor. Keep an eye on SimpliSafe’s Facebook for updates and safety tips.
Voice controlled speakers are likely one of the first devices you think of when you think of smart homes.
Asking “What is the weather like today?” in your empty house may have seemed crazy 10 years ago, but today it’s the norm. These assistants can play your favorite music, answer your questions, and call you an Uber.
Amazon Echo
This device, or Alexa as you’ll come to call her, has tons of abilities that are added to every day. It’s connected to the cloud so it updates automatically as well. The Echo connects to your phone and other home devices to help you keep in contact with friends and family as well as to take care of your home just by speaking to it. The device is attractive and will fit in well with your home’s style.
Wi-Fi Thermostats
The best fact about Wi-Fi thermostats is likely that they’ll save you money. These are huge improvements from other thermostats since they don’t sense just one area of the house, they can read the temperature in other rooms as well.
ecobee4 Wi-Fi Thermostat
The ecobee4 is a sleek device that assists you in more ways than you ever would have expected from a thermostat. It has an attractive design that will most definitely impress your guests and a handy app so you can control it from anywhere.
It senses when no one is home so it can automatically switch to your desired settings to save energy. Bonus: This device works with the Amazon Echo! You can use many of Alexa’s skills directly with the ecobee4.
These tips and products are sure to get you started on your journey to your own smart home. Don’t worry about getting as many devices as you can at once.
Instead, save up and purchase one or two at a time. Have fun creating your own smart home without compromising your style!
Photo via Amazon, SimpliSafe
