Make Your Home Smarter
These days, our phones are never far from reach. If there is one thing you have at hand all the time, it is more likely to be your phone than your keys or wallet. The smartphone has effectively replaced maps, cameras, computers, wallets, mirrors, libraries, and airline or sporting event tickets. Why not make it your keys, thermostat, light switch, doorman, home entertainment or security system too? It is not only a way to make life more convenient, you can see a return on your investment in more than one way. You can cut utility costs and save on insurance claims, sure, but many prospective home buyers love to see these new-fangled thingies sprinkled about a home and may pay more if it is already installed.
- Smart Speaker
This is probably the easiest way to dip your toe in the water of connectivity. You already know the sales pitch. You can set timers, create shopping lists, set reminders, access weather and calendars, etc. Chances are, if you are even remotely interested, you already have one. These have been top sellers and popular gift ideas for a few years. Most, if not all, of the rest of the items on this list can be connected and controlled through your smart home speaker. If you are interested in other ideas for gifts, click the link for our previous blog on the topic http://www.jacksonvillehomes365.com/gift-ideas-for-homeowners/
- Smart Plug
These are super straightforward. You plug this outlet into existing ones and plug your device into them. Probably most often used for things like lamps, you can set a timer or turn them on remotely via an app. If you want to enforce strict device-free time, you can also plug your internet router or game console into them. Most of the recent designs do not block other plugs so there is very little downside.
- Smart Bulb
Smart bulbs can be used in place of the smart plugs if all you want to do is control lamps. This is great for fooling would-be-thieves into thinking someone is home while you are away. You can also change brightness and color in some cases. It is as easy as replacing the current bulb with a smart one and downloading an app, if you are not pairing it with a smart speaker or other device. If you decide to pair it, you can speak your lighting desires into fruition.
- Indoor Security Camera
Available from nearly all the usual suspects (Amazon, Ring, Nest, etc.), you can connect via app to check on kids, nannies, maids or pets. You can be sent an alert if the camera senses motion or just check-in with 24-hour streaming footage. Storage is cloud based and is free for the most recent 24 hours in many cases. Additional storage is available via subscription.
- Smart Lock
Say goodbye to that uneasy feeling you get when you sneak a spare key under a rock or doormat. With smart locks you never need a key again. You can lock and unlock doors from anywhere using an app. Bonus, you won’t have to fumble or search for the right key in the dark or rain. Always have control over access to your home, there are nearly endless reasons that these locks make sense. Pair it with other items on this list for the perfect virtual doorman.
- Smart Doorbell
There used to be only one player in this field, now the other smart tech companies are unveiling their entries. You can benefit from all the competition, there are a bevy of price points and features available. Imagine using this in conjunction with the options listed above. You’d get a notification from the motion sensor or press button, turn on the porch light to better see the person, speak to them to confirm their identity and intentions, unlock the door and flip on the lights to make them feel welcome (assuming you want them to feel that way) all from another state if needed.
- Outdoor Security Camera
Basically, the same idea as the indoor versions but with more storage and available accessories like floodlights. Grab a few and have the entire exterior of your home covered. There are thousands of videos of people and animals caught doing nefarious things by smart security cameras. You could also just step up your gossip game by keeping tabs on the goings-on around your home.
- Smart Thermostat
The best use is for cutting your energy bill. You can program your thermostat to match your preferences and activity. Cut the AC or heat use when you are away, but program the comfort settings to have your home the perfect temperature when you arrive. The thermostat can also learn your behavior and moderate energy use on its own. Again, they can be integrated with some of the other products on this list for a consistent and seamless smart home experience.
Honorable mentions go to robot vacuums, automated blinds, and water sensors for flood prone areas. If you get the heebie-jeebies from having everything in your house connected to the internet, there are slightly dumber versions of most of these gadgets. Because nearly every post-apocalyptic show or movie begins with a big-brother-type infinitely-connected system, we don’t blame you for considering non-connected versions. They still make life more convenient using combinations, remotes or closed circuit controls and might be more your style.
