Can't imagine life without your smartphone? You're not alone… and now you can have a smart home, too! From security cameras that know what they're looking at to apps that allow you to control your heat and security systems from afar, connected homes are the next big thing. Today's technology is designed to make life easier, safer and sometimes even more eco-friendly. Keep reading for some helpful tips to turn your house into a smart home.
Smart refrigerators offer a range of features that may make your life easier, from telling you when you run low on a staple to keeping track of food's expiration dates. Other time-saving features include fridge cams that keep track of contents; interactive displays that allow you to schedule family activities, display kids' artwork and leave notes for each other; and the ability to order groceries directly from your fridge.
When it comes to peace of mind, your security system is indispensable… but if you've ever wished that the neighbor's dog didn't trigger your security cameras quite so easily, a smart security camera may just be the innovation you've been dreaming of. These new cameras learn to recognize members of your family, and can identify what they see outside your home, whether it's a visitor, a car, or the neighbor's dog.
Not only do the latest thermostats allow you to control your HVAC system through your smartphone, they actually learn your family's habits and preferences when it comes to temperatures and timing. Taking it one step further, the smart thermostats actually track your family's movements throughout the house and auto-adjust temperatures based on your movements. But don't worry, you can still make manual tweaks.
Ever driven away from your house, only to wonder whether you remembered to lock the door? Never fear, because smart locks allow you to lock and unlock your home from your smartphone. You can even program some smart lock systems to let certain people into your home.
We all know how important carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are, but today's models take protection to a new level. The latest gadgets plug right into your existing detectors, allowing you to monitor activity from your smartphone. When an alarm goes off and you're not home, you'll immediately be alerted.
Typical water heaters are responsible for about 18 percent of the average home's energy consumption. That's because every time the water temperature in the holding tank drops, the unit fires up and reheats it… even though in most households, most hot water usage is concentrated in the morning and evening. New water heater sensors enhance this appliance by learning your hot water needs and suggesting a schedule. You can control the schedule through your smartphone manually, too. Bonus: this new technology alerts you to water leaks.
Ready to turn your home into a smart, connected home? Today's technology offers peace of mind, greater security, and energy savings. Talk to your insurance agent about potential home insurance discounts should you make these upgrades to your home.
