In 1962 the Jetson's cartoon imagined what our homes would look like in the year 2062. Their future included conveyor belts in the home, automated breakfast stations, big screen TV's and video calling. While some of these features have not been realized, it's fascinating to see the evolution of technology in the home.
What does the term Smart Home mean? In layman's terms, it is the ability to control lighting, heating and electronic devices remotely from a phone or computer. If you have been thinking of adding some of these features to your home, let's explore the most common ones and the benefits they may add to your house and lifestyle.
Programmable/Smart Thermostats
A programmable thermostat allows the home owner to regulate the heat or air conditioning of their home when they are not in it. Utilizing this feature helps cut down on energy bills and in turn saves you money. It also cuts down on human error, like when you are half way to work and realize you forgot to turn down the heat. The ease of reading a digital display means you don't have to pull out a magnifying glass to see those small tick marks. A smart thermostat usually pairs with an app that allows you to make changes remotely. Some smart models learn as they go, memorizing your desired temperatures and can even alert you to needed maintenance.
Alarm Systems/Security Cameras
Making sure your home is secure while you are away is a priority to every home owner. Monitors and cameras, coupled with an app, allow you view anyone that approaches your front door. Imagine being able to alert a trusted neighbor to retrieve that latest Amazon order from your front porch! Some apps can let you know if an alarm has been set off or can sense heat to alert you to a potential fire. Lighting can also be controlled to give the illusion you are home. Date nights become more enjoyable knowing the sitter and children are secure in the home.
Garage Doors