Need to bring your home into the new decade? As technology launches forward, the use of smart home products does, too. Here's seven things to bring your home from 1920, to 2020.
The year is 1985. You're watching Johnny Carson when the channel switches to a commercial. "Clap on! *clap clap* Clap off! *clap clap* Clap on, clap off! The Clapper! Let's you turn things on or off from anywhere in the room!", the commercial says. Suddenly you're hooked. Of course you want to turn of the lamp across the room without having to get up, who wouldn't? That was thirty-five year ago and technology has come a long way. But what are the odds you have a clapper in your house now? Probably slim to none.
In 35 years, we've gone from a convenient way to turn off and turn on plugged-in electronics, to using a switch. So why not bring your home to the future, with current smart home products? If you have a cell phone, you're already half way there.
1. Smart Assistants
If you have a current generation smart phone, you're likely to have a smart assistant in your pocket all day. Most smart products of today can interface directly with Siri, the Google Assistant, or any other digital assistant. But chances are, you've heard of a Google Home or Amazon Echo. They can do anything from play music, to giving you reminders, creating lists, or calling your family. But they can also do so much more. Setting the temperature, unlocking doors, turning on lights, changing the color of the lights, or anything else you could think of!
2. Smart Lights
If you've been a homeowner for a few years now, you know that your electric bill can sometimes get outrageous. So you've probably switched over to LED bulbs as prices drop. They're more efficient, and cost less in the long run. With Philips Hue Smart Light bulbs, you can do a considerable amount more. With full RGB LED bulbs, meaning you can achieve 16 Million colors, in varying brightness, you can customize every room to fit the color temperature on the fly. You can also turn off the lights with one switch in the app, or via assistant.
3. Smart Door Bells
You've probably seen video from a smart video doorbell in the past, whether it be on the news for capturing an accident, a theft, or maybe a funny animal. Video doorbells are getting popular, as they should with constant surveillance and notifications directly toy our device for ultimate peace of mind. Two of the most popular are Ring and Nest. SimpliSafe, the security company, also offers their own smart home products, including a video door bell. Always be able to see what's outside your door, or talk to someone directly from it.
4. Smart Thermostat
Gone are the days of getting up in the middle of the night to turn the heat down. No more sweating in bed with the Nest Thermostat. You can set the temperature directly from your phone or via assistant, setting schedules etc. You don't even have to be home. Feeling extra chilly on your way home? Just say "Hey Siri, set the temperature to 75 degrees," and it'll be nice and toasty on arrival. It's a great addition to your smart home.
5. Smart TV
Around 6 years ago, one of the first smart devices you could find in a home was a smart TV. It's a simple solution for people who don't want a thousand devices hooked up to your nicely cable-managed television. With streaming services, browsers, music services, and personal assistants baked right in, it's a perfect starting point for those of us a tad out of touch with the technology of today.
6. Smart Locks
Forgot your keys? No problem. Key-less smart locks can unlock your using your phone, NFC chips, or even proximity. Don't want to go that far? Then just get a keypad lock. Not quite as advanced, but still works great for bringing your home a decade or so forward.
7. Security Cameras
This isn't a new idea, but security cameras are a great asset. Knowing your home is monitored can catch burglars, or even crazy events inside the home (ever make a sweet catch that saved, what would have been a broken glass, but no one was around to see it?). Inside cameras and outside cameras, and even sensors, can be connected to an active alarm system. Which in turn could lower premiums on your home owner insurance. Score!
This list was smart-home heavy. But there's other ways to bring your home up to spec. A fresh coat of paint, an interior decoration makeover, even some mid-tier landscaping can all make your home pop into the current decade. Note that even though smart homes are great and make our lives easier, they're not perfect. So tread carefully and do some research! But most importantly, have fun with your modern tech home.
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