February 13, 2020
Every day, we’re introduced to new technology aimed at making our lives a little easier and a little more convenient. The Internet of Things (IoT) continues to intertwine much of our lives with technology, from cellphones to wearable devices to Wi-Fi enabled washing machines and dryers. The IoT has created the concept of a “smart home,” too. You can control almost any appliance or piece of technology in a smart home. From lighting to security, new devices are released every day. Here are a few items to consider installing as you build your smart home.
With smart lighting, you can turn off, on, dim or brighten the lights when you summon your central Assistant, such as Alexa or Google. With some smart lighting, you can change the mood of the room from warm gold to a bright blue hue. Some lights have different modes, such as vacation mode, night-lights and more. You can even download the mobile app to change the lighting when you’re away from home.
When you install a smart thermostat, you can ask your Assistant to adjust the temperature for you. Some systems also come with a mobile app where you can adjust the temperature remotely. Most smart thermostats can tell you how long it will take to adjust to your desired temperature. The Nest Learning Thermostat and the ecobee4 Smart Thermostat are a few examples to consider.
When you’re away, you can keep an eye on your home with cameras and smart sensors. With outdoor cameras, you can watch your driveway, entry, front yard or any part of your property remotely by logging into a mobile app on your smartphone. With some cameras, you can even speak through the microphone! If you receive a lot of packages or if you have a lot of visitors, you can also install a smart doorbell, equipped with a motion sensor camera.
Concerned about bursting pipes or fire and carbon monoxide? Consider a water sensor device — they will alert you when water is present and some will shut off your water at the sign of a burst pipe. Fire and carbon monoxide devices will send alerts to your smartphone when they detect carbon monoxide or heat.
Remember, contact your insurance agent if you have installed some smart devices in your home. You may qualify for a discount on your home insurance premium.
This summary is for general informational use only and may not include all relevant information.
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