Smart Home Technology is changing the way we live

Smart home technology is changing the way we live.   It is making our life easier and more convenient.  I recently viewed a kitchen with a built in Wolf coffee maker.  You could control many of the coffee maker’s features right from your smart phone.  This allows you to start brewing your first cup of coffee before you are out of bed by using an app.  Click here to learn more about all of Wolf’s connected kitchen appliances, http://www.subzero-wolf.com/use-and-care/connect-appliances.  Smart kitchen appliances can automate parts of the cooking process, keep you updated on the progress of your food, or make sure you are following recipes correctly.

Here are a few other smart home technology trends,   

 Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats can lower your electric bill and conserve energy over time by monitoring different aspects of your home, such as light and air conditioning usage.  Smart thermostats, such as the Nest, will learn your schedule and temperature preferences, and can even detect your presence. This allows your home to leave the air off while you’re not home, or let it auto-adjust to a comfortable temperature when you’re on your way.  I am seeing more and more homes equipped with this smart thermostat.  Click here to learn more about Nest thermostats, https://nest.com/thermostats/

Smart Home Security Cameras
Security is a big concern these days.  Smart home security systems allow you to monitor your home while you are home or away.  This technology will send you alerts to your smartphone, and allow you to view, talk, and listen to your home remotely.  Many home security companies also offer smart door locks that you can operate remotely through your smartphone.

Smart Door Bells
Smart door bells are quick and easy to install and have built in cameras, speakers, and microphones.  They can detect if someone comes to your door, even if they do not ring the doorbell.  You can get alerts sent directly to your smartphone.  Click here to learn more about the smart door bell by Ring,  https://ring.com/

Smart Garage Doors
Smart garage doors allow you to monitor your garage door from anywhere.  Check the open or closed status from an app on your smartphone, and, if it’s open, you can close it, even remotely. You can be miles and miles away from home and still control your garage door.

Voice Controlled Technology
Voice controlled digital assistants, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home, are so common in homes it is hard to believe they were not around just a couple years ago.   Many families have them in the kitchen so everyone is not pulling out their smart phones during meals.  This home technology will play music, and respond to users request for information.  There are other services available, such as setting up Amazon Alexa to also control the lights in your home by listening to your voice.

Smart Home Lighting
Smart home lighting allows you to control the lights in your home through your smartphone, by voice (many can be connected to voice controlled technology like the Amazon Alexa), light switch, or by motion.  This allows you to control your lights while at home or while you are away.  You can adjust the brightness and set to be on during certain hours.  If you leave a light on, you can check and then turn it off from anywhere.