It’s no secret that we’re living in an era where innovation and technology rein high. In 2019, smart homes actually got smarter, and connected devices began learning to communicate with each other. Just a few years ago, home automation was a topic vaguely explored. Today, a homeowner can find smart technology to solve many challenges they have around the home — locking the doors, managing security, or even feeding their pets.
What exactly is a SMART home? It stands for Self-Monitoring Analysis and Report Technology. For home comfort controls, benefits have evolved beyond energy savings to include functionalities that improve home management and ‘make decisions’ for homeowners through system monitoring, alerts, and performance optimization.
When it comes to who’s interested in smart home systems, the demographics are all over the map. Millennials, or first-time homebuyers, who are entering the market have a great desire for home automation trends. Baby boomers are also quite tech savvy and often look for homes with the latest smart home devices.
Below we’ve analyzed new smart home options that not only provide convenience but also fulfill some substantial needs of today’s homeowner.
Digital Assistants
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Assistant
- Apple’s Siri and Homekit
Digital assistants are the most common and convenient smart home feature, but they do come with their limitations. Where digital assistants become really useful is when they are integrated as a part of a smart home ecosystem, composed of a network of compatible, interactive smart home devices. Most assistants are compatible with other smart home devices and can help control your entire home if set-up properly.
Smart Home Hubs / Speakers
- Wink Hub 2
- Samsung SmartThings Hub
- Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen)
- Google Homes
- Apple HomePod
A smart hub is the heart of a modern home. It connects all of your gadgets and allows access to everything through one centralized app. Another reason smart hubs can come in handy is that not every device relies on the same wireless standard.
Smart Security
- NetGear Arlo Q
- Nest Hello
- Nest Protect
- Wyze Cam v2
- SimpliSafe
As a homeowner, you always want to keep your property secure and your family protected. Smart security systems go far beyond an alarm system and standard camera. One of the most significant benefits of smart security is that you can control home surveillance on your own. You can view all of your security camera footage (both live and recorded) from the convenience of your smartphone, tablet or computer. You can even talk to people as they enter your property! Smart security has been a game-changer to the home automation industry!
Smart Lights and Thermostats
- Philips Hue (lights)
- Lifx Mini WiFi Smart Bulb (lights)
- Nanoleaf Rhythm Smarter Kit (lights)
- Ecobee Smart Thermostat
- Nest Learning Thermostat
Transform your home into an energy-saving powerhouse by replacing any incandescent bulbs with fluorescent light bulbs. Lighting is one of the easiest ways to start saving energy. Replacing frequently used light fixtures with energy-efficient bulbs can save you between $65 and $75 each year. Energy-efficient bulbs, such as LEDs, last longer and provided the durability that is needed in throughout the summer and winter months. Halogen bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs offer longer lasting light and are more energy-efficient than your old incandescent bulbs. There are also tons of smart thermostat options on the market to make your home more energy efficient!
Whether you want to purchase a fully automated smart home that will assist in your daily life, or keep a remote second home safe and secure, today’s smart home technology provided multiple options that make it easy to seamlessly connect to your home.
When you’re ready to upgrade your home, get pre-approved online before you start shopping! Total Lending Concepts offers a variety of loan programs that will meet your needs, regardless of your situation!
