Technology in the home is becoming increasingly popular due to the Internet gradually making its way into everything, from thermostats to flooring. In the near future, it’s going to become the norm to control the majority of home appliances and features through your phone. Today’s buyers are searching for smart home features for personal security, convenience, and entertainment purposes.
The 2015 Smart Home Report shows that by 2022, a typical family home could contain more than 500 smart devices and 50% of consumers say they plan to buy at least one smart home product in the next year. In addition, according to the National Association of Home Builders, millennials are especially aware about using technology in the home. The National Association of Home Builders notes, “Millennials like services that allow them to unlock their door, control their thermostat and receive information about when their front door opens – all via their smartphones or tablet devices.”
We believe it’s how you live that matters, and incorporating smart technology in your home can give you more time to create memories and spend time with your friends and neighbors. If you’re looking to incorporate smart-home technology into your home, we suggest taking a look at these popular items:
- Amazon Echo: The Amazon Echo is a voice-activated smartphone assistant, similar to Siri, that is specifically for the home. You can ask Echo (or Alexa) any question related to your day-to-day living. For example, Alexa can send you calendar reminders, play a song off of Pandora, tell you the weather for the day, explain the steps to a recipe, and much more. The Echo can also control home-automation gear from Belkin and Philips. The Amazon Echo is $180.
- Nest: Nest is a smart thermostat that learns your habits over time and can program itself to turn the heat up or down according to your routine. The Nest is a simple way to keep your utility bill costs down. The Nest is $249.
- Belkin WeMo Switch: The WeMo Switch controls all of your home’s electronics from your phone. You can set electronics on a schedule or program your lights to turn on and off when you enter or exit a room. The WeMo switch also has motion control sensors. The Belkin WeMo Switch is $74.
Having a connected home isn’t just beneficial for convenience and security purposes. There are many benefits of owning a home that’s connected. Using your smartphone to connect to your home can also improve your home’s energy efficiency. For instance, installing an automatic dimmer on your lights can lower electricity bills and increase the life expectancy of light bulbs. Furthermore, blinds and drapes can be programmed to close during the hottest part of the day to block out the sun, which will keep your home cooler.
We’re excited to see the future possibilities about smart home technology and design. What are your opinions about technology in the home? We’d love to hear your thoughts on our Facebook page!