We live in incredible times, where technology has made it possible for us to have information at the touch of our fingertips. Technological innovations have extended to the home, where new products make it easier and more convenient for home owners to enjoy their abodes with less hassle. Here are a few tech products that are a must for any home.
Home Energy Monitors
Photo courtesy of Sense
A home energy monitor connects to your electric meter, and it will provide you with detailed information about your energy usage so you can make your home more energy efficient. There are a variety of energy monitors on the market with varying features. Some can tell you the energy usage of individual appliances, while others can even give you recommendations for energy efficiency. Whether you are interested in reducing your energy use, helping the environment, or both, an energy monitor will take the guesswork out and help you get details on the energy consumption in your home.
There are several home energy monitors to choose from, ranging in price from $140 to $399. You can choose the model that best suits your needs as a homeowner. Some of the brands to consider are the Neurio Home Electricity Monitor, Sense Home Energy Monitor, and CURB Energy.
Smart Thermostat
Photo courtesy of Nest
Take more control over the heating and cooling of your home, as well as your energy consumption, with a smart thermostat. Every model offers different features, but some of the most common benefits of a smart thermostat include complex temperature scheduling, humidity sensors, voice recognition, and remote control. Some highly sophisticated models have a “learning ability”, in which they know when you leave and return to your home. Most offer remote control options, including the ability to monitor and control the system from outside the home using an app. Several models allow you to integrate the thermostat with your smart home system. Some of the top rated smart thermostats are the Nest Learning Thermostat, Ecobee, and Honeywell.
Wireless Speaker System
Photo courtesy of Sonos
If you love music, play your favorite tunes in any room in your home with a wireless speaker system. Listen to a podcast in your room while you get ready for the day. Enjoy your favorite audio in any or every room of your home with a wireless speaker system. Sonos is consistently at the top of consumer rankings for wireless audio systems. Sonos speakers have been noted for the great sound quality with zero distortion at any volume. The system uses Wifi instead of Bluetooth to avoid the delays and interruptions associated with Bluetooth. Their app works with multiple streaming services.
Smart Home Devices
Photo courtesy of Google Store
Also referred to as virtual assistant devices, smart home devices use voice activation to turn your home into an automated, app controlled hub. Smart home devices allow you to control features of your home, like security systems and thermostats, remotely. Some have cameras so you can check on your pets while you are at work. You can turn on music or set an alarm, all using your voice. Two of the most heard of smart home devices are Amazon Echo and Google Home. Think of these devices as a hands free assistant in your home.
Do you have any of these smart devices in your home yet? Any that I missed on the list that you love?
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