The Wave of Smart Home Technology

Living in Silicon Valley, we are at the epicenter of technological advancement.

The ‘smart home’, once a luxury only the most affluent could afford, has now become available to just about everyone.

A smart home is one equipped with highly advanced automation allowing lighting, security systems, heating and air conditioning, entertainment systems, and other electronic devices can be controlled remotely by a mobile phone, tablet, or computer.

Many high-tech companies, including Palo Alto’s Nest Labs, creator of the Nest Learning Thermostat and other ‘smart’ gadgets, are creating intelligent products that communicate, learn, and can be programmed and controlled from off-site.

Residents of Palo Alto as well as a significant number of those residing in Silicon Valley incorporate technology in their homes. The homeowner can be at work, on vacation, or just out and about, and with the touch of a smartphone button, can arm their security system, lock or unlock doors, program their television, turn their thermostat up or down, and turn lights on or off.

These days, many homes and buildings are being fully equipped with automation capabilities, but a home doesn’t have to be new to take advantage of this controllable computerization.

7 Super Smart Gadgets for the Home

1. Keyless entry

A keyless entry lock allows the homeowner to remotely grant access to guests, ensures the home is secure, keeps a log of who has entered and exited, as well as unlocks the door upon arriving home.

2. Smart Lighting

These intelligent lights gradually brighten in the morning to wake you up naturally, set lighting to turn on and off at predetermined times, or recreate any quality and color of light.

3. Smart Appliances

There are dishwashers, refrigerators, and laundry units that allow browsing of the Internet and detect when power consumption is at its lowest, saving money by running at off-peak hours.

4. Nest Learning Thermostats

This super savvy thermostat can be controlled from a phone but also learns your schedule and programs itself, saving users up to 20% on their heating and cooling costs.

5. Smart Outlets

Automatically turning off after a predetermined amount of time, smart outlets help curb electrical consumption and avoid mishaps, such as forgetting to unplug the iron.

6. Smart Landscaping Sensors

Minimize water consumption by installing a soil sensor, which monitors the moisture and turns on the sprinklers as needed, avoiding over and under watering.

7. Shrewd Security Systems

Many companies now offer so much more than the basic home alarm. These interactive security systems integrate cameras and alarms, which can be managed from a distance. Cameras also allow the homeowner to ‘check’ on their home from anywhere.

Advances in technology for the home will only continue to gain traction and popularity. It’s only a matter of time until our houses understand our habits and help make our lives easier.