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6 Smart Home Tools to Try Today

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In the past few years, “smart” home tech has transformed from a niche hobby to a mass market industry. Across the increasingly mainstream and affordable landscape of connected devices, there are myriad options for making life more convenient. Here’s a quick list of a few stand-out options. 

Multi-colored Smart Lighting

The Philips Hue brand of light bulbs allows you to control not just the brightness but also the color of your lights. There are more than 16 million shades for you to try out. You can interface with the system using your smartphone or tablet. These bulbs use LED technology, so they tend to last a lot longer than incandescent bulbs while drawing much less electricity. They are a bit pricey at about $150 for a starter kit, but if you’re not interested in colored lights, then you can save a bit of money by opting for a Hue White starter kit, which clocks in at less than $100.

Roomba Vacuum Cleaner

Almost everyone knows that iRobot is the name to trust when it comes to automated vacuum cleaners. What some are unaware of, though, is that the company is constantly innovating and offers several different models. The Roomba 890, which can be had for about $500, is the firm’s latest creation. While it doesn’t provide the multi-room capabilities and auto-recharging features of the high-end 960 and 980 models, it is able to follow a custom schedule and contains a high-efficiency filter to capture 90 percent of allergens.

Smart Speakers

Amazon basically dominates the smart speaker category with its Echo unit. Sophisticated audiophiles scoff at its middle-of-the-road audio output, but this isn’t why people are buying it by the millions. Echo contains the virtual assistant Alexa, which interacts with users through normal speech. Alexa already works with countless other pieces of home equipment, so it can act as a hub of sorts, and more third-party compatibility is being constantly added to the Alexa Skills Store. The Google Home speaker comes with a similar Assistant software agent, but it has a lot of work still ahead of it to eclipse Amazon’s healthy lead in this area.

The HydroHammock

The HydroHammock is a combination hammock, hot tub, shower, water bed and more. It can hold 80 gallons of water and up to two people as long as the total weight is no more than 750 pounds. A complete set of a hammock and water heater will cost you close to $2,000, but this may be worth it if you want to be able to enjoy the comforts of the indoors while camping, hiking or just lazing around outside on a chilly day.

Smart Air Purifiers

A home air purifier works by passing the air you breathe through carefully engineered filters to remove unwanted particulate matter. Look for one that’s certified to be U.S. HEPA compliant because it will filter out at least 99.97 percent of objects as small as 0.3 microns wide. Smart models allow you to monitor and adjust their performance remotely, but the jury’s still out on whether or not these features warrant the extra cost of a smart air purifier versus an old-school one. Prices vary widely depending on the attributes you seek, but look to spend a few hundred dollars for a quality unit.

Sous Vide Cuisine

For savory, full-flavored meals, you may wish to try out sous vide cooking techniques. They involve vacuum sealing foodstuffs within a pouch and then cooking them slowly over lower-than-standard temperatures. The time it takes to properly prepare sous vide dishes can be several hours or even days. Busy individuals who don’t have time to babysit their victuals often turn to the Anova precision cooker or the Nomiku, both of which can be operated from afar through Wi-Fi connectivity. Either of them can be had for less than $200.

While it’s too early to say that the home of the future is already here, we’re certainly moving in the right direction. You can upgrade your living environment to take advantage of smarthome tech at a price that’s not exactly inexpensive but lies comfortably within the budget of most homeowners. There’s no need to rush out and buy the latest gadget right away because there’s enough on the market now that you can pick up a couple of desirable products whenever you feel like it.

 

Tech FAQ: Can I create a smart home using only wireless technology?

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As part of our efforts to create the ultimate Tech Homeowner’s guides we are constantly searching the web for great pieces of advice.

Many homeowners want the convenience of a smart home but with it may come a tangled mess of cords and wires (which no one ever wants to deal with). Is it possible to have a smart home without the wires? Check out the following on:

Lighting –

Go around your house and look for lamps and fixtures. Check the bulbs to make sure the bases are compatible and swap ’em out for smart bulbs.

And cameras –

If you want to add a camera to your smart home setup, you’re going to have to be OK with cords. Sure, some cameras offer wireless capabilities but they almost always require a hub or base station of some sort that stores the footage it’s recording.

Found at iMore.com

Check back for more Tech FAQ’s as we continue to collect information to create the ultimate Tech Homeowner’s Guides.

 

Kitchen FAQ: How to Cook with Voice Technology

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As part of our efforts to create the ultimate Kitchen Homeowner’s guides, we are constantly searching the web for great pieces of advice.

New digital assistants (think Amazon’s Alexa, Google’s Assistant, and their cohorts) are becoming more adept at helping homeowners solve all kinds of day-to-day problems. But can they come up with any solutions for the age-old question of, “What’s for dinner?” We found some excellent tips to help you cook “smarter” on CNET.com.

First, to maintain a grocery list:

Out of the box, Alexa can help you maintain lists for shopping and to-dos. All you have to do is tell Alexa what you want to add and specify which list you want to add it to.

For example, you can say “Alexa, add eggs.” Since eggs is a noun, Alexa understands that it’s an item you would like to add to your shopping list. You can also say “Alexa, add bread to my shopping list,” or, “Alexa, add an item to my shopping list.” For the latter, Alexa will ask what you want to add and your response will be added as the next line item on your list.

Next, for recipe ideas:

If you search for “recipe” in the Skills section of the Alexa app or alexa.amazon.com, there’s no shortage of options.

One skill worth checking out is Allrecipes. Ask for the recipe of the day, a recipe based on ingredients you have on hand, how long you have or your preferred cooking method. You can even have recipes sent to your phone if you provide your mobile number or save a recipe to your favorites in Allrecipes by linking your account in the Alexa app. Say something like, “Alexa, ask Allrecipes what can I make with chicken and broccoli,” or “Alexa, ask Allrecipes for a slow cooker recipe for pulled pork.”

Then after-dinner drinks:

If you have guests coming over for drinks, but you’re not sure where to begin, just say, “Alexa, open Easy Cocktail.” Then, to use Easy Cocktail, say, “Alexa, ask Easy Cocktail how I can make an Old Fashioned.” First, Alexa will list off the ingredients, then she will tell you the steps of making the drink.

And to wind down with music:

Currently, media streaming services that Alexa supports are your own Amazon Music library, Amazon Prime Music, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Audible and it can even read some of the e-books from you Kindle library.

Check back for more Kitchen FAQ’s as we continue to collect information to create the ultimate Kitchen Homeowner’s Guides.

4 Energy Efficient and Inexpensive DIY Projects

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Many people are aware of the importance of green living but aren’t exactly sure what they can do to reduce the negative impacts they have on the environment. Fortunately, there are plenty of small steps that regular individuals can take to alter their lifestyles in accordance with eco-friendly principles. Embarking on do-it-yourself projects at your home can make it more energy-efficient and therefore contribute to the well-being of the planet.

 

Check and Add Insulation

 

Inadequate insulation leads to air leaks and causes your HVAC equipment to work overtime trying to keep your residence at your preferred temperature. Examine the areas around your doors and windows, and if necessary, apply caulk to seal them properly. Silicone caulk is recommended for use with metal, glass and other water-impermeable surfaces while masonry caulk is ideal for plugging up gaps in walls, bricks and concrete. You can obtain caulk from your local home improvement store for a few dollars a tube.

 

If your water heater is warm to the touch, then you might be able to cover it with an insulating blanket and thereby prevent heat loss. Contact your utility company because it may offer to do the job for you or at least provide you with the necessary supplies for a low cost or even for free. You can also insulate your hot water pipes at a trivial expense with pipe sleeves or fiberglass.

 

Install a Smart Thermostat

 

Some people opt to conserve energy by setting their thermostats a couple of degrees away from what’s most comfortable, but you don’t have to do things manually any longer. With a programmable thermostat, like Google’s Nest or the Ecobee3, your heating and cooling systems will automatically regulate themselves to not waste energy. You’ll probably be able to recoup the cost of the unit within a single summer or winter.

 

You can set up schedules so that your machinery won’t run as frequently when nobody is at home or during the night. In the event that you demand AC or heating service when your thermostat is programmed for a low temperature, you can temporarily override its settings with the touch of a button.

 

You won’t ever have to waste electricity anymore because you forgot to adjust your thermostat before leaving the house. If you do nevertheless need to make changes while you’re away, you can access a connected “smart” thermostat from anywhere through your mobile device.

 

Change Your Lighting Setup

 

Old-fashioned, incandescent light bulbs have adorned homes of all kinds, spartan and luxurious, for more than a century, but their usefulness is now coming to an end. Newer types of lighting, such as compact fluorescent and LED bulbs, consume much less electricity and are therefore good for both your pocketbook and the environment.

 

While both of these types of newfangled lighting have their advantages and drawbacks, LEDs are probably the way to go for most consumers. Don’t be put off by the fact that they cost several times more than regular light bulbs: You’ll recoup your investment in the form of lower energy expenditures in as little as a year. Also, bulbs made of LEDs tend to last quite a bit longer than incandescent ones, so you’ll save on the expenses of replacement too.

 

Get Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

 

Upgrading to low-flow showerheads and water faucets will cut down on the water you consume while taking a shower, brushing your teeth and engaging in other similar activities. Not only does this mean that your water bill will be correspondingly lower, but you’ll also be doing your part to alleviate water scarcity.

 

Most of these fixtures can be had for prices below $30, and they could save you hundreds of dollars per year. Look for the WaterSense label on fixtures, which indicates that the device in question complies with the relevant EPA guidelines for water efficiency.

 

There are also low-flow toilets, but they’re a bit more expensive than faucets and showerheads. Replacing your toilet with a low-flow unit might not be a cost-effective step to take unless you’re in the market for a new toilet anyway.

 

By starting on one or several of these four projects, you can save some money while caring for your natural surroundings. For even more ideas on how to improve energy efficiency, you can obtain a comprehensive energy audit of your home from a professional for a few hundred dollars or less.

 

7 Ways to Improve Property Value with Smart Technology

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Whether you’ve recently built or purchased your luxury residence or it’s been in your family for generations, it’s never a bad time to check out some new ways to enhance the value of your property. Tried-and-true projects such as kitchen renovations and roof replacements are fine choices, but there are many more modern, high-tech options that you may not have considered yet. Many home buyers are more eager than ever to live in a smart home, and they’re willing to shell out good money to make it happen. Best of all, by outfitting your property with smart technologies, you can reap the benefits of a safer, more convenient and more valuable home even if you have no plans to sell. So, where should you start?

 

Smart Detectors and Sensors

 

According to recent studies, three out of every five residential fire fatalities occur in homes that have no working smoke detectors. That alone is reason enough to invest in a quality detector, but it gets even better. You can save as much as five percent on your home insurance premiums by outfitting your home with smart detectors, and the devices – as well as the attendant savings – are sure to appeal to potential buyers as well. Many smart detectors, such as the Nest Protect and the Birdi, also monitor for deadly carbon monoxide and even general air quality.

Smart Door Locks

There’s nothing more important than feeling secure in your own home, and smart door locks can ensure that you’re always in control of your security. Fit your doors with smart locks like the August Smart Lock or the Schlage Sense and you can lock and unlock your doors remotely from virtually anywhere, set your doors to unlock any time you approach via Bluetooth and, with some models, even issue voice commands. A smart lock means no more groping around for your house key or wondering whether you remembered to lock the front door, and it’s a surefire way to add real value to your home without investing a fortune.

Smart Thermostats

With a programmable, Internet-connected thermostat, going green in your home has never been easier. The most popular type of smart technology among homeowners, a Wifi thermostat provides more convenient and efficient set of tools for controlling the heating and cooling of your home, whether it’s managing settings remotely from a smartphone or setting detailed schedules to maximize energy savings and reduce waste. Of course, with environmental concerns and rising energy costs at the forefront of many peoples’ minds, it should come as no surprise that a quality smart thermostat system is also a reliable way to give your property value a boost.

Smart Lights

You may not realize it, but a considerable amount of your monthly energy costs likely goes to lighting. The cost of operating a single light isn’t great, but it can add up quickly when you consider the average home has a staggering 45 light bulbs. Swapping your traditional lights out for smarter models allows for a variety of handy features, from operating the bulbs on a set schedule to remotely controlling them from your mobile device. Smart lights can boost your home security, too. A few well-placed smart outdoor lights with motion sensors can alert you to suspicious activity around your home and provide the light you need to move about safely at night.

Smart Solar Panels

Solar power is the fastest-growing technology in the energy sector, and it’s easier – and more advantageous – than ever to grab yourself a piece of it. Smart solar panels can be a significant investment, but the returns are undoubtedly worth the expense. You can generate tremendous savings on your utility bills while doing your part to reduce your environmental footprint. Even better, studies have shown that home buyers are willing to pay a premium for a home that’s been outfitted with rooftop solar panels. Your property values could see a boost of $15,000 or more with the right setup, and smart solar panels only add to the appeal by providing the ability to track energy generation and enable or disable panels remotely as needed.

Smart Cameras

You can’t be home all the time, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep an eye on things. From keeping tabs on your children while they’re with the babysitter to monitoring anyone who stops by while you’re away, smart cameras provide the ability to remotely view anything you wish in and around your home no matter where you roam. Many cameras also offer cloud storage, motion sensor technology and even advanced features like night vision and one- or two-way communication, making them a tremendous tool for any home security system. After all, when it comes to the value of your home, what could be more valuable than peace of mind?

Smart Sprinklers

Everyone wants a home with a verdant green lawn and beautiful, healthy landscaping. Unfortunately, that isn’t always easy to attain, particularly in areas where water is scarce or tightly controlled. One simple solution is to install smart sprinklers, which can be conveniently set to water your lawn or garden on any schedule you wish. It’s a great way to maintain your landscaping with minimal effort, and it’ll result in some serious savings as well. Smart sprinklers can save up to 20 to 60 percent on monthly water use. If you’re looking for an easy, affordable way to boost the curb appeal and value of your home, smart sprinklers are a good place to start.

 

Smart homes are the future of real estate, and for good reason. Smart technology provides the tools to create homes that are safer, more convenient and more environmentally friendly than ever before, improving homeowners’ lives and boosting property values in the process. By becoming an early adopter, you can reap the benefits while ensuring that your home remains ahead of the market for many years to come.

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