If you’re a homeowner, you have probably heard the term “smart home technology” at least once. Smart home technology is essentially a term used to describe any appliances and home features that can be controlled using your smartphone, smart home apps or other connected devices. With just the swipe of your finger or a simple voice command, you can remotely control the lights, the heating and the cooling in your home.
If you’re looking to purchase some smart home tech and can’t decide, we completely understand. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the wealth of information and opinions available online. That’s why, in our newest episode of Home Services TV, OnTime Service’s Kerry Adkins provides some helpful information on the latest in smart home technology! We want to make sure you choose the smart home technology that suits YOUR needs.
What Are You Looking For?
Before you go ahead and purchase smart home systems, it’s important to ask yourself what you want. Is there a specific feature of your home you would like to improve? Do you want to increase the safety and security of your home? Do you want to prioritize convenience and comfort? These are important questions to ask yourself before you make the decision to install smart home technology. To give you a better idea, here are some common smart home technologies:
Smart Thermostat
You might have heard of how great programmable thermostats are. With programmable thermostats you can create a pre-set schedule of the temperature you want for different parts of the day. It’s very convenient – but with smart thermostats you can do that and so much more.
Smart thermostats can be controlled remotely from your smartphone. This way you can leave your home at a higher temperature and before you return, you can set the thermostat to a lower temperature so you can come to a cool home. This can contribute to saving energy. According to the Department of Energy you can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat up 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day. In addition, smart thermostats can provide monthly reports on energy usage and remind you when your air filter needs changing.
Smart Lighting
Gone are the days when clapping your hands to turn on the lights seemed like the stuff of magic. With smart lighting systems connected to smart devices like Amazon Echo or Siri, you can simply command the lights to turn on. Smart lighting systems can also be controlled with your smartphone. With smart lighting you won’t have to come home to a dark house – you can automate your smart lighting system to turn on the outdoor and indoor lights.
Smart Security and Monitoring Systems
You can use smart home technology to ensure the security as well, by using technology that gives you greater control over the safety of your home. Video doorbells, which are an increasingly common smart security feature, can allow you to video-chat with visitors from the screen of your smart phone. Similarly, smart locks can allow you to keep an eye on activity near a locked door and grant access to a guest.
How Much Does Smart Home Technology Cost?
Over the past few years, the prices of smart home technology have really come down. The affordability of smart home technology is beginning to improve. Currently, smart thermostats’ prices are between $100 and $300. When it comes to smart home security systems, the price range is from $9.99 per month to $44.99 per month. Lastly, the price range for smart bulbs is roughly between $9.99 and $59.99. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the different brands and features of the technology!
Enlist the Help of An Electrician—Contact OnTime Service!
You don’t have to find the right smart home technology by yourself – get in touch with a professional from OnTime Service. Our experienced and knowledgeable electricians can install smart home systems to give you the convenience you are looking for. We can also address questions and concerns about the latest in smart home technology, so you can continue to improve the efficiency of your home! Call us today at 251-272-3595 or schedule a service on our website!
