Published on November 10th, 2019 | by Sunit Nandi
05 High-Tech Upgrades to Make Your Home Really Stand Out
There are some technology devices that can make a home more comfortable and easier to maneuver. Then, there are those that can help take your house from ordinary to exceptional. Here are five tech options that can really make your home stand out.
Smart Thermostat
Adding a smart thermostat can be a quick and relatively inexpensive upgrade whose benefits you should realize right away. They are pretty straightforward to install and operate manually. You may have to adjust to being able to change the temperature remotely, though. Look for a model that uses geofencing to automatically adjust the temperature depending on whether or not you are home.
Solar Panels
Adding solar panels to your house can be a fabulous way to integrate technology, lower your utility bills, and help you become more eco-friendly. Not to mention that solar panels may help you become a little less dependent on the electric grid in the case of storm-related or other extended power outages. There can be a substantial upfront cost to buying a panel system that can power your home, but luckily there are options to help. Look at special financing options like a lease or solar loan which might help make the installation more budget-friendly. If you still aren’t sure, you can start small with a compact panel system that is designed to provide lighting to a workshop or barn as you adjust to the technology.
Electronic Keys
Whether you choose to ditch the traditional lock and key altogether or supplement them with an electronic lock, it is time to consider making the switch. Electronic keys offer many features that can make your home safe and provide you peace of mind. One of the greatest features of these locks is that you can program multiple codes. That means you can also change codes, too. So, if the plumber needs to get in while you are out, simply create a new code so they can access the door. You can delete it later if you want. Certain models allow you to track the code history on them. This means that if you think someone was in the house, you can go back and check whose codes were used to gain access.
Doorbell Camera
It might seem like a silly gadget to install, but a doorbell camera can be an incredibly useful feature in your home. Many people also consider them valuable deterrents against thieves. Knowing when your kids come and go without having to wait for them to text you at work can be reason enough to install one. But, you might be surprised at how many people are coming up to your house while you are away during the day. Keep tabs on that activity by setting up alerts when the doorbell picks up their movements. If you are expecting a package to be delivered, rest easy knowing your camera will alert you to when it arrives. Look for a model with two-way voice capabilities so you can alert visitors whether you are or aren’t home.
Wi-Fi Enabled Lightbulbs
You’ll wonder how you went so long without these amazing little devices once they are in. With smart lighting, you can turn the lights on and off remotely using an app on your phone. Did you forget to turn the lights off when you left the kitchen? No worries, just turn them off from your phone. Getting home later than expected? Make sure you don’t have to walk into a dark house by switching a few lamps on before you arrive. If you are in the house or using a remote voice assistant, simply ask them to adjust your light settings and it shall be done. Some bulbs let you set lighting profiles for things like reading, watching television, or doing homework.
You don’t have to settle for a cookie-cutter house. Whether you are looking to enjoy the upgrades or you want to help your house be competitive on the real estate market, implementing some of these upgrades can really make it stand out. Because many of them also help you manage energy usage, you may notice lower utility bills, too.