5 Smart Home Technology Tips

Not so long ago, you probably thought it was great that you could buy a car with OnStar. Built in 911 help, the ability to unlock your car remotely, and the secure feeling that someone was always there to help you were great selling points. Now, as you know, you can be the OnStar center for your home by availing yourself of the newest home smart technology. Here are five ways to make your home smarter:

Echo

The Amazon Echo should be on the top of your list. It’s compatible with lots of popular platforms like Wink and Belkin, and it can run and control almost any app you wish to use. Ask Alexa to find you some quick Chinese, and Favor will be at your door before you get the paper plates on the table.

Security Cameras

Remember when it was cool to put motion detectors in every room so you could get some kind of warning if something or someone was in your house?

Today’s security cameras are amazingly more sophisticated as they can interface with your smart thermostat to turn streaming on or off. They include digital zoom, and even two-way audio so you can persuade those burglars to go elsewhere. You’d never wonder where Kevin was if your house was equipped with an up-to-date security camera system.

Thermostat

A Nest thermostat will, after a couple of weeks, adapt to your HVAC preferences. Turn the A/C down every night because you like a cold sleeping environment? The Nest will do it for you, and will also set your desired temperature higher during the day while you are at work. The Nest will do this on its own--no need for you to even access the app!

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors

As you undoubtedly have heard many times, “carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can silently kill you.” This is not futuristic comic book nonsense, however, and according to the CDC, “During 1999–2010, a total of 5,149 deaths from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning occurred in the United States--an average of 430 deaths per year.” A Nest CO detector will not only let you know if dangerous CO levels exist but it will turn off your heating system to stop the production of the poisonous gas.

Kwikset Kevo

Ever broke your key off in your deadbolt? Maybe two hours and a hundred fifty bucks later you finally were able to enter your home. With a Kwikset Kevo all you need to do is touch the lock with your finger and it will open. You can even send electronic keys to visitors, friends or repair guys if you trust them.  The Kevo app will also help you monitor your entrances and you’ll be able to tell who entered your house when.

Where We Are

As far as smart homes are concerned, the future is now. Install the latest systems, and you’ll never have to worry again like your parents did when they left the house!

Sam Radbil is an author at ABODO Apartments, an apartment marketplace website that makes apartment hunting easier for people all across the country. Check out their available apartments in Cincinnati, OH and follow along on Twitter at @ABODOapts.