There are all kinds of new gadgets that can make your home life more convenient, particularly if you have a smartphone or tablet to control them all. Even if you don’t, you can take advantage of some of these cool new ways to make your life less complicated.
Need a more efficient way to control the temperature in your home? Check. Need to monitor for water leakage? Check. Need your smartphone to open your front door? Check. Read on for just a few ideas of great, inexpensive ways to add cool tech to your home.
Thermostat Control
There are some great, affordable thermostat options that will quickly pay for themselves with how much energy you’ll save. The Honeywell Smart Thermostat with Voice Control ($299.99) has a large touchscreen display instead of standard dials or buttons. Voice control allows you to change the temperature without even moving from across the room. You can also control the thermostat with your smartphone or computer. The Nest Thermostat ($249) also uses smart technology, although it does not have voice control. It knows when you’re not at home and changes the temperature accordingly. It can also be controlled remotely via smartphone or computer, and it analyzes your usage patterns to save you more energy.
Garage Door Opener
Reaching for your garage door opener is often a pain, especially when it’s dark. Chamberlain’s MyQ Garage Opener ($102.99) lets you tap your smartphone’s screen to open or close your garage door from anywhere. It alerts you if you forget to shut the door, so no more driving back home to make sure! You will also receive alerts any time someone opens the garage door. The device works with nearly all major-brand door openers manufactured after 1993.
Water Leakage Monitor
One of the most potentially harmful things to a house is water leakage. The average cost for a water-related repair is between $2,000 and $3,000. The WallyHome ($299) will help you detect leaks quickly and stop them from turning into costly repair jobs. It works by using wireless sensors that you place next to any potential trouble spots. The sensors are small enough to go behind pipes or underneath appliances. If a sensor detects water, you get a text message. You get another text message when the area is dry. If the monitor saves you from serious water damage, the initial price will quickly be worth it!
Humidity Sensors
It’s important to keep humidity levels in your home low (around 30 to 50 percent). The Leviton Humidity Sensor and Fan Control ($26.69) helps you do just that. It’s nearly invisible, and it detects humidity and then automatically activates an already installed ventilation fan to regulate humidity levels. You can set sensor sensitivity and humidity levels to fit your needs in each room.
Smart Door Lock
The Kwikset Kevo ($179.95), which looks just like a regular deadbolt on the outside, can be locked or unlocked with the touch of your finger via your smartphone, which becomes your key. If you don’t have a smartphone, you can use the included key fob to lock and unlock the door. You can assign virtual keys either permanently or temporarily (and even allow them to work only at certain times), and you can monitor ins and outs remotely. You can even receive activity alerts with the Kevo app. In case of any technical problems, the lock can still be opened with a regular old key. It also works with the Nest thermostat to set your personal temperature preferences as you come and go.
My husband and I are looking at a house that has an HOA, but we never lived with one before so we are curious to know if there are benefits to having one. I liked how you pointed out that one good thing is that they will provide a landscape company to help with the yard work. It will be great not having to worry about spending all of our time doing it, but having it still look nice.
Very nice love the colors
I would love to have a tiny home to live in! It seems more manageable and affordable. The Hiatus in Oregon is beautiful. I love the wood floors. can you put a tiny house on any property? Thanks for the inspiration and information!
I have a home in Stamford CT and I am looking for someone to assume my mortgage. Not sure if you are interested in something like this based on what I saw on your website. Eric
Is it possible to buy a first home with a 580 credit score? The house is in Groton ct and is only $90,000