Bring your home into the future with these five 'smart' upgrades
The smart, technology-driven home of “The Jetsons” is no longer a fictional dream. Granted, a robot maid might not be in your immediate future, but smart homes are here to stay. Impressive, affordable technology has become mainstream.
From thermostats to home entertainment, there is a connected device for practically any need in your home. And research says people are ready and willing to adopt smart home tech — 54 percent of Americans plan to buy at least one smart home product in the next year, according to the second annual State of the Smart Home Report from Icontrol Networks, which surveys 1,600 people in the U.S. and Canada.
The top five most wanted smart home devices for 2015 are:
1. Self-adjusting thermostat — 72 percent
Traditional thermostats require users to manually change the temperature every time they get a little hot or cold, but a smart thermostat does it automatically. Models like the Nest Learning Thermostat build a personal schedule based on your habit, making them easy to use and more efficient at saving you time, energy and money.
Estimated cost: $200-$300
What it saves: $131-$145 a year, according to Nest Labs.
2. Doors with remote lock — 71 percent
Burglaries occur every 14.1 seconds in the U.S., according to the FBI's Uniform Crime Report. So it's no surprise that 90 percent of those surveyed named security one of the most important reasons for purchasing a smart home system. Think you forgot to lock the front door? With a remote lock connected to your phone, you can check from work — giving you peace of mind, security and convenience that isn't available from a simple lock and key.
Estimated cost: $179-$300
What it saves: Potentially thousands by not having to replace stolen property from a picked lock.
3. Household master remote control — 68 percent
One of the reasons smart devices are so attractive is how they streamline routine tasks. And what's more streamlined than a universal remote? Sometimes called “smart hubs,” these units are the command center that communicates with all of your other smart devices. These hubs can dim the lights, lower the temperature or crank up some tunes all from one place.
Estimated cost: $199 and up
What it saves: Time, with the convenience of dealing with a single smart device
4. Home-monitoring cameras — 65 percent
Do more than just keep an eye on your home with smart surveillance cameras. The latest home-monitoring systems offer more options and ease of use than traditional subscription-based companies. Cameras like Piper NV utilize facial recognition and environmental sensors to learn your family's faces and routine, and alert you if something is amiss. Therefore, the alarm won't sound if the kids get home early from school, but will notify your smartphone if it's in vacation mode.
Estimated cost: $199-$500
What it saves: Can you put a price on your peace of mind?
5. Automatic adjustable outdoor lighting
Smart lighting has come a long way from turning on with a clap. Like other smart technology, smart lighting features motion detection, automatic shut off and energy efficiency. Settings can be controlled from your smartphone. Outdoor security lights like NetBright Spotlights by Mr. Beams are even able to communicate with each other, so when one light activates, all lights on the network turn on as well.
Estimated cost: $144.99 (per unit of four)
What it saves: More energy efficient than traditional security lights (Savings based on use).