Smart safety
A smart home is a safe home. For example, a leak protection sensor
can monitor the plumbing and ensure there are no major malfunc-
tions. Other safety features include fire and gas alarms; cameras; mo-
tion, glass breakage and door sensors; door locks and video doorbells.
Energy savers
Smart climate control features not only improve the comfort of
the household, they can also reduce energy consumption. A smart
watering system can keep costs to a minimum, and programmable
thermostats can turn heating or cooling off when you’re away and
back to a comfortable temperature when you return.
Smart outlets can measure energy use, and app-controlled ceiling
fans offer room-specific cooling that costs less than air conditioning.
Automation and entertainment
Historically, automation meant connected lights and other devices
that turn on and off, but the Amazon Echo changed all that, Higginbo-
tham said. The most common use of the Echo may be to set a timer,
but it can do a whole lot more.
Smart TVs allow users to connect to apps, stream content to smart-
phones, Skype, choose content on demand and store videos, pictures
and music. There are smart speakers and remotes, too.
Buy it and try it
Smart features may become standard in new construction, but it
requires more effort to retrofit an existing home.
“If you want to experience it, I suggest buy it and try it,” Higginbo-
tham said. Buy a $50 Amazon Echo Dot and a $40 connected switch.
Connect the switch to the lamp next to your bed and see if you like
using it, Higginbotham said. It’s as simple — and smart — as that.
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