3. Prioritize what you install.
When it’s time to begin the actual transition to a smart home, it’s a good idea to start
with the most important products first. For most homeowners, those are the devices
that you use every day.
Opening and closing the garage door is so much a part of your daily routine that
it is often hard to remember if you closed it on the way out. Products such as the
Chamberlain MyQ Garage upgrade kit, or Chamberlain garage door openers with
built-in MyQ technology, put peace of mind in the palm of your hand. This technology
allows you to control and check the status of your garage door from anywhere, at any
time, so you know if your garage was left open or if it’s being opened while you’re not
home. The innovative technology works with numerous smart-device brands and their
devices, such as NEST thermostats and Xfinity home security products.
With the all-important lead-in to your home covered, you can turn your attention
to devices that help manage your home’s operation and efficiency. Thermostats that
auto-adjust to designated climate settings are a popular option for many homeowners
because they bring immediate returns in reducing your overall energy usage. Irrigation
systems and power management products are also wise investments when it comes to
optimizing your home’s use of natural resources.
Crossing the threshold to a smart home may feel like a big step, but once you get
settled and experience the convenience and control, you’ll likely find yourself exploring
ways to incorporate smart technology every place you can.
Smart Devices for Every Room
The number of devices that can be integrated into a smart home is growing at an
accelerated rate, but not all are complex gadgets and gizmos. Some of the simpler
options for every room in your home include:
Living Room Outlet Adapters—walk into your home late at night and flip on the
lights, the TV or both without searching in the dark for a switch or remote. After your
smart outlet adapter is plugged into the wall, appliances can be plugged into the adapter
and controlled from a smartphone.
Bedroom—Adding motorized drapes to your bedroom allows for an easy way to
adjust lighting and privacy without leaving the comfort of your bed. Properly adjusting
drapes, which is easy to do with smartphone control, can also help manage energy
consumption by regulating solar heat.
Kitchen—Wake up to your favorite morning beverage without drowsily scooping
and pouring. A smart coffee maker can make the right amount of coffee at just the right
time through simple settings on your smartphone.
Family Room—Cue the movie setting with dimmed lights, blinds lowered and
the TV powered on. Hosting a party? Count on your custom entertaining setup with
lighting in all your guest-friendly rooms, lively music playing on your whole-home
sound system and a lower temperature to keep things cool as the party heats up.
Continued on next page ➢
McKeesport Area | Spring 2017 | icmags.com 15