5 HOME TECHNOLOGY TRENDS FOR TODAY ’ S INNOVATIVE LIVING
Saving energy and money at home is a constant goal . From general conservation tips to tackling everything from overall sustainability to accessibility , categories for change include improving your home ’ s heating and cooling , water , waste , climate control and the outdoors . Here are a few more categories that can help elevate your home into the smartest house on the block .
Integration Combine smaller audio , video , lighting and entertainment components into an integral system . Linking subsystems can be accomplished gradually until the total integration is complete . Beyond the usual electronic devices , subsystems also include Wi-Fi set-up , heating and cooling , a security system and even a home theater for entertaining . A knowledgeable contractor who specializes in integration and electronic systems is a reputable source to turn to . There is an organization called the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association ( CEDIA ). It can answer questions you may have regarding installation , design and the overall integration of your home . Go to cedia . org to learn more about how a specialist can assist you with the proper design and execution of your integration .
Sustainability
Reduce , reuse and conserve is the message of today ’ s sustainable design . A home ’ s energy conservation should meet your needs without having a major impact on the needs of the next generation . As a consumer you can choose to shop smarter . From biodegradable materials to recycled products , limiting the waste will maximize your carbon footprint in a positive way . Your purchasing power can go to energy-saving home appliances such as a washer or dishwasher — saving you money in the long run . With sustainability also being a large category for building a new home , design-build firms are a way to go . You can book a full-service design-and-build company to execute your entire vision of a sustainable home to completion .
Interactivity Experience the fun and function of your home with interactive accommodations such as video games , streaming
content online , watching TV and listening to music , including digital systems and speakers for the whole house that are discreetly hidden behind walls . Interactivity doesn ’ t end at just playing your favorite sounds ; there are home networks that allow your family to engage with technology through music . Shades and lighting can be programmed to open and close to sync with your mood , event , activity and music choice . The music can be controlled by your smartphone or tablet and different playlists can be synched for different rooms in your house , including the pool and shower — the most musically inspired place in the house .
Accessibility
This is real-time information at your fingertips — the most basic of which is Wi-Fi network accessibility . You can enhance your digital accessibility and keep your devices streaming content and “ full speed ahead ” with access to the Internet . With videos , blogs , online forums and other informative and interactive media , the design of evolving technology gives you the ability to relate to universal design that ’ s usable by almost everyone .
Productivity
There is nothing more important to the function of the home than productivity — or “ getting it done ” every day . The “ it ” can be a range of daily goals set within your home and work schedules . Having access to your smartphones and tablets allows you to be even more productive in a day . From remote systems that control everything from lighting and temperature to the security system , productivity is one of your home technology trends . n
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