Budget-Friendly Popular Home Smart Technologies

Home smart technologies are quickly becoming the norm in many households. Innovative options such as being able to turn on lights, open doors, and control home security from most anywhere using WiFi and Bluetooth connected devices are simplifying people's lives and improving home safety. Wondering how to make your home a smart home? Here's a rundown of the best home gadgets popular with today's homeowners of real estate in Calgary.

Central Hubs and Voice Assistants

With voice assistants that activate speakers such as Echo and Echo Dot that can connect directly with Alexa, homeowners can control multiple gadgets simply by making voice commands. Homeowners can perform numerous tasks including:

• Set timers
• Control smart home features such as lights and locks
• Play music
• Get answers
• Explore ideas
• Make phone calls
• Check the news

Central hubs and voice assistance systems are one of the most affordable and best smart tools for the home. However, those with touch screen options that allow for video calling typically cost more, and will end up in Calgary luxury homes for sale.

Smart Home Lock Kits

There are a number of big name companies offering smart home locking kits, and they are typically easy to install and relatively affordable. Most models simply mount over existing deadbolt switches to provide connectivity with devices such as Bluetooth, Apple devices and other services such as IFTT. With smart home lock kits, homeowners can easily open the doors when their hands are full or allow access for guests quickly.

Home Security Smart Tech

Ramp up home or Calgary condominium security with indoor or outdoor smart security systems that put you in control. What is a smart home? Home security systems are probably the first thing buyers think of. There are options that can be self-installed fairly easily that serve as a basic self-monitored system and others that can be merged with professionally installed systems. Certain security setups can be connected with a service that allows users to run back and save recorded video snippets as evidence in criminal cases. Extra features include controls for lights, door locks, and support Alexa voice functions.

Smart Thermostats for the Home

Estimates show that installing a smart thermostat can reduce energy bills by 10-30 percent. These clever WiFi enabled devices have the ability to "learn" homeowner's schedules to ensure comfort when returning home after work or errands. Many next-gen models use sensors in the home to detect both heating and cooling temperatures that can be viewed and controlled from smartphones, PCs or tablets. Larger interfaces and easier to use programming tools are causing renewed interest in these money-saving devices.

Smart Lighting Technology

Never be in the dark again with smart home lighting that activates via voice commands. Simply replacing standard light switches with smart options makes it easy to have full control on the lighting in the home. One can control lamps and even fans by opting for plug-in switches such as Belkin's WeMo switch. This is a wonderful addition for families that want to turn off lights without disturbing household members in the evenings. Simple DIY home improvements such as this may even improve the value of your home.

Save Water and Time with Smart Sprinkler Tech

Smart automated irrigation systems can help reduce water use by 20-60 percent depending on the model and manufacturer chosen. These home automation products allow users to have full home control over individual zones and turn the system on or off via smartphone or other services such as Alexa, Google Assistant and others. The best aspect of smart sprinklers today, is that they have available options such as pressure regulating rotors, highly efficient sprays and drip irrigation systems.

Homeowners interested in learning more on how to make a smart home or improvements to increase the value and comfort of their home should consider contacting a real estate professional for more information.