The Best Ways to Use Tech in Your New Home
The world is becoming increasingly technological, and while our homes might not yet match some of the ideas we’ve seen in the movies, things are starting to come close. For this reason, as you build a new home, you'll want to think about the ways you can incorporate some of this tech to make your life even easier - and we have a few great suggestions!
Warm and Safe
With a programmable thermostat, you can save money by setting different temperatures for certain times of the day. You’ll never have to worry about overly heating an empty home because you forgot to lower the heat when you left. With some of these thermostats, you’re even able to control the settings from your phone - so you can adjust the heat before you leave from work and walk into a toasty home at the end of a long winter's day. This also makes it much easier to save on your utility bills!
Home security has also improved - in fact, there is a huge range of incredible features you can take advantage of for your unique needs. For example, you can install a system that immediately contacts police or fire when necessary, control lighting from your smartphone (to make would-be burglars think someone’s home when you’re on vacation), and even install an alarm that will go off when a toddler opens the patio door. All of these things can keep your family safer.
Lights and Sounds
The living room should be all about relaxing - which is easy to do when you have a modern gas or electric fireplace. Simply flick a switch and get cozy. You’ll no longer have to go outside to the woodpile or worry about whether you’ve put the fire out before you go to bed.
In case you get too relaxed in front of your fireplace, a smart light can alert you if you receive a text, email, phone call and much more.
Finally, to keep it all connected, consider Bluetooth options with different devices. When you have a beautifully designed entertainment unit, you don't want it cluttered with cords. Bluetooth connection is the solution for that and it also allows you to move around with devices instead of being restricted by only a few feet of cord length. Having this freedom is great!
Kitchen Time Savers
It’s frustrating to come back from a big grocery shopping trip only to find there are a few items you’ve forgotten. Fortunately, you can easily create a shopping list with a device like the Amazon Echo. Simply tell Alexa to add items to your shopping list, then access that shopping list while you’re at the store. Other products like the SmartShopper can help you do this as well.
When it comes to having dinner hot and ready when you come home, the slow cooker has certainly gotten an upgrade. The InstantPot is an automatic cooker that can handle many different jobs. It's a slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker and more! It even allows you to cook and brown items first, then switch to the slow cooker feature, saving you some clean-up time. With this device, you can have a healthy meal ready without slaving over the stove.
A Smarter Sleep
Did you know there was such a thing as a “smart bed”? Not only can they adjust to your particular body shape, but they can also make changes as your body shifts during sleep to provide the ultimate comfort, track your sleeping habits, keep you warm, and help stop or lessen you – or your partner – from snoring.
Of course, they come with a bit of a higher price tag, so you might just consider purchasing the most comfortable mattress you can afford, then getting a pair of SleepPhones. These flat headphones-in-a-headband allow you to comfortably sleep while wearing headphones. Pair them up with an app that plays ambient music intended to promote good sleep.
Additionally, you may want to include USB ports right in your outlets. These allow you to easily charge your phones and devices while you sleep.
In the Bathroom
Most people don’t think about tech in the bathroom. After all, electronics and water are a no-no. However, there are a few new gadgets making their way into the commode. For instance, water-proof TVs and radios allow you to stay entertained while you shower or get ready for work in the morning.
You might also consider a top-of-the-line toilet. The Toto Neorest toilet features hands-free flushing and a heated seat. If you’re not that excited about the $4,000+ price tag, consider adding a Toto Washlet. This is simply a heated toilet seat with a bidet attachment. You'll realize just how much you appreciate it on those cold winter nights.
Looking Up
Bringing tech into your home can also be something that's built right into your home design. For example, sound systems can be installed by your builder in areas in your home where this may be particularly enjoyed. You might have speakers built into your dining room ceiling where music can add ambience to special meals. You might have one built into the ceiling of your ensuite bath, so you don't have to worry about devices getting wet while taking a relaxing bath accompanied by soft melodies. Talk to your builder about your options.
You don’t have to go completely nuts with all of the tech in your home, but it’s helpful to include a few things that could make your life better and help to avoid home buyer's remorse.
For more handy home-tech tips, check out our previous post, '7 Household Hacks That Make Your Life Easier'!
*Originally posted on October 12, 2017, updated November 15, 2018.
