Smart Home Tech for Seniors

Smart gadgets for your home are becoming more and more commonplace. But homeowners don’t have to be tech gurus to make smart updates to their homes, especially those who are reaching  retirement age.

The”aging in place” movement emphasizes how smart home improvements can help the baby boomer generation save money, time, and energy though simple smart home improvements.

See how your life can be made easier, safer and greener with these handy smart home gadgets!

Ecobee Smart Thermostat

Ecobee devices work by monitoring outdoor, indoor and body temperatures through sensors placed throughout the home.

These sensors help regulate room temperatures based on occupancy by detecting temperature changes caused by people entering or exiting a space.Smart home map

Through this technology, the Ecobee smart thermostat saves consumers an average of 23 percent on energy bills annually, according to the company’s website.

Like many modern thermostats, Ecobee can be set to kick on when residents are expected to be home and off when they are away.

Unlike traditional devices however, temperature readings and activity reports can be accessed remotely through Ecobee’s smartphone app.

Homeowners can also control temperature settings from the app as well as receive energy conservation reports and system alerts at no additional cost.

Most Ecobee systems are compatible with smart hubs like Amazon Alexa, Echo and Samsung SmartThings and can be installed without the help of an electrician.

Ecobee home systems start at $169.

For more product information and pricing, visit the Ecobee smart thermostat website here.

Roomba and Braava Cleaning Systems by iRobot

iRobot is making the “self-cleaning home” dream a reality with their Roomba automatic vacuums.

Each system features the iRobot patented three-stage cleaning technology, which “loosens, lifts and suctions dirt” from all floor types and can run for 60 to 120 minutes, depending on the model.

All Roomba vacuums are wifi compatible, with the exception of the base model, Roomba 614. Wifi connection allows users to schedule cleaning times, pause cleaning and keep the device up to date with the latest operating system.

These hands-free cleaners use sensors to make 60 decisions per second to detect dirt, cleaning paths and obstacles to avoid while operating. Such obstacles include furniture, toys, and corners of the room.

The Roomba’s companion, iRobot’s “Braava,” combines the basic components of the vacuum with Swifter-like elements to provide homeowners with an automatic broom and mop system.

Braava offers two devices, the jet and 300 series, which can perform wet mopping, damp or dry sweeping and can clean spaces 200 square feet to 1000 square feet in size.

A complete list of models and performance capabilities can be found at irobot.com.

Lutron Automatic Lights

Lutron products are all about conserving energy and saving money. Simply installing one of the company’s motion activated lighting controls can help homeowners cut annual energy costs by 20 to 60 percent.

Lutron’s Maestro occupancy/vacancy sensors detect motion through temperature changes and ultrasonic sound waves upon one’s entering or exiting a room.

As changes and motion are detected, wall or ceiling sensors will trigger the light.

Spaces to consider installing motion sensors include closets, bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens, where lights are frequently lit while not in use.

Maestro sensors can typically be installed without the help of a professional and can be found online or at most major hardware stores starting at $20.

Discover how Lutron can make a difference in your home by visiting their products page here.

5 Gadgets That Will Turn Your House into a Sci-Fi Smart Home

Read My Face

netamo device and cell phoneNetatmo has made a leap in home security, especially with its ability to accommodate facial recognition.

Not only do you get remote security monitoring, but the Home Security Camera notifies when your children, pets or elderly parents walk in front of the camera. You will be updated via the mobile app.

The system will also notify you if a stranger’s face is recognized, especially handy if you are out of town or worried about a child throwing a party while you’re gone.  Videos are stored on the camera’s SD card, in a well-hidden area.

This new gadget is definitely one to add to your dream smart home.

SmartThing, You Make My Heart Sing

Samsung created a great little gadget, called the SmartThings.

Connect any of your smart devices (thermostat, TV, security system, light panels, etc.) to the SmartThing hub, and you can control them from anywhere in the house, and even out of the house, using the mobile app.

You can set up as many smart devices as you want or need, and watch your house control itself.

Lock the doors, turn off the heat, and monitor your security camera from anywhere all from one app.

Phone It In

Ever thought you had everything, only to lock the door and realize your keys are still in the house? But you always have your phone, right?

Well Friday, a gadget company, has created the perfect solution. Using your phone, you can remotely unlock your door.

With the Smart Lock, there is no handle on the exterior, you just open the app on your phone and click “Unlock.”

From inside, there is a handle you can turn, or if you’re really lazy, you can just open the door with your phone as well.

You can grant anybody with a smart phone access to your home, and ensure that no one without your permission can unlock the door. Just hope you don’t forget your phone inside!

landroidThe Grass is Greener with WORX

WORX has created the first widely promoted robot mower. Yes, robot mower!

If you’re looking to enjoy hot summer days inside, or just hate mowing, this is the perfect gift to yourself.

You can program the Landroid to create a mowing schedule, and can navigate sloped or landscaped yards without terrorizing your neighbors or chopping out your prized rose bush.

If you’re an eco-friendly consumer, you’ll also be happy to know that the Landroid has zero emissions, as it is electric.

Buy this, and not only will you have a smart home, but also a smart lawn!

Window to the Soul

Do you live in a small space with not enough natural light? Problem solved!

Atomph has created a digital window that shows video (with sound) of selected places all around the world.

Filmed with a 4K professional video camera and full sound, you’ll feel like you’re right on the beach, or the jungle or the mountains.

Everyday, new footage is added, and the light has been designed to feel natural and true to the environment you choose.

Wish you could be somewhere else? You can be, with Atomph Window.

 

Check out more fun technology in our “Lake Tech: Apps and Gadgets for the Lake” article!

 

Turn Your Lake Home Into a Smart Home

Recently, as technology is developing rapidly and making our lives easier, it is being spread to all areas of our life. One such area that has become a trend for technology advancements is the home. Here are some ways to turn your lake home into a smart home:

Entry Security

New gadgets for your home access makes it easier than ever to gain entry to your home. These new smart locks can have different ways to verify your identity, from a door lock that reads and recognizes finger prints to ones that grant access using bluetooth on your smartphone.

Cooling and heating

 House cooling and heating accounts for a great part of energy consumption to keep everyone comfortable. New smart thermostats can implement a technology that will give you the ability to control and monitor energy usage and temperature settings with a simple app on your phone.

It will learn your family’s lifestyle and daily routine- when members leave and when they come back. It can also be controlled remotely with your phone. Turn the air conditioner on 20 minutes before coming home and you will have a cool welcome without wasting energy cooling an empty house.

Automation in every part of your house

This feature used to be part of science fiction movies decades ago. But, it is a part of reality in 21st century.

You can automate the interior shades and exterior ones, control the pool temperature, lights, and music choice as well before your friends arrive with a simple wireless device. Many of these devices can be controlled from your smartphone, no matter where you are in the world!

Smart TV

Smart tvHigh definition, LED TV’s do more than just display images. Many TV’s today are Wifi enabled and have built in apps for your favorite entertainment like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon.

The implementation of these smart home technologies is increasing daily. What was unrealistic and expensive yesterday, is present and affordable today.