There are plenty of ways to get the benefits of smart home technology without giving up a classic and/or rustic look. The key is turning your “dumb” appliances smart. ..
Low-cost ways to give your lamp a Harvard degree of technology.
Install Smart Batteries To Smarten Up a Dumb Smoke Detector
Smoke detectors are one of the most beneficial aspects of a home. Not only do they help keep you and your family safe, but they also provide peace of mind by sending push notifications when the battery is low. This completely eliminates the annoying beeping that always seems to happen in the dead of night. ..
A smart battery can send push notifications to your phone when the battery is low. Smart batteries are less common than other smart devices, but you can find them from companies like Roost. They’re also much less expensive.
Smart Lights Grant Smart Home Control Even In Older Appliances
Most smart lights are just bulbs. You can control them by screwing in a smart light and setting it up. The “smart” feature comes from the bulb itself, not from what it’s plugged into.
If you want to install a smart bulb in your home, be sure to have an outlet nearby that can provide power. Smart bulbs use less energy than traditional light bulbs, but they need a constant flow of power to work. If you leave your smart bulb plugged in without providing the necessary power, it may not work properly. ..
Smart Light Switches Can Turn All Your Lights On & Off At Once
There are a lot of different ways to control your home’s lighting, and one of the most common ways is to use a light switch. While smart bulbs can be useful for individual lamps, if you want to take control of your entire room’s lighting without investing in a lot of bulbs, you have to go to the source: the light switch.
Use a Smart Plug To Schedule Devices & Control The Power From Afar
A smart plug can help you wake up to a freshly-brewed pot of coffee, without investing in a programmable pot.
Some smart plugs let you control the power to any device plugged into them, and some even provide you with detailed usage statistics like the amount of power the appliance used, the number of times it is turned on or off, etc.
A smart plug can be great for scheduling appliances to turn on at a certain time each morning. You can also plug in risky appliances, like an iron or a space heater, and set a timer to ensure they turn off and you don’t accidentally leave something plugged in that might start a fire. ..
Use a Streaming Device & HDMI Settings To Turn a Dumb TV Smart
With HDMI-CEC, you can easily control your connected devices, like streaming sticks and TVs, with just a few simple steps. Just turn on your Chromecast and the TV will turn on to the correct input, just as if you had turned it on manually. ..
If you’re looking to get into the smart home trend but don’t want to break the bank, there are a number of affordable options out there. By combining different devices and appliances, you can create a smart home that fits your needs and style. Whether you’re on a budget or just want to experiment with different technologies, there’s a smart home for you. ..
