Your morning checklist can seem endless: have the windows closed? Is the set security alarm? Does Fido go? And where in the world are the keys?
He does not have to be this crazy. Thank you to the latest technology at home Intelligent few sweeps and taps on your phone can put those concerns and others to rest.
A smart home (or connected) has devices that can be controlled remotely via a computer or mobile device. These include appliances, entertainment centers and security systems. Technology Smart home can make your home safer, more energy efficient and easier to manage.
"home automation technology has been around for about 25 years," says Grant Clauser, technology and the online editor of Electronic House Magazine, a publication covering the latest technologies from home. "But it is recently become affordable and easy for owners to settle."
which is to contribute to its growing popularity. Over the next five years, it is expected that deliveries of smart home appliances will increase by 67 percent. This is a faster growth rate than for smartphones and tablets.
"There are so many ways for homeowners to improve comfort, reduce spending and reduce the risk of various losses with these devices," said Joe Vahey, vice president and product manager, Personal Lines Erie Insurance.
Vahey saw situations in which smart home technology could save homeowners money and grief. "In one case, a machine washing water pipe cracked while the owners were on vacation," he remembers. "When they came home weeks later, several feet of water had accumulated and mold began to form. In a case like this, an intelligent water valve that cuts the leak would have been extremely beneficial."
top smart home technology today
There are a lot of smart home tech there. If you do not know where to start, consider a starter kit as Iris Home Automation Safe and Secure Kit ($ 149). This self-controlled security system allows you to check on your home free from a computer, smartphone or tablet and it only takes an hour to set up.
Looking for something a little more advanced? Then check out these recommendations top tech:
1. facial recognition cameras recognize faces and send an alert to your smartphone when a friend or family member enters your home. The cameras can also alert you when a familiar face enters your home.
Just a template: Welcome Netatmo camera ($ 199). The elegant stand-up tube allows you to enable (or disable) notifications for specific people.
2. Wi-Fi security cameras allow you to monitor your home, family members and even your animals away.
Just a template: Nest Cam ($ 199). An added bonus is its two-way conversation system with an integrated microphone and speaker.
3. smart tags can be attached to almost everything: the collar of a dog, backpacks for your children, antique vase grandma or the remote control that is still missing. Once attached, they allow you to keep track of nearly (or anything) comes out of someone.
Just a template: SmartSense presence sensor ($ 31). It lets you know when a tag leaves set
neighborhood-wide for animals that love to walk.
4. humidity alerts send a message to your smartphone if water is detected in areas prone to leaks. And it can avoid major costs: BI Intelligence reports that some cities have reduced leakage by 40 to 50 percent by placing sensors on their pumps.
Just one Model: Humidity sensor SmartSense ZigBee ($ 49). It can also measure the temperature so you do not end up with a frozen pipe fiasco.
5. intelligent bells send a video to your smartphone to anyone who approaches your front door. They also allow you to act as a digital doorman allowing you to talk to a visitor anywhere.
Two models: Ring or Sky Bell (both $ 199). Both models old store video clips in the cloud for a small fee.
6. motion sensors alert you when the movement in or around your home is detected. Some places where you can place them for added security include windows, doors and garage doors. Want an alert when mail arrives? Then consider a stick on your mailbox.
Just a template: SmartSense multi-sensor ($ 54). It gives you the opportunity to receive a text or push notification when something is moved.
Because smart home technology based on the Internet, security is definitely something to consider.
"Companies that make smart home products know the risks and to add additional levels of security," said Clauser. "But the owners still have responsibilities. As with protecting your computer, you want to lock your wireless network and choose a difficult password that you change frequently."
Other ways to keep your smart home safe to your invisible include Wi-Fi network, to restrict access to your Wi-Fi network and intelligent household appliances, and regularly update the software of your smart devices in the home. Get more tips on how to help prevent hacking smart home.
possible reductions for insurance clients?
Most insurers already offer discounts to homeowners who have safety features such as smoke detectors and security systems.
Now, Erie Insurance is seriously explore how these reductions may also apply to devices for the smart home. Stay tuned for more.