Make your home run effortlessly while you stay comfortable inside. Home automation has stepped out of the episodes of “The Jetsons” and into real life. While we may not have robot Rosies working as our maids or tubes that transport us everywhere, we do have many conveniences George Jetson and his family would feel right at home having. Here are some top picks to automate your home for 2015.
Smarter Home Starter Kit
This kit is an upgraded version of SmartThings‘ original home starter kit. The Smarter Home kit allows you to tie your home’s locks, lights and small appliances into your smartphone. You also have the option of using the motion sensor, which will switch your home’s heating or cooling appliances on or off whenever you choose. The motion sensors can also be used for security by turning on lights, music players or TVs when someone enters a room. Control with your smartphone means that even when you are away from home, you can trigger lights to come on or shut off at will.
Insteon Light Bulbs
When tied into the Insteon hub, light bulbs from this brand can be controlled in many ways with your smartphone. Each Insteon LED bulb costs only $0.94 annually to operate. Compare that to the $7.23 annual cost to run each incandescent bulb. Unlike fluorescent bulbs, you can dim Insteon’s LED light bulbs, and your smartphone is the remote that controls each bulb’s light level. If you want to upgrade to light bulbs that can be remotely controlled, cost less and will last for years, consider Insteon light bulbs.
Nest Thermostat
Nest thermostats have been around for a couple of years, but they continue to be included in must-have lists because they are so effective. These thermostats automatically program themselves by sensing your daily schedule. You don’t have to set up anything for the thermostat to turn on your heating or cooling system when you’re home and shut it off when you leave. You can also set the thermostat to your most comfortable temperatures to save money or to make your home cozier. Ecobee is also a great choice however there are comparable differences between the ecobee vs nest.
Belkin NetCam
If you ever wondered what your pets, babysitter, kids or housecleaner did in your home while you were away, you should think about Belkin’s NetCam. This line of digital cameras connects to the Internet so you can see what’s going on in your home from anywhere. Unlike other Internet cameras that require you to set up the software on a computer, all you need for Belkin’s NetCam is a smartphone, and online cloud storage gives you a safe place to store all the video captured on the cameras.
Home automation is no longer a thing of the future. Make 2015 the year that you set up your home to run more efficiently. For home automation ideas and information visit Modernize,
