How Smart Technology Can Improve Your Evenings
After a long day, coming home should be relaxing and simple. Luckily, smart technology can automate your home's security, appliances and HVAC system to ensure your evenings go as smoothly as possible.
HOW CAN SMART DEVICES HELP WHEN I GET HOME?
The benefits of smart tech start even before you pull up to your driveway. With a smart garage door opener, you can control the garage from anywhere and open it through a connected app once you enter your driveway. Even better, some smart garage door models can open automatically once they sense your car in the driveway. Cool, right?
If you're entering through the front door, smart locks are a great way to make home security stress-free. These advanced door locks come in multiple models, from those that use keys or number codes to those that can unlock with your voice, phone or even fingerprint. Choosing a smart lock that integrates with a smart thermostat ensures that your home will be set at the perfect temperature as soon as you unlock and walk through the door. If you don’t already have a smart thermostat installed in your home, SWEPCO offers a $75 rebate for the purchase of ENERGY STAR®-certified models.
WHAT OTHER SMART GADGETS CAN I USE AT NIGHT?
Dinner can be stressful, but it certainly doesn't have to be. Smart refrigerators have built-in cameras, so you can check what ingredients you have and plan dinner from the couch. With a smart range and a connected smartphone app, you can preheat the oven or turn on the stove with a few taps. If you have a connected smart speaker, you can do all of this with voice control, too.
When it's time to wash the dishes, a smart dishwasher can adjust its cycle settings based on the load size and time of day to cut down on energy and water waste. Smart washing machines can do the same, picking the best water temperature and cycle options based on what you plan to wash.
Smart technology can help you sleep easy knowing you aren't wasting unnecessary electricity overnight. Smart power strips can automatically cut power to devices that aren't being used — like your TV, gaming consoles and more — just in case you forget to completely turn them off. And when you head up to bed, smart lighting can adjust or turn off lights when you leave a room, and your smart thermostat can automatically switch to your sleep settings.
To ensure you can access all of the cool features smart technology has to offer, make sure all of the devices and appliances you purchase are compatible. A connected smart home makes it easy to automatically save money, energy and time.