Smart home upgrades for tech-loving homeowners

Hockey Sunday 25/February/2018 19:18 PM
By: Times News Service
Smart home upgrades for tech-loving homeowners

From smart thermostats to remotely controlled showers, connected homes are all the rage for today’s homeowners. Here are some of the latest and greatest smart home upgrades to have on your radar.

Climate control
Your thermostat is responsible for half your energy bill — more than appliances and electronics — so make sure to choose one wisely. Consider installing a smart thermostat, which learns your temperature preferences, and can save energy by turning heating and cooling on and off, based on the weather outside, your home’s energy profile and more. Potential home buyers will love the energy savings, as well as the ability to control the thermostat from anywhere with their devices.

A hands-free faucet
Imagine the convenience of having a kitchen faucet turn water on or off, without a touch. Faucets with hands-free technology, allow users to easily activate the faucet with the wave of a hand. Great for when your hands are too full or messy to turn on the faucet, the technology also minimises the spread of dirt and germs, since there’s no need to touch the faucet to start the flow of water.

Bright lighting
Smart lighting dimmer and sensor systems allow you to turn lights on and off remotely with a smartphone, and can be customised to perform certain actions, such as slowly growing brighter as you wake up or turning off automatically when you leave your home — providing added convenience and customisation for prospective buyers. These systems are especially useful when you’re travelling — allowing you to turn your lights on and off remotely, so your home doesn’t look empty while you’re away.

A digital shower
An updated bathroom is a huge selling point for potential buyers. If you’re planning a renovation, enhancing your space with a digital shower can make a big difference for your family now and for future home buyers. By swapping just one or two items — like your thermostat or a builder-grade kitchen faucet — you can achieve a sleeker, smarter home. And while the return on investment varies for each product, they’re all sure to appeal to tech-loving home buyers whenever you choose to sell.