Connecting All at Your New Smart Home – Part 3
As mentioned in Part 1, convenience and energy efficiency are the chief benefits of using smart devices for your home. Part 2 discussed home automation and hubs you should consider that will make home management effortless. Part 3 will discuss perhaps the top three home smart device categories. Consult with an experienced licensed electrician to obtain the best results.
Smart Entry
The most popular item in the smart entry category is the smart home door lock. Perhaps the best products offered by established and trusted brand are below.
August Smart Lock
“Your smartphone is now a smart key—and more. Lock and unlock your door, create virtual keys for guests, and keep track of who comes and goes, all from your iOS or Android smartphone.”
Kwikset SmartCode 916 Touchscreen Electronic Deadbolt
“Kwikset, the leader in residential security, introduces the SmartCode 916 Touchscreen Electronic Deadbolt with HomeConnect technology!”
Schlage Connect Touchscreen Deadbolt.
“Combining advanced features and compatibility with your home automation system, this door lock with alarm allows you to control your home from anywhere.”
Smart Lighting
Smart light bulbs and smart light switches allow you to control lighting according to personal preferences and for convenience. Perhaps the two best-known products in this category are below.
Philips Hue
Personal wireless lighting that “combines brilliant and energy-efficient LED light with intuitive technology. Together, the light, the bridge and the smart controls will forever change the way you control and experience light.”
WeMo Light Switch
Wi-Fi enabled, the “WeMo Light Switch allows you to turn lights on and off from anywhere–from across the house, from the backyard, or from the other side of the world. WeMo Light Switch replaces a standard light switch in your home and can be controlled remotely with an Android smartphone or tablet, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.”
Smart Thermostat
Probably the most utilized smart device after the hubs discussed in Part 2, the smart thermostat controls the climate of your home. Promoting convenience and energy efficiency, this device is a key component of every smart home. The following are products in this category that are highly rated by consumers.
Ecobee3 Wi-Fi Thermostat
A touchscreen thermostat with up to 32 remote temperature and motion sensors, enabling the adjustment of the thermostat based on your location.
Nest Learning Thermostat
An electronic, programmable, and self-learning Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat, Nest optimizes heating and cooling of homes and businesses to conserve energy.
Sensi Wi-Fi Thermostat
This is a Wi-Fi programmable thermostat that is the “smart, affordable solution to help manage your personal home comfort,” according to manufacturer Emerson.
Electrical Peace of Mind
Providing professional electricians since 1988 in Maryland, Cook Electric is the company you can rely on for all your electrical service needs, including:
- Commercial & Residential Electrical Installations
- Marina & Residential Pier Wiring
- Electrical Service & Repair
- Specialty Electrical Services
For knowledgeable, fair, honest, reliable, and conscientious service, call Cook Electric today at 410-266-9040. They will be very glad to help you.