Does a smart house sound a little bit too sophisticated for your tastes? I am willing to bet that you still associate the words “smart house” with something from a science fiction movie. But, if you turn your television on with a remote or lock your car doors with a device on your key chain, you are already tuned into using smart home technology.
Smart houses are no longer in the realm of science fiction. Basically, according to Rosemary Bakker in her book “Revitalizing Your Home,” a smart home system is anything that lets you automatically control your homes systems and devices.
Smart home technology can range from simple to the sublime. At the very simplest level you have a stand alone system with individual controls for each function. An example would be a remote that you carry on your key chain that enables you to turn off your house lights automatically. Oh the other hand, you can purchase a package for the whole house that will manage lighting, climate control, computer networking, security, watering systems and entertainment. We’ve come a long way since the advent of simple remote controls.
If you have a whole house system, all of the various systems are connected together by means of cable or a wireless link. Load the software onto your computer and you can control everything in your house from everywhere in the world. I have pets so am very conscious of not leaving electrical appliances on when I leave the house. This means making rounds not once but often several times to make sure that I haven’t forgotten anything, and I still I wonder if I left something on as I drive away. I am not the only one. I had a friend call me the other day to ask if I would go over to place because she thought she had left a pan of brownies in the oven. She had. A smart house would be a huge load off from all of our minds.
Smart features offer convenience; enhances safety, and offers security with the push of a button. For an older person or handicapped individual it also reduces the level of physical activity needed to maintain a home. You can save your energy for exercising at your gym or Senior Center. It reduces the number of things that you try to keep track of every day. This is especially helpful if you are busy, forgetful, or have a degree of cognitive impairment.
If you love your independence, smart systems can help you stay in control of your environment. The most frequently requested home systems are lighting, temperature control and security. Consult a specialist to learn which systems fit your lifestyle and your needs. You should be able to find something simple to operate. It shouldn’t take a degree in rocket science to figure out how to use it. Modern technology can help you stay in your own home.
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