It does not take a lot of time or money to make a big difference in your home. There are plenty of simple home improvements that can transform the way you live. Thanks to smart technology, we are constantly able to achieve more and more from daily living. With that in mind, read on to discover some of the best home upgrades you will wish you installed sooner.
Smart thermostats – Programmable thermostats may be cheaper, but they will cost you a lot more in the long run, as they are difficult to set. This is why it is a good idea to opt for a smart thermostat instead, as these thermostats will learn your schedule, therefore, the thermostat will automatically turn up when you are in the home and turn down when you are not there. You can also control these thermostats from your smartphone or tablet. They may cost more in the beginning, but the cost savings you will benefit from in the long run make them more than worth it.
Smart security solutions – Everyone wants to feel safe and secure in their home. Unfortunately, this means that security solutions such as monitored alarms and CCTV systems have become essential throughout the country. Nowadays, you can have complete control over the security of your house thanks to smart technology. This enables you to view CCTV footage or receive alarm notifications via your smart devices such as your mobile phone or tablet.
Towel warmer – If you don’t have a towel warmer in your home, you are seriously missing out. Nothing is better than getting out of the shower and wrapping yourself in a warm towel. A towel warmer will heat up anything that is placed on it – so don’t forget to put your pyjamas or dressing gowns on it during the winter months. There are plenty of different towel warmers available on the market today, so you will have no trouble finding the right one for your home. Of course, the heat from the warmer will also radiate into the bathroom, making it much more comfortable and preventing mildew and mould by keeping the room warm and dry. If you do find mould in your home, however, make sure you check out this post.
Under-cabinet lights – Make your kitchen much more efficient by placing spotlights under the cabinets. This makes prepping food much easier, as you won’t have shadows on the worktops. Combine this with the Key Ingredient Recipe Reader Tablet, and dinner prep has never been more enjoyable. There are many different options available, including LED lighting, which is a good option due to the longer lifespan it boasts. Plus, with under-cabinet lights in place, you can do a midnight run to the fridge without needing to turn the main lights on!
iKettle – How would you like to wake up in the morning and the kettle already be boiled? Sheer bliss, right? Well, this is now possible thanks to the iKettle. You can use your smartphone to turn the kettle on via an app. Have it scheduled to turn on once you wake up.
Smart electricity switches – Smart electricity switches make life a lot easier. Anything that is hooked up to the switch will become Internet-enabled. So, you could plug in your thermostat or a lamp, for example, and they will go on and off when you arrive and leave. To find the best smart plug for you, take a look at your options at PCAdvisor.co.uk.
Touchless faucets – Touchless faucets are becoming more and more popular in homes, and it is not difficult to see why. As the water turns on and off by sensing if your hands are under the tap, it is a great way for you to save money on your utility bills while also preventing the spread of germs. You can get some faucets that have a handle as well, meaning you have the option of turning the water on manually or you can simply place your hand underneath.
Icemaker – An icemaker can save any event. There is nothing worse than inviting your friends around for a BBQ in the summer, only to forget to buy ice from the supermarket. It always results in someone doing a last-minute dash to the store, missing out on all of the fun. They arrive back with a bag of ice – one only, as there is no room in the freezer – and everyone ends up on ice rations for the day. Instead, with an icemaker, you never have to worry about running out, and you will have plenty of room in the fridge for other essentials. You can find more at ElectricalConnection.org.
Robot vacuum – Yes, we now live in a day and age where robot vacuums are the norm! All you need to do is use an app to control your robot. Simply send the vacuum around the perimeter of the rooms in your home, and the robot will feel its way along the walls, using side-sweeping brushes to ensure all the edges are spotless. Once it has finished, it will automatically return to the docking station so it can recharge for the next cleaning session.
Wake-up lights – Last but by no means least, we have wake-up lights – the perfect way to get out of bed in the morning. There is nothing worse than waking up to the harsh sound of your mobile phone alarm or having to deal with your partner turning the bright lights on in your bedroom. You can forget about all of this with wake-up lights, which feature a natural, gentle sunrise, making it much easier for you to get out of bed. They also come with bird and ocean sounds and an inbuilt radio. See the full range of wake-up lights at Philips.co.uk.
Hopefully, you now have plenty of ideas to make your home more efficient. From instant ice and touchless faucets to smart thermostats and kettles, there are so many gadgets on the market today that can make your life a lot easier and your home more enjoyable.
Have you done any smart home upgrades recently?
