Is your home smart? These five easy changes can make your home safer and smarter, as well as make your life easier. Smart HomeHouse Planner.
* Entry level. Don’t throw out your key. Instead, save it as an emergency backup and place a keypad at your front entrance. Keypads with the latest technology not only provide security but also allow remote access from your smartphone. Your smartphone, tablet, or other Internet device will let you know if the door was locked and lock it if so. Do you need to open the doors for someone? Keypads are also available for this purpose.
* Perfect temperature. You want to return home to a comfortable, warm and cool house. You can adjust the temperature in your home remotely by switching to a WiFi thermostat.
* Guess-free garage. You can monitor the status of your garage door using wireless technology with your smartphone and then open it or close it as necessary.
* Who’s there? Your smartphone can connect to your security cameras and show you who is making deliveries. Remote home monitoring systems let you view the camera feeds as well as receive notifications via text, email, or phone.
* Smart cookies. You can preheat your oven while you shop at the grocery. Some apps and appliances allow you to remotely control and monitor your oven, and other appliances. You can also adjust the temperature of your oven and set a timer.
You want more ideas and inspiration to make your home smarter? Visit the HGTV Smart Home 2014 Nashville, Tennessee.
This home, which is English-inspired and has three bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms, is located in Nashville’s trendy Green Hills neighborhood. High-tech features of the home include remote control of energy, security, and climate control.
Visit HGTV.com/smart and enter to win the home from April 15 to June 9, 2014. The HGTV Smart Home 2014 was designed by P. Shea Design and constructed by Carbine & Associates.
