New Technology Makes Homes Safer and Less Costly

From home entertainment to home security and smart thermostats, there is new technology emerging to make a family’s home life not only easier and safer, but cooler as well. Live like the Jetsons with these six emerging home technology trends.

1. Integration. Good architects and builders today are taking integration to a whole new level with comprehensive technology that allows homeowners to access lights, heating, security, entertainment and other systems with a single touchscreen. More advanced systems allow homeowners to control disparate systems from multiple user interfaces throughout the home or remotely via the web or Internet-connected device, whether they want to start a movie, take a glance at the front door, or warm up the hot tub.
2. Productivity. Technology is supposed to help us work smarter, not harder, and can be used in a home’s design to increase productivity while maintaining flexible schedules. Work-at-home freelancers or consultants can use integrated networking and video conferencing to interface with clients or employers, for example.
3. Transparency. Rooms, a times, were completely dominated by their most prominent feature; whether it was the giant wood-encased television in the living room, the old turntable in your grandparents’ study, or the plastic-wrapped sofa in the front salon that no one ever used. Times have changed. Designers can now use cantilevers, hidden panels and other clever tricks to hide devices, make them less dominating or even invisible when not in use.
4. Décor-Friendly Gadgets. In the age of Apple’s sleek aesthetic designs, technology doesn’t have to be unattractive. Whether it’s modern lighting systems that can be activated remotely or by simply laying a finger on their base, invisible thermostats that can be activated by mobile platforms, or smart door locks that look as good as they work, gadgets and technology can now be integrated into a home’s design without breaking the bank or robbing a home of its aesthetic appearance.
5. Sustainability. Daily habits affect energy consumption, with standby power being one of the worst offenders. Smart home technology can integrate power management systems that ensure appliances, lighting and heating systems are actually off when they are supposed to be. State-of-the-art (or: Cutting-edge) systems can even conserve energy by shutting off the refrigerator for brief moments while reducing power consumption without spoiling the contents.
6. Accessibility. With 65 million Baby Boomers in various stages of retirement and physical health, accessibility will become a key concept for the integration of technology in a home’s design. Plus, Baby Boomers are early adopters when it comes to technology! Therefore, whether it’s technology that can adapt to aging eyesight, draw a bath or check on the state of their vacation home in another state, the demand for current information, integrated technology, mobile accessibility and social networking is going to skyrocket.

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