3 . Prioritize what you install .
When it ’ s time to begin the actual transition to a smart home , it ’ s a good idea to start with the most important products first . For most homeowners , those are the devices that you use every day .
Opening and closing the garage door is so much a part of your daily routine that it is often hard to remember if you closed it on the way out . Products such as the Chamberlain MyQ Garage upgrade kit , or Chamberlain garage door openers with built-in MyQ technology , put peace of mind in the palm of your hand . This technology allows you to control and check the status of your garage door from anywhere , at any time , so you know if your garage was left open or if it ’ s being opened while you ’ re not home . The innovative technology works with numerous smart-device brands and their devices , such as NEST thermostats and Xfinity home security products .
With the all-important lead-in to your home covered , you can turn your attention to devices that help manage your home ’ s operation and efficiency . Thermostats that auto-adjust to designated climate settings are a popular option for many homeowners because they bring immediate returns in reducing your overall energy usage . Irrigation systems and power management products are also wise investments when it comes to optimizing your home ’ s use of natural resources .
Crossing the threshold to a smart home may feel like a big step , but once you get settled and experience the convenience and control , you ’ ll likely find yourself exploring ways to incorporate smart technology every place you can .
Smart Devices for Every Room
The number of devices that can be integrated into a smart home is growing at an accelerated rate , but not all are complex gadgets and gizmos . Some of the simpler options for every room in your home include :
Living Room Outlet Adapters — walk into your home late at night and flip on the lights , the TV or both without searching in the dark for a switch or remote . After your smart outlet adapter is plugged into the wall , appliances can be plugged into the adapter and controlled from a smartphone .
Bedroom — Adding motorized drapes to your bedroom allows for an easy way to adjust lighting and privacy without leaving the comfort of your bed . Properly adjusting drapes , which is easy to do with smartphone control , can also help manage energy consumption by regulating solar heat .
Kitchen — Wake up to your favorite morning beverage without drowsily scooping and pouring . A smart coffee maker can make the right amount of coffee at just the right time through simple settings on your smartphone .
Family Room — Cue the movie setting with dimmed lights , blinds lowered and the TV powered on . Hosting a party ? Count on your custom entertaining setup with lighting in all your guest-friendly rooms , lively music playing on your whole-home sound system and a lower temperature to keep things cool as the party heats up .
Bathroom Upgrades for Style
Makeover ideas to spruce up a small bathroom or plan a full renovation .
Home upgrades are all about adding comfort , convenience and beauty , and the bathroom is no exception . It may be the smallest room in the house , but these ideas for enhancing the most functional features of your bathroom are sure to make a big impact . Whether your goal is a spa-like oasis or simply bringing a new level of sophistication to this all-important room in your house , there are a few key areas to focus your attention .
Sink : More than just a bowl for capturing water when you wash or brush , the sink can actually be a statement piece within your bathroom . More traditional options range from decorative self-rimming to sleek undermount styles , while vessels in all shapes , sizes and materials lend an artistic flair . Wallmounted sinks reflect a trend toward floating vanities and today ’ s pedestals are anything but boring .
Toilet : Keeping a sparkling clean bathroom is now easier with the new American Standard
ActiClean self-cleaning toilet , which also offers stylish design and affordability . The ActiClean combines the power of revolutionary VorMax flushing technology with a fully integrated self-cleaning system , eliminating the need for in-bowl or in-tank cleaning solutions . A convenient flip-up door on the tank ’ s top houses the control panel for the cleaning system , which is activated at the user ’ s touch for a one-minute Quick Clean or 10-minute Deep Clean cycle . The toilet tank and bowl feature EverClean , a
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