2015 Was the Year of the Smart Custom Home

From learning thermostats to smartphone-enabled locks, the presence of connected technology in the home grew leaps and bounds in the last year—and in fact, before the year’s out, tech research giant Gartner predicts connected devices will number somewhere near three billion. Without a doubt, 2015 was the year of the smart home.

“2015 was huge because we saw products become easier to use and less expensive,” says Jason Ballard, president and co-founder of home improvement firm TreeHouse. The smartest home products of the year, according to Ballard, include:

• Air Quality Monitors – These smart devices monitor the air in your home and tell you how to make it better. The Foobot, for example, detects volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, carbon dioxide, temperature and humidity.

• Combination Smoke Alarms – The combined smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that hit the market in 2015 have features including industrial-grade smoke sensors, self-tester functions and durability to last up to a decade. One brand in this category, Nest Protect, is the first home alarm you can hush from your phone without any extra hardware required.

• Home Security – Smart locks and video cameras are becoming easier to install, and less expensive. For about $200, you can use your phone to lock and unlock your door. Certain smart locks, such as those produced by August Lock, have the ability to create virtual keys for guests and keep track of who comes and goes. Nest Cam, a home security camera, boasts live streaming, night vision and activity alerts.

• Lighting – In the biggest lighting innovation since LED bulbs hit the market, you can now automate your lights completely to make it seem like you’re home when you’re not. With geo-fencing technology, your lights can welcome you home or switch off automatically when you leave your home. Most brands in this category let you change the color of lighting in your home, and some, like Philips Hue, can even keep you informed about the weather or incoming calls.

• Smart Sprinklers – Today’s smart lawn watering control systems use your laptop to schedule watering times and automatically adjust for the weather. The Rachio Intelligent Sprinkler Controller, for instance, saves 20-50 percent on water bills.

“‘Smart home’ no longer means building the Jetson’s house,” Ballard adds. “It means adding products to your home that make it safer and healthier.”

Source: TreeHouse

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