Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1376023
TECH TALK TOP GADGETS TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE EFFICIENT–AND SMARTER. If you're looking for a basic, affordable way to break into the world of home technology, smart light bulbs are a great place to start. Smart bulbs have the same appearance as traditional bulbs, but you can manage colors, brightness, schedules, and more with a tap in an app instead of a flip of a switch. They're eco-friendly and last a lot longer than the alternative, too. Are you constantly losing your keys? Smart locks may be the solution you've been waiting for. Almost eliminating the need for regular—and spare—keys, these gadgets let you lock and unlock doors remotely and notify you when a door is open or closed. Plus, you can create custom passcodes and access parameters for your dog walker or neighbor who waters your plants. Have eyes on your home at all times with a smart doorbell. These sleek and easy-to-install devices allow you to check who's popping in and communicate with visitors right from the palm of your hand. They also increase security by serving as a visual deterrent for burglars and offer peace of mind that you have evidence on camera if something goes awry. Smart lawn mowers take the stress and sweat out of keeping your grass in tip-top shape. Simply program it to mow the lawn when and how you want and watch it get to work. These handy robots save you time on the weekends, minimize noise pollution, and improve the look and health of your lawn with automatic fertilization and mulching settings. Sleep soundly at night by upgrading your existing smoke detector to a smart one. Smart smoke detectors are effective and reliable, and alert you when there's a change or emergency, no matter where you're located. And thanks to the extended battery life, you won't be bothered by the low battery chirping nearly as often. Smart thermostats give you the power to control your home's heating, air conditioning, and ventilation any time, anywhere. Using your smartphone, you're able to monitor usage in real-time, set a schedule to ensure the perfect temperature before walking through the door, and program it to use less energy while you're out and about—decreasing your carbon footprint and utility bills. VALUE-ADD From refrigerators to vacuum cleaners, there's a "smart" version of almost every appliance on the market. Many gadgets boast the benefit of convenience and promise money-saving perks, but determining which ones deliver can be time-consuming and expensive. These six devices are worth the investment and will make your life a lot more efficient—and your home a little smarter. 16