(BPT) - If you’re considering making your home life more efficient and cost-effective with smart home technology, you’re part of a growing trend.
U.S. consumers spent some $23.6 billion on interconnected devices and appliances for their homes in 2018. And that number is expected to reach $44.8 billion by 2023 according to Statista. Already almost 28 percent of U.S. homes include smart home products, it reports, with 54 percent expected to optimize them by 2023. Those handy tools are enabled by IoT, the Internet of Things. It’s the worldwide network of security, energy management, home entertainment and other devices that collect and exchange data, so they can perform their tasks more efficiently.
“Some elements of a smart home may require significant investment with long-term rewards,” notes DirectEnergy.com. “Others are simple, affordable and can impact your home now. Making small changes to your home's functionality can help you embrace the larger ones to come, and to enjoy the potential savings that add up.”
Those thinking about improving their daily lives through IoT might check out some smart home products for this winter season.
1. Smart home assistants: Amazon Alexa, the Google Assistant and Apple’s Siri serve as smart home hubs that allow you to control your home with your voice; they can answer your questions, turn your appliances on and off, adjust your lights and thermostat, enable voice and audio communications, and so on, from home or on-the-go.
2. Smart HVAC upgrades: Today’s advanced heating and cooling solutions are smart enabled. For instance, HVAC solutions from LG use a SmartThinQ™ app that allows you to remotely operate the system using your smartphone or at home with voice commands with either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, creating a truly smart home ecosystem. And with industry-leading LGRED heat technology offers energy-efficient heating that out-performs traditional systems, ensuring residents in cold climates feel comfortable even when outdoor temps drop as low as 13 degrees F.
3. Smart security systems: Considering a wintertime vacation? The latest systems are on task 24-7, monitoring your home via wireless technology, texting or emailing you when elements are altered, enabling remote adjustments and alerting emergency personnel as needed. Tools that can be looped in include your thermostat, smart lighting, video cameras and garage doors.
4. Smart appliances: Today, many energy-efficient washers, dryers, refrigerators and dishwashers are optimized for smart connectivity and can respond automatically to digital home assistants. Many, like LG smart Wi-Fi laundry and kitchen appliances work with Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant, so you can tell your fridge to make extra ice while prepping for the party and receive notifications if someone leaves the door open. Plus these new appliances offer premium design options that can add a little pop and flair to the space such as the bold new Matte Black-stainless steel finish — as well as the traditional stainless steel approach.
With the variety of new and extremely helpful smart home advancements on the market today, there’s no need to settle for less-capable tools that don’t take full advantage of the latest technology available. Consider visiting LG.com today to learn more about what’s available.
