Photo: Tina Dawson/Unsplash
Any science-fiction buff will tell you that the genre has long-depicted houses of the future to be fully automated and interactive. The funny thing is, science fiction got it right – today’s most advanced properties contain some pretty awesome features. Below are a few sci-fi-inspired technology hacks that will help keep your holiday home clean and safe this season.
1. Smart Locks
When it comes to keeping your home safe, nothing beats smart locks. These Bluetooth door locks allow you to lock and unlock your doors using an app on your phone. In some instances, the locks can be synced with a key fob to make getting into your home even more convenient.
Depending on the type and brand of smart lock you choose, there may even be alternative identification methods such as thumbprint or keypad access. The good news is, you don’t have to worry if the batteries die or you forget a code because most Bluetooth door locks still let you use a key if you want.
2. Robo-Vac
By now, everyone’s heard of the robot vacuum, but today’s version is so much more effective. It can navigate around obstacles, clean nearly every floor type, connect to Alexa or Google Assistant, respond to voice commands, and run for up to an hour of continuous cleaning. If the holiday season keeps you super busy, having a robo-vac running around can be a huge help.
3. Window and Door Sensors
Another hi-tech security device that’s a must-have for those of you who constantly worry about whether you locked up before you left the house is window and door sensors. These sensors can help you feel safer, whether at home or away, by alerting you to doors and windows that are opened. A nice feature of this hack is that you can check the status of your window and door locks on your mobile device. So, if you’re out and about and struck with doubt as to whether you locked the door, you can put your mind at ease in an instant.
4. Kitty Box Cleaner
One of the best things about cats is the fact that they are low maintenance. Unfortunately, you still have to clean out their litter boxes – a nasty task, for sure. For the cat lover who appreciates technology and hates cleaning, you need to invest in a self-cleaning litter box.
While they’re not cheap (you’ll be looking at around $500), not having to touch or smell the contents of your cat’s toilet is priceless. The self-cleaning litter box separates the clumps from the clean litter and deposits them into a carbon-filtered drawer underneath.
No muss-no fuss!
5. Smart Lighting
If your home isn’t equipped with the latest security technology, it should at least have smart lighting. Originally designed to make life more convenient, this technology hack offers so much more. When it comes to the peace of mind and security it provides, you can’t afford to be without it.
Smart lighting lets you set your lights to come on and go off at specific times. You can set them to come on when they sense motion or even turn them on from your smartphone whenever you wish. Light is a powerful deterrent for a lot of would-be criminals, so be sure your home has smart lighting on board.
The holidays are fast approaching and are bound to be busier than ever this year. Make sure you’ve installed some of the handy hacks listed above to keep your home clean and safe this season.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
