We are living in the age of the smart home, but millions of households are still relying on traditional technology. One of the reasons is that most upgrades, although extremely innovative, have hefty price tags that make them inaccessible or difficult to finance for the average person. Another concern people have is that their investments will become outdated too quickly.
This is where future-proofing comes in. The term describes the process of updating a property to stay current despite the continual turnout of new tech; rather than focusing on what’s in and out at a given time, future-proofing emphasizes the investment of home technology that alters the way people live with long-term benefits.
These product recommendations will help you choose the right home technology for your house. In addition to improving the way you live now, these inventions can also help you age in place and improve your overall quality of living for decades.
1. A Home Elevator
The previous notion of home elevators being exclusively for mansions is over. Now, you can install one in almost any size home to provide a safer, more convenient experience. For those with disabilities or health conditions that limit their range of motion, elevators provide a safer and more aesthetically appealing alternative to regular stairlifts. They are also sleeker and more versatile, capable of being just as effective for able-bodied individuals with routine housework. If you’re interested in improving your home, check out the sublime home elevators by Stiltz.
2. Energy-Efficient Home Appliances
Anything that saves energy also saves you money, so these products are a win-win. The most affordable innovation is a smart thermostat like Nest. This device adjusts its operations to suit your lifestyle and preferences; it can also be paired with upgrades to your HVAC system that gives you greater control over the temperature in individual rooms and cycles of your heater and air conditioner. Replacing old bathroom and kitchen appliances with low flow, water-conserving models is another step toward future-proofing your home. Rather than adding a suite of eye-catching but ordinary features, technological advancement should be rooted in better engineering. By investing in even just a water-saving showerhead, you can lower your utility bills while helping the environment.
3. Eco-Friendly Design
Install solar panels on your roof, and look for contractors who use recycled materials when you do any home renovations. In Hawaii, all new homes are required to use solar-powered water heaters. Rely as little on the grid as possible, which not only helps improve your home’s preparedness in the event of electrical outages but also lowers your living expenses and reduces your carbon footprint.
4. Wireless Devices
All of the major smartphone manufacturers have made their latest models compatible with wireless charging. You simply purchase a charging pad and place your device on it to refuel its battery. Fewer wires mean less clutter, less risk of electrical fires, greater pet safety and less pollution. Wireless technology is still in the early stages of widespread development, but you can expect it to become the standard of the future. Some wireless technologies you can install in your home today include a wireless home security system, Google Home or Amazon Echo virtual assistant, smart locks and cordless kitchen appliances.
