The top electrical product trend in 2021 is smart products. These Wi-Fi-enabled devices that talk to your cell phone remotely now include thermostats, doorbells, smoke detectors, lights, and cameras. Enter the era of whole-home automation systems like Anthony MyHome, in which you can monitor your entire home remotely, including your outlets, garage door, front door lock, sump pump and even your water. Many smart items also contain voice activation, allowing for voice commands with these devices.
Smarter Smart Speakers
Google, Alexa, or Siri? Yes! Most people have used a voice-activated “smart” speaker, allowing you the convenience of searching the internet through voice commands, such as “Hey Google, what is the score of the football game,” as well as to give commands to other smart devices, such as “Alexa, unlock the door.” But something to note, Google, Alexa and Siri devices will not talk to each other, only to their own family. For example, Google will only talk to Google devices and so forth. In a world of competing voice activation platforms, there are finally smart speakers that work with multiple versions. And they make smart soundbars too, to match your smart TV. Now isn’t that smart?
Electric Car Chargers
Electric vehicle supply equipment, or “EVSE,” is the proper term for what is commonly called electric car chargers or charging stations. The actual charging equipment is built into electric vehicles; the EVSE provides a safe supply of electricity to the vehicle using your home’s electricity. Most electric cars come with a Level 1 charging cord, which plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet, but the drawback can be a slow charging process. Therefore, purchasing a Level 2 charging cord which plugs into a 240-volt electrical supply is recommended. Level 2 charging stations typically deliver anywhere from 16 amps to 80 amps of power. If you plan to eventually upgrade your electric cars at a later date, it is recommended that you have a charging device that can provide you with the most amperage. And in case you were wondering, electric vehicle supply equipment also comes in smart versions, which you can talk to remotely with your phone.
Smart Recessed Lighting
Recessed ceiling lights, loved for their modern look and even lighting, are now smart too! These “smart” lights can be activated via voice, app or even the clap of your hands. They can dim from soft light to bright, from warm light to cool, and can morph into hundreds of different colors. They can even pulse and change colors to the beat of music or gaming sounds. And multiple lights can be configured into complex scenes to match holiday decor or to provide a specific ambience.
More and more decorative indoor and outdoor lighting solutions are becoming “smart.” Check with your Anthony PHCE electrician to see what smart options are available before you purchase lighting for your home.
Smart Ceiling Fans
Smart ceiling fans can be connected to your thermostat and be programmed to turn on and off, optimizing the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Some also have reversible motors for bi-directional blade movement, which means no more teetering on a ladder to switch the fan direction each season. And many have lights which are smart as well.
Electric Meter Remote Usage Monitor
Electricity meter usage monitors are the newest way to monitor your electricity usage, and therefore saving money on electricity bills. Do you know which of your appliances use the most electricity in your home right now? Usage monitors attached to your electrical panel sit discretely within your panel box and send usage data to your phone. These monitors can detect power outages, and sniff out any energy hogs in your home, allowing you to unplug or replace these offenders.
Your Appliances are Surfing the Web
The internet is everywhere, even in your appliances. Your refrigerator, stove, washer, and dryer now have computers which send and receive updates, data and communicate to and from your mobile devices. This type of technology is referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT).
Surge Protection – It’s Smart Too!
As you fill your home with smart items that are Wi-Fi-enabled and equipped with their own computers, it becomes necessary to consider a whole-home point-of-entry surge protector to keep your devices safe from power surges. Which begs the question, are there smart surge protectors? There certainly are.
Curious about Smart Products? We Can Help
Anthony PHCE electricians can install any smart products that your home desires. Call our “smart” electricians today at A-N-T-H-O-N-Y 268-4669 (913) or (816) and we will get you plugged into to these exciting new electrical products.