Smart outlets are a way to enter the home automation world on the cheap.
Smart home technology is more accessible and cost-effective than ever before. If you are waiting to take the plunge, smart outlets can be a great place to start. What exactly are smart outlets for and how can you use them to increase your enjoyment of your home?
Smart Outlet 101
Smart outlets are internet or WiFi-enabled electrical outlets that offer additional add-ons or, at the very least, a way to turn that outlet on or off using the associated application. Smart outlets are available for use with Android and Apple products depending on your preference. They are a fantastic way to get more out of your home.
Start Simple
If you want to start small, purchase a basic smart outlet like the WeMo Insight Switch. This switch plugs directly into your existing outlet and doesn’t need any additional programming beyond the simple smartphone app. It connects to your WiFi network and can be turned off or on with the press of a button. This smart outlet also integrates with Alexa for voice controlled use.
More Advanced
If you want more features from your smart outlet, choose a model with additional capabilities. Many different models are programmable to turn on or off at certain times, dim at a certain hour, or even monitor their own energy usage and send you reports every billing period.
Oh The Places You’ll Glow
Smart outlets allow you to do a surprising number of cool things around the home, including:
- Turning hard to reach light fixtures or lamps on and off with the press of a button
- Turning your coffee maker on at a certain hour every day
- Time your outdoor lighting during the holiday season
- Turn your TV off after a certain time (especially great for those who fall asleep to Netflix every night)
- Power off forgettable devices like curling irons when you leave the home and can’t remember if you turned them off
Smart Outlets and Home Technologies from Integrated Technologies Group
Ready to add smart outlets or home automation to your home? Integrated Technologies Group has the expertise and great prices to make it happen. We have been providing Maryland residents with top notch home theater services, home security services, and home automation services for over a decade. We work throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, and West Virginia. Ready to get a quote to make your smart home dreams a reality? Give us a call at 1-877-560-3280 or visit us online. For more informative articles, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.
Tags: home automation, smart outlets
