• How to save on heating costs
  • How to remotely manage objects using your smartphone
  • How to track your smart-device accounting
  • Remotely controlling your garage door
  • Should you invest in a smart refrigerator?
  • Video cameras connected to the Internet

Smart homes that are connected to the Internet are not relegated to movies, such as Tom Cruise’s Minority Report. Even though we are only on the cusp of the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart homes, several gadgets are already for sale for consumers. In fact, controlling objects using your smartphone or sensors installed throughout your home is now possible.

Here are five gadgets that can simplify your daily life.

1. Save on heating bills

Your electrical bill probably increases year over year. By installing a smart thermostat, you can save several dollars a month simply by saving your daily routine. Nest, from Google, requires that you initially use it as a standard thermostat for one week. It will learn your day-to-day routine and adapt the temperature according to your needs. It can even detect your absences and let you manage your home’s heating using your smartphone.  In the United States, a study showed that using Nest can help you save up to 15 on your energy costs.

2. Manage your garage door

Did you leave the house in a rush for an early-morning presentation? Are you now stuck in traffic and just realized that you have no idea if you closed your garage door?  MyQ Garage, by Chamberlain, swiftly eliminates all the drastic scenarios going on in your head. All you have to do is install MyQ Garage on your electric garage door and link it up to your Wi-Fi network. You don’t have to pay any additional costs and the technology is compatible with Google Nest.

3. Should you invest in a smart refrigerator?

All of your doubts on whether really any object can be connected to the Internet will be dissipated once you discover smart refrigerators! But are they worth the investment?

A smart refrigerator enables you to add notes to a tactile display, add mealtimes, listen to music and watch TV. In additional to all the fun features, you can even order your groceries right from your refrigerator! Even more amazing? It can take a picture of inside your fridge and send it to you if ever you ask yourself if you have enough Mozzarella cheese for tonight’s pizza. Pure genius!

4. Safety first

Does your youngest child want to stay home alone tonight? Do you want to keep an eye on your puppy to make sure he doesn’t get into any trouble? Video cameras connected to your Wi-Fi network can send you live images on your smartphone—whenever you want. Before you buy, make sure  you check into the video camera’s image quality, transmission range, power supply, night vision and saving capacity.

5. How smart devices work together

Can all these smart devices work at the same time in your home? Yes, as long as you have a high-speed router or hub adapted to your devices. A good tip: try to purchase smart devices that are compatible with the same hub. It’ll save you a lot of installation and configuration headaches!

  • Smart devices can help you save time and money.
  • With your smartphone, you can control your garage door, cameras, refrigerator and heating.