Tips From The Top

  • Smart Home Tech for Home Health

    In this global crisis, our homes just became a whole lot more important. 

    As you’re hunkering down and staying in, these smart home devices can help stop the spread of viruses and bacteria, according to a recent Digital Trends article. Of course, no device is guaranteed, and we should all practice common-sense strategies like proper hand washing, disinfecting surfaces, and social distancing. But there are some smart tech devices that can kill viruses and bacteria. And there are a wide array of smart devices intended to minimize the hands touching them.

    Let’s start with washing hands. The U by Moen smart faucet allows you to turn on the water simply by waving your hand. Using Alexa or Google Home, you can set the right temperature and the amount of water.

    The Kwikset doorknob features a special kind of coating – Microban technology – that kills bacteria. (It’s still ineffective against a virus like Covid-19.) Because it’s a smart lock, you can unlock it without using your hands, which reduces your contact with the doorknob.

    If you need to dry clean clothing at home, the Samsung AirDresser (released next month) cleans several items of clothing at the same time. Its heat kills viruses including 99.9% of four types of viruses, including adenovirus, influenza, herpesvirus, and coronavirus (according to information released by Samsung).

    Lighting is key to emotional health, and smart lighting systems like those offered by Lutron can help our circadian rhythms and our moods. Home automation leader Savant is leading the way toward better health and wellness with its new Daylight Mode Functionality. In a partnership with architectural lighting manufacturer USAI Lighting, Savant has recently introduced its lighting control functionality “Daylight Mode” which aligns pre-set lighting schemes to match your body’s natural circadian progression throughout the day. 

    Automated smart home systems can help us to stay healthy at home, while also staying in contact with our family members and friends. Smart home devices can help us keep an eye on the health of our elderly family and friends, making sure that they stay physically healthy while also connecting with them virtually. The outpouring of home automation innovations is especially useful for helping adults maintain their health, households, and independence as they age. Technology can help manage medications, stay connected to family and friends, and access important services – not to mention streamline home systems like security, heating and air conditioning, and lighting. 

    To learn more about how your home and health can benefit from smart devices, call us at Jackson Hole AV. We’d love to discuss the possibilities.