Easy Living

Smart home technology and tech-driven features simplify how we interact with our homesA growing number of new condos are equipped with smart home features that promise to make day-today living more convenient and easier than ever before.State-of-the-art automated home technology is simplifying the way we enter our homes, operate appliances and lights, manage temperature settings and security and receive delivered packages.Smart buildings are operated through a central network, integrating multiple systems to enable shared services and the individual features within each suite.This technology means residents can count on having voice and high-speed data connectivity throughout the condo building, which is essential as more people cut the cord on landlines and cable, and therefore require robust wifi. This is of particular importance to those who work from home, enabling them to work in various areas of a condo building.Here’s a look at some ways technology is revolutionizing the way we live in condos:Remote control: Home automation technology gives residents the ability to adjust the temperature and lighting of their units, set the security alarm and receive notifications through an in-suite wall pad, or remotely via a smartphone app. The wall pad lets homeowners see and speak with guests before allowing entry, ensuring the utmost security for the building. Using in-suite cameras, condo owners can keep an eye on their home, making sure their belongings are safe while they’re away.Keyless entry: Digital door locks require a personalized access code for entry, and additional codes can be programmed for family members, friends, or service providers like a dogwalker or repair person. A personalized smartphone app unlocks common area doors as a resident approaches, and licence plate recognition provides automated entry to the parking garage for residents and registered guests — no fob or door opener is required.Advanced appliances: Appliances like your dishwasher and washer-dryer can be wifi-enabled, and then controlled (and monitored) from afar through a smartphone. In the future ovens will be wifi-powered so a resident can warm up the appliance for dinner before getting home. Home automation technology can also be used to water your plants via a smartphone, reminding you when to water and analyzing your watering history to create a schedule.Package drops: With the rising popularity of e-commerce, condo residents need a convenient solution for having their packages received when they’re not home. Technology is helping here, too. Condos are being equipped with automated smart locker systems. When a package arrives, residents are sent a digital message and the package is held until it’s convenient for them to pick it up.Home electronics: You can use a smartphone app to turn electronic devices on and off. This home automation technology can also tell you how much power or energy you use on your electronics, giving you valuable insight into which electronics and appliances are costing you the most each month.Fire and carbon monoxide monitoring: These are two of the biggest safety hazards in a home, and automation technology gives homeowners the ability to monitor these from anywhere with an app. Alerts instantly notify you if the smoke or carbon monoxide alarm goes off and the app provides real-time updates about smoke and carbon monoxide levels. It can also notify you when the batteries are low in your alarms.Debbie Cosic, CEO and founder of In2ition Realty, has worked in all facets of the real estate industry for over 25 years. In2ition.ca