New Tech for Old Homes
Bringing high-tech into old homes used to require expensive work to be done to avoid the tentacles of wire-snaking from room to room for a good connection. With the advent of Wi-Fi, owners of beautiful century and other older homes can upgrade to high-tech features through the nearest electrical outlet. We have featured a number of high-tech upgrades for all homes in previous blogs, but here are a few that are especially useful to improve an older home’s comfort, security, and, of course, connections.
Knock, Knock
Checking who is at the door is as easy now as looking at your phone. The Vtech video phone allows you to attach a handset at your front door, which then transmits the image of whoever is knocking to the Vtech handsets in the home. If you can’t get to the door immediately, you can converse through the speaker. In addition to serving as a phone, answering machine, caller ID, and a front door monitor, the door component can take pictures of anyone who comes knocking when you are not home. It is also equipped with night vision for visitors who come calling after dark. Finally, the handset of this remarkable product can be a walkie-talkie within the house.
Good Vibrations
Wiring your home for sound to enjoy stereo quality music leaves old home owners resorting to boom boxes or iPods to tote around. The wonders of wi-fi have changed that, allowing you to connect your entire home for perfect ambiance as you move from room to room while entertaining, cleaning, and going about your day. The Cyber Acoustics PS-2370 wall speaker system allows you to plug and play from any wall outlet.
Sun-So-Bright
Motorized window shades of the past were not in the cards for most old homes due to the work required to get an electrical connection, however, now these shades can run on wire-free battery power which can be easily adjusted with a wireless remote or wall switch. Viola! You are ready for an early movie night or to work from your computer without the glare of the sun interfering.
Putting It All Together
A home automation system allows you to run most of these units from one control, cutting down on misplaced remotes, unsightly wiring, and greater convenience in making your home completely comfortable. The Wink Hub 2 is reported by PC magazine to be the most reliable, widely-supported hub, with the ability to connect to units via Z-Wave, ZigBee, Lutron, Kidde, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. With it, you can not only simplify these upgrades, but incorporate the thermostat, alarm system, lighting, and basically anything that can be run by wireless signals.