Can your home be smart and pretty?  Absolutely!  Forbes is predicting an explosion of smart home networks that will become the brains behind you homes good looks.  An intelligent mix of wireless technology along with your homes traditional hard wired systems will allow your inner geek to shine whether you are building a new home, remodeling or updating an older home.
These are our Top 5 Picks for smart features you will want in your home!

1.  Whole House Integration
   The ability to access lighting, heating, security and more from multiple touch screens located throughout the home is a time saver and the ultimate convenience.  Using either remote controls or a central controller that interfaces with your smart phone or tablet, the well connected homeowner can monitor and operate current conditions at home for peace of mind and energy efficiency.  New HVAC systems actually learn your typical behavior for heating and cooling and automatically make adjustments so you are always comfortable.  Whole house automation can even extend as far as your garden irrigation system.
   
2. SECURITY
   Peace of mind is within reach with digital door locks that have the ability to operate through your Smartphone as well as set off alarms and send you a text if they are triggered.  Some systems have integrated cameras allowing you to see and talk to visitors even when you’re not home.  And did you every wonder what Fido is doing all day?  Now you can check on his activities as well as the kids through an internal camera system with a live feed to your Smartphone.
3. ENTERTAINMENT
   To see or not to see, that is the question.  Everyone is happy when the decision is made based on the potential use of the room.  The newest televisions have superior sound and video quality in streamline fashion.  Networking permits multiple entertainment points throughout the home with the ability to access a whole house DVD and music server along with security cameras, lighting and the internet.  So hide the television behind the fireplace art or show it off in a media-centric room, there is a system to suite your style.
4. CONVENIENCE
   Smart home appliances are more intuitive and affordable than ever.  All will increase your productivity while building some flexibility into your over scheduled life.  While you are enjoying the kids soccer game, you can start the dishwasher then sit back and wait to receive the text message from you oven telling you dinner is ready. Even gardening becomes easier with sensors that send you updates on humidity, air temperature and pH to maximize your crop without stepping into your Wellies.  Smart Body analyzers will plot the data from your morning weigh in and track your heart rate, body fat and workout to keep you on track for wellness.  Even the refrigerator is multitasking to help you plan meals with recipe suggestions based on current contents and an updated shopping list.
5. ENERGY EFFICIENCY
   Integrated systems use occupancy sensors, dimmers and timers to contribute to your overall energy savings and climate control. Dishwashers, washers and dryers are incorporating intelligent features so they will  operate when consumption in you area is the lowest in order to save you money.  Lighting systems can gradually brighten your rooms to wake you up naturally.  Clothes dryers now use sensors to stop once the clothes are dry and your oven will let your thermostat know it is heating up the kitchen so HVAC can adjust to keep you comfortable.

Lowell has the smartest solutions for all of your home technology needs, including multiple convenient and discrete charging stations so you will always be ready to go!