The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/879797
The Press-Dispatch Fall Home Improvement Wednesday, September 27, 2017 E-3 What is a smart home? SPARKLE Make lights As days get shorter and natural light is less abundant, interior lighting becomes ever more important. Chandeliers, pendant lamps, recessed lighting, and tableside lamps are most effective when they are clean. HGT V experts say dirty lights can give off up to 20 percent less light than clean ones. Dirty fixtures also waste energy. Lighting fixtures that are within reach are easy to tackle, but what about those fixtures that hang or have multiple crystals, globes or bulbs? These tips can cut down on the time needed to give lights a thorough cleaning. • Stock up on the right cleaning supplies. Microfiber dusting cloths are smart choices because they can help trap grime and tend to be machine-washable and reusable. Extendable static- charged dusters are another handy item to have around, particularly for fixtures that are hard to reach. • Dust regularly. Dusting regularly can prevent the buildup of grime that's difficult to wash off. Try to dust light fixtures weekly or biweekly. The more frequent the fixtures are dusted, the less time each cleaning session will take. Soft cloths can remove the dust from most bulbs and exterior surfaces. Lamp shades may need more attention. Use a lamb's-wool duster to attract dirt so it doesn't leave a residue on the lampshade. • Deep-clean at table level. Deep-cleaning at table level is more manageable. Remove any glass accents and set them out on a cushioned surface so they do not break. Soft cloths dampened with a vinegar solution should remove most of the dirt on chandelier crystals and the globes or outer glass coverings of other types of fixtures. Take a photo of the lighting fixture prior to cleaning so you'll know how to replace removed parts correctly once everything is clean and dry. If you cannot remove a fixture for cleaning, use a sturdy stool, a spray bottle with your cleaning mixture and a soft cloth to wipe away the dirt. Remember to place something absorbent beneath the light to catch any drips. Do not spray liquids directly onto light bulbs; otherwise, you can damage the bulb and the electrical components. It's best to exercise caution when cleaning lighting fix- tures. Turn off the light itself and shut off the circuit break- er to avoid the risk of shock or burns from hot bulbs. Refrigerators that in- form their owners when it's time to buy more eggs and thermostats that learn homeowners' heating and cooling pref- erences may once have seemed like futuristic ideas straight out of a sci- fi movie. However, such products are no longer a dream but a reality. The term "smart home" refers to a residence that has appliances, HVAC, lighting, entertainment systems, security, and many more devices that communicate with one another. Such devices can be controlled remotely, according to SmartHome- USA, an automation prod- uct retailer. Proponents of smart home technolo- gy say features can help people save money on util- ities and conserve natural resources, all the while providing peace of mind to homeowners. In 2016, 80 million smart home devices were delivered worldwide. That marks a 64 percent increase from 2015, ac- cording to the research data firm IHS Markit. The smart home trend is only expected to grow in com- ing years. Although there's inter- est in smart home tech- nology, the industry re- mains fragmented. Con- sumers are trying to fig- ure out which devices are simply fun and which pro- vide practical benefits. Furthermore, the range of smart devices is ex- panding rapidly, making potential compatability is- sues a concern. Compa- nies that plan to educate consumers further about the advantages of smart home features and are open to standardization may have the best chanc- es of survival. Those interested in dabbling in some smart home technology and testing the waters may want to start with the fol- lowing household items. • Smart bulbs: Man- ufacturers offer various types of smart light bulbs. Some are color-changing, others react to doorbells or alarms, and others can simulate typical lighting patterns when homeown- ers are away. Integrated apps enable remote ac- cess to scheduling so peo- ple can arrive home to a well-lit house. • Home security: Wi-Fi enabled doorbells with video capabilities al- low residents to see who is at the door without hav- ing to open it. Cameras can even be accessed re- motely, simulating that someone is at home at all times. Never wonder if you've locked the door again with smart locks that can be engaged via a smartphone. Make sure that homes are secured or that pets are behaving while out with smart cam- eras. • Flood sensor: Get peace of mind against damaging floods with Wi- Fi flood sensors. • Appliances: A new breed of smart applianc- es can make it possible for users to turn on the wash- ing machine while out of the house, close refriger- ator doors from afar or even start their vacuum cleaners remotely. Smart technology is taking over and is likely to continue changing the way people live and work. 2 convenient Southern Indiana retail locations to serve you: