Technology makes life easier in so many ways. But if your home isn’t equipped with the latest innovations, you don’t get to experience the ease and comfort that’s available to you. Learn about emerging trends in home technology and find out how working with experienced residential electricians can help you.

USB Outlets

Many smart devices are powered by USB cords. For that reason, most homeowners have drawers full of adapters and cables that make it possible to charge USB devices in traditional outlets. Instead of relying on too many cords and taking up space in your outlets, you can have USB outlets installed in your home.

USB outlets allow you to plug your USB cable directly into the wall. There’s no unsightly adapter, which makes your home look more organized and stylish. Furthermore, USB outlets are convenient. You can have an electrician in Wichita, KS install the outlet near your bed or couch and charge your phone while you relax.

Upgraded Lighting

The right lighting can transform your home. Thanks to improvements in lighting technology, there are several ways in which you can make your home’s lighting better than ever.

One popular upgrade is automated lighting. With the wonders of home automation, you can install lights with dimmers and switches that are controlled by your voice or smartphone. The push of a button or a simple command may be enough to get your light turned on. In addition to being more convenient, smart lighting is also more efficient. You can save money on your energy bills.

If you have an older home, installing new lighting is more energy-efficient and safe. Older lighting puts your home at risk for an electrical fire and requires more energy. But new lighting changes all of that.

Better Generators

Over the past few years, more and more homeowners have been realizing the importance of having reliable back-up power to their homes. Natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods have become more intense and frequent. As a result, people now need to rely more on generators to power their homes.

Although in-home generators have been around for decades, the technology in them has improved immensely. Today’s generators have many features that make them better and more reliable than ever. For instance, direct power installation limits the time it takes to install generators.

Some systems have wireless monitoring, which allows you to keep track of the performance of your generator with a laptop or smartphone. Meanwhile, a power management system makes sure that all of your equipment gets the right amount of power. This prevents damage from happening to your appliances.

Finally, Carbon Monoxide sensing and shut-down keeps you and your family safe. If the system detects any Carbon MOnoxide, it will automatically shut down.

Centralized Entertainment

As more people are cutting the cord and switching from cable television to streaming, the electrical requirements of an entertainment system are changing. Homeowners no longer need cable outlets and are looking for a replacement.

Although the trend isn’t here yet, there’s been talk of a closed ethernet network in new homes. In the near future, more homes will be set up for centralized entertainment that relies on an Ethernet network. People have already been working with residential electricians to have cable outlets covered up, and new outlets installed to power their entertainment devices.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Despite having been around for years, electric vehicles are finally becoming more common. Whether you own one or are interested in buying one, you need to set yourself up for success. And that means having an electric vehicle charging station in your garage.

An overnight charging station would allow you to charge your vehicle from the comfort of your home. But installing one is easier said than done. Before you go out and buy your first electric vehicle, you need a licensed electrician to convert your garage into a charging station safely.

The Internet of Things

The smart home isn’t the home of the future; it’s the home of today. The Internet of Things, or IoT, refers to devices that are connected to the internet. Due to recent technological advances, there’s a long list of devices in your home that you can connect to the internet. Some can even communicate with one another. The development of 5G has made more homeowners eager to convert their home to a smart home.

Installing a smart device isn’t always easy. Rather, it can be frustrating, and some devices require special wiring. Whether you want your lighting, thermostat, or appliances to be connected to the internet, you should consult with an electrician. Doing so will save your time, frustration, and money.

Meeting Increased Energy Needs

This general trend has many implications for a homeowner. As times are changing, homeowners have an increased reliance on energy. In fact, it’s likely that energy needs in 2050 will be 57% greater than they are now. Meeting those needs takes some ingenuity.

Increased energy needs put more emphasis on being energy efficient. For homeowners, this means upgrading electrical systems, changing out appliances, and relying on smart home technology. You should speak with an electrician to learn more about your options for meeting increased energy needs and improving your home’s energy efficiency.

How Experienced Residential Electricians Can Help

If you want to make use of the new technology, you need some assistance. Improving your home’s electrical technology is not a DIY job, nor is it something an inexperienced electrician can handle. Between safety concerns and the potential for damage, electrical technology is best saved for the experts.

For the best results, you should only work with an electrician in Wichita, KS who has knowledge of the latest trends. They should also have a history of putting those trends to use in homes. Not all electricians are well-versed in emerging technology, nor do they have the resources to install it. Here at Eck Electric, we’re moving forward with the times. If you’re interested in learning more about what residential electricians can do to update your home, call us at Eck Electric. We’re ready to improve your home.