Gearfuse Technology, Science, Culture & More
Technology has been advancing at an incredible rate over the past few decades. Computer monitors and television (TV) sets are evolving from the old Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) design to flat screens that work via newer modes of display.
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) have become commonplace for computer monitors and television sets. This technology has made flat-screen TV sets, and computer monitors a reality. The benefits of the flat screens are that they produce a much clearer display, and they weigh considerably less. They are smaller than the old CRT monitors and TV sets. The size of the newer computers themselves is also smaller than, the older computers.
You may be wondering how you should dispose of your old electronic equipment. It is important to note here that the internal parts of these electronics contain toxic materials such as arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, beryllium, barium, and chromium. These items are collectively referred to as “Electronic Waste,” or simply “e-waste.”
“It is much better for the environment if you recycle your old electronics instead of simply dumping them along with garbage”, says Philadelphia computer recycling services company Elemental Inc. This applies to other electronic objects such as cell phones, game systems, including consoles and handhelds, radios, and walkie-talkies.
Are There Other Tech Items in my Home That Should be Upgraded?
The short answer to that question is yes, there are. Upgrading tech items in your home can make things more convenient, efficient, and secure. Another benefit of upgrading the tech products in your home is that it will make your home more appealing to buyers should you decide to sell it. We will list and briefly discuss the tech items you should concentrate on.
Smart Switches
Smart switches are light switches and certain electrical outlets that are controlled by your smartphone. This is usually done with an app that connects to those devices through your home Wi-Fi system. You can program these items to turn on and off at a particular time. This is especially important if you are on vacation, as it can give the impression that someone is home.
Smart switches can make give you greater control over your lights and appliances. Some of the smartphone apps even off voice commands. If you choose, there are hubs you can purchase and install. These hubs serve essentially the same service as the smartphone apps.
Smart switches can help your home to become more efficient. For example, if you arrive at work with a nagging feeling, you leave a light on at home. The smartphone apps can also work through your mobile provider’s network.
Smart switches’ efficiency aspect can save you money in the long run by providing you with more control over your lights and appliances. The result is that your electric bills will be lower than they were before you installed the switches.
It is important to note here that smart switches can still be operated manually, just like their older counterparts. That way, you will not be completely dependent upon the connection between the switches and your smartphone to operate them.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats function in a way that is analogous to smart switches. You can control them through an app on your smartphone, or you can still operate them manually.
Smart thermostats offer you greater control over your HVAC system. This will make your HVAC system more efficient, which will save you money on your electric bills.
Should you decide to sell your home, smart thermostats can be a selling point for prospective buyers.
Video Doorbells
Video doorbells allow you to see and hear someone who is standing on your front porch. Some of these systems activate when someone presses the doorbell, while others activate through motion sensors that are tripped whenever there is movement on your porch.
These doorbells allow you the ability to speak to and hear the person on your porch. You can do this through an app on your smartphone. You can give the impression that you are home but are too busy with something so you cannot come to the door. When these doorbells are activated, you will receive an alert on your smartphone.
Most people have probably seen the commercials for these devices on TV or the internet. They can be a great defense against burglars who would otherwise break into your home. Some of these commercials are quite humorous because the homeowner tells the person on the porch that the police are on their way. That scares them off, and they run to their car.
The feature that allows you to speak to the person on your porch is a huge part of these systems. You can let your imagination run wild when you think of things to say. In addition to telling the person that the police are on the way, you can tell that person that you are armed. Those two things combined can make a potential burglar run away as fast as they can. Video doorbells can also be a selling point for prospective buyers if you decide to sell your home.
We have discussed a few things that you can do to upgrade the technology in your home. This is by no means a complete list. We hope this will give you enough information to learn about some of the things you can use to upgrade the technology of your home. If you do further research, you may find other things that can be upgraded.
