Most of us have that guy in our lives who is a total geek for electronics. He loves cool tech gadgets that make life safer, easier, and–well–cooler. So, if you’re trying to find the perfect gift for the geek in your life, here is a guide to give you ideas or help you choose the right one!
“We don’t own the Electric Company.”
Timers
Timer switches can be installed anywhere and will make sure the lights don’t continue burning after a room’s occupants have left. Most timer switches have time options on them, so the lights don’t suddenly shut off during a shower, for example. But these timers can work on bathroom fans, rooms, etc.
Motion Sensors
Installing motion sensors is another great way to make sure lights aren’t needlessly burning. This technology has been available for outdoor lights for quite some time; indoor technology works the same way with similar results. When someone enters the room, the lights go on; when they leave, the lights eventually shut themselves off.
LED Lights
When it comes to saving money, standard incandescent lights use more energy than almost anything else in the house. If your man will geek out about cool new switches in the house, throw in some LED bulbs as well, to make the gift even cooler. He’ll love that the lights will be burning less often and will also love that when they’re burning they’re way more efficient, will last longer, and use far less electricity. Additionally, Philips has created an LED bulb that integrates with any voice command-enabled smart device to instantly change the look and feel of the room, using 16 million color options. For example, by saying, “Hey, Alexa, dim the lights,” the Philips LED bulb will change to your pre-programmed dim function.
Smart Switches
Smart switches have many functions that will make dad happy. For one, he can turn the lights off and on from his smartphone. This will mean peace of mind when the family is away from the home by turning the lights on to make the house look occupied. It can also mean that if lights are left burning when and where they shouldn’t be, dad can make sure they’re turned off. But warning: this same power can be used to enforce lights out for night owl teens!
USB Outlets
Another great idea for the dad who always needs a charge is USB outlets. These are easy to install (link to video here) and make charging devices even easier.
“We aren’t trying to heat/cool the whole neighborhood.”
Smart Thermostat
If there is a constant battle over the thermostat going on in your house, a Smart thermostat might save everyone, including dad. A smart thermostat like the NEST thermostat learns your family’s behaviors and will automatically adjust to your comfort levels. A smart thermostat will also detect whether the house seems to be empty and then adjust to an away mode of your preference. This means the device is doing the remembering for dad so he won’t need to be constantly adjusting or readjusting the thermostat. The smart thermostat also connects to his smartphone so he can control the temperature from anywhere.
“Were you born in a barn?”
Smart Garage Door Opener
If someone has left the garage door open, the smart garage door opener connects to your smartphone so you can close or open it remotely. Some have timers where that will automatically close after a certain time as well. Some models can even be programmed with special codes for delivery services, for example, where the garage door will raise partway so packages can be slid safely inside.
Smart Lock
Smart locks help keep kiddos from toddlers to teens inside and everyone else out. Like smart garage doors, these can be programmed with special codes for babysitters or house guests and can work on a timer so it will lock automatically. It can also be controlled from your smartphone so, at any time, you can check to be sure the doors are locked. Smart locks can also come with video doorbells as well so you can see and respond to who is knocking–even if you aren’t home.
“Money doesn’t grow on trees.”
Smart Faucets
If someone has left the garage door open, the smart garage door opener connects to your smartphone so you can close or open it remotely. Some have timers where that will automatically close after a certain time as well. Some models can even be programmed with special codes for delivery services, for example, where the garage door will raise partway so packages can be slid safely inside.
“You’ll thank me when you’re older.”
Smart CO2/ Smoke Detector
Smart detectors have all the same functionality as a standard detector, except they can alert your smartphone if there are causes for alarm. This can offer peace of mind while you’re away from the home. Additionally, if there is a false alarm like if dad is doing the cooking and starts to smoke the kitchen out, he doesn’t have to risk life and limb climbing ladders or scrambling onto countertops to turn off the alarm. Instead, he can do it all from his phone.
Indoor or Outdoor Security Cameras
These cameras are equipped to send alerts that let you know if there is any suspicious activity you should be aware of. If someone is inside or outside your house that shouldn’t be.
So, if you’re looking for something for the man who seems to have everything, hopefully, some of these ideas will help you find him a gift that is practical, money-saving, and, best of all, pretty easy to install. Happy Techie Father’s Day!
Author: Amber Smith-Johnson
Copyright © 2019 by Any Hour Services, Electrical, Plumbing, Heating & Air
