Backyard technology

Taking high-tech outside the home

* Home is Where the Tech Is: With new technology designed to make the lives of homeowners easier arriving every day. CREBNow explores some of the tech trends designed to help get the best out of your home.

When most homeowners think technology, their thoughts likely turn toward those gadgets designed to add entertainment, safety or convenience to the home.

However, technological advances designed to improve the lives of homeowners need not be cooped up indoors.
Although not as flashy as a new 4K curved screen television, the high-tech contraptions being made for use outdoors can still provide plenty of purpose. From enhanced security to eco-friendliness and push-button accessibility, CREB®Now takes a look at some of the ways homeowners can add a little technology outside the home.

Home Security Camera

With safety a top concern for many homeowners, one area where technology can add some peace of mind is by installing an outdoor camera to keep an eye on things. Unlike the complicated and expensive security systems of old, modern security cameras can be found for less than $200 and can be installed by even the most DIY-challenged homeowner.

With today's cameras boasting high-resolution imaging, remote-accessed pan and zoom, and even night vision — all available for viewing on your smartphone — keeping an eye on your home is as easy as pushing a button.

Backyard Lighting

After a dark and dreary winter, most homeowners are eager to get out and enjoy their backyards. However, with sunlight still in relatively short supply, that backyard get-together can quickly turn gloomy. To provide a little ambiance (and enhance the safety) of your backyard deck or patio, homeowners can add some lighting to the mix. With energy-sipping LED lights providing plenty of illumination at a fraction of the cost of traditional lighting, homeowners can relax in their brilliantly-lit backyard without worrying about breaking the bank. And, when paired with a programmable timer, homeowners can light up their backyards while away for added security.

Automated Sprinkler System

While it's not quite time to worry about watering the grass just yet, the arrival of spring means the minds of many Calgarians will soon turn toward those neglected yards. With lawns only requiring 2.5 centimetres of water a week, a healthy lawn can be more about when you water not how much. Homeowners yearning for a lush lawn can provide a helping hand with products such as Rain Bird's Automatic Sprinkler System. Providing a DIY automatic sprinkler option, the product allows homeowners to schedule watering any days of the week and up to two times per day.