For years, Hollywood has created visions of homes that include technology that works seamlessly to deliver meals, lock doors, or provide the weather. Well, these technologies are becoming increasingly available in homes. Here are some technologies that you can get right now to make your home smarter.

Electronic Locks

One newer technology that has taken off is electronic locks. If you haven't had your locksmith install these, you're almost behind the curve by now. Electronic lock systems make it extremely convenient to open entry doors and garage doors remotely, to check whether or not your doors are locked, and sometimes to open the door without a key or fob at all. Companies like Midwest Lock & Security can help with this.

Access Control Systems

Access control systems can also be installed by a locksmith. These let you control the operation of key home systems, such as cooking appliances or thermometers. It adds another layer of security and safety when you feel that children or guests may injure themselves or your home, or just tamper with the temperature of your home and make it uncomfortable.

Temperature Control Mechanisms

That leads to a discussion on the available temperature control options. Smart thermometers can be raised or reduced from afar. But the technology goes beyond that. It's possible to get occupancy sensors for a space that can be automatically programmed to make changes to the thermometer setting. Wouldn't it be nice to have to put less effort into your home's temperature control and have your house at the perfectly calibrated temperature setting, whether you're present or not?

Off-the-Grid Lighting, Heating, and Electricity

Finally, one of the coolest new technologies is that which provides lighting, heating, or other energy without the use of gas or electricity. Generally, this is done with roofing solar panels. These can collect energy all day and power the home even when the sun isn't shining. Solar power can also be used to heat water. While the costs for these technologies has been high in the past, the cost is increasingly coming down.

Aside from solar power in your home design, geothermal energy sources can be considered. Instead of collecting the sun's energy directly, they take their energy from the heat reserves below the Earth's surface. Geothermal heat pumps are a home addition that can be used to heat your home without a furnace. Each of these examples of remarkable new technology can improve your life and your home's value.