10 Outdoor Tech Features to Enhance Your Home’s Outdoor Space

Adding smart technology to your home’s outdoor space can add a lot of convenience and fun. From adding speakers for music enjoyment to installing a TV for outdoor entertainment, there are many ways to enhance your outdoor living space. Here are ten of our top outdoor tech features for outdoor living spaces to get you started:

Outdoor TV’s

There’s nothing like spending a lazy summer day in your backyard, soaking up the sun and enjoying the fresh air. With outdoor TVs, you can turn your backyard into your own private oasis. Whether you’re watching the big game or your favorite movie, outdoor TVs are the perfect way to enjoy your backyard living space.

Outdoor televisions are designed to withstand any type of weather or climate, so you don’t have to worry about rain or sun damage. We do however recommend investing in a cover for added protection when it’s not in use. Also, an anti-glare outdoor TV, to ensure you’ll be able to see the screen clearly, even in direct sunlight.

Your outdoor TV will be just as smart as the one inside your house. You can connect it to your home’s Wi-Fi network and stream all your favorite shows and movies. Take advantage of the fresh air while catching up on the news; stream a workout video while you get some sun; or make any night a family movie night.

Outdoor Theater Systems / Projectors

If you’re looking for a truly unique outdoor entertainment experience, then an outdoor theater system is for you. An outdoor theater system will transform your backyard into your own private movie theater. You can set up a projector and screen, or even use your home’s exterior as the screen.

Some homeowners we work with are installing remote-controlled screens that attach to the side of their homes. Simply push a button and the screen will unfurl. These screens fit seamlessly into your home’s design and are practically unnoticeable when not in use.

Whether you’re watching a classic film or the latest blockbuster, an outdoor theater system will take your family movie nights to the next level. And with surround sound, you’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.

Audio Systems

Outdoor entertaining is not complete without music. A great sound system is an absolute must! Stream your favorite tunes wirelessly from your phone or tablet, and create the perfect ambiance for any occasion. For a truly unique audio experience, try using outdoor rock speakers. These speaker systems blend in with your landscaping and provide high-quality sound that will have you feeling like you’re at a concert in your own backyard.

You can choose from standalone speakers or create a more immersive experience with surround sound. In addition, these setups are 100% weatherproof, so you don’t have to worry about rain or snow damage.

With your new outdoor speaker system, the perfect soundtrack will be just a few taps away, no matter if you’re just hanging in the backyard or hosting a party.

Smart Fridge 

A fridge is a necessity for any outdoor entertaining space. If you don’t have the space or budget for a full outdoor kitchen, an outdoor fridge can still be a great addition to your backyard. Instead of running back and forth to the house every time you need a drink or snack, you can just head straight to your outdoor fridge.

Many of today’s outdoor fridges are even equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so you can control them from your phone. With a smart fridge, you can keep track of what’s inside and get alerts when you’re running low on supplies, or when something inside is about to expire. Also, if you need to free up some space in your indoor fridge, an outdoor fridge is a great place to store extra food and drinks.

Entertain your guests with ease and keep your backyard party going all night long with a new outdoor fridge.

Automatic Pool Covers

For most homeowners, installing a backyard pool is the ultimate dream. But with a pool comes responsibility. Pool safety is always a top priority, and one of the best ways to keep your pool safe is to install an automatic pool cover.

An automatic pool cover is a motorized cover that automatically opens and closes. Simply tap on your smartphone or remote control and sit back and relax while the cover does all the work. When you’re finished using the pool, pull out your phone again and close it up for the night.

With an automatic pool cover, you’ll never have to worry about any children or pets accidentally falling in. They’re also great for keeping your pool clean, as they prevent leaves and debris from getting into the water.

In addition to safety, an automatic pool cover also saves you money on heating and chemicals, as the cover helps to keep the water warm and reduces evaporation. With an automatic pool cover, you can enjoy your backyard pool worry-free.

Automatic Roller Shades

Another great way to enjoy your outdoor living space is to install automatic roller shades. With the push of a button, you can block out the sun’s harsh rays, lower the temperature, and create instant privacy. Automatic roller shades can also help reduce your energy bills by keeping your home cooler in the summer. And when you’re not using them, they can roll up and out of the way, so you can enjoy your view.

From simple, manual systems to fully automated solutions, there’s an outdoor shade system to fit any need. Roller shades with automatic settings are also perfect for bad weather, as you can roll them down to keep your patio or deck protected from the wind and rain. They come in a variety of colors and styles, so you’ll be sure to find an option to match your home’s exterior.

Whether you’re looking for sun protection, privacy, or both, automatic roller shades are a great addition to any home.

Remote-Controlled Fireplaces

A fire pit is a perfect addition to any backyard living space for those cool summer nights.  But if you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, then a remote-controlled fireplace is the way to go.

With the push of a button, you can enjoy the ambiance of a real fire, without any of the hassles. Just pull out your smartphone or remote control to turn the fire pit on or off. You can also control the temperature, adjust the flame height, and even set a timer to keep your guests comfortable all night long.

Remote-controlled fireplaces come in a variety of styles, from traditional wood-burning models to modern, gas-powered versions. And with the wide range of sizes and designs available, you’re sure to find one that fits your space perfectly.

If you’re tired of waiting for the wood to burn, or dealing with smoky clothes, a remote-start backyard fire is the perfect solution for your seating area.

Smart Landscape Lighting Features

When it comes to making your backyard a safe and inviting space, smart outdoor lighting is a must-have. Not only do they provide the perfect ambiance for entertaining or relaxing, but they can also help to deter criminals. LED floodlights are a great option for providing ample light coverage, and you can even set them on timers so that they turn on and off automatically.

If you have steps or other hazards in your backyard, motion-activated lights can be a lifesaver. Smart lights are also ideal for deck lighting, as you can create a custom lighting scheme that’s perfect for any occasion. And with the ability to control your lights from your smartphone or tablet, you can easily change the mood of your space without ever having to leave your seat.

For added security, consider installing cameras that connect to your smart lights. That way, you can keep an eye on your property day and night. With the right lighting, your backyard can be both beautiful and safe.

Smart Water Features

If you’re looking for a unique way to spruce up your backyard, consider adding a remote-controlled water feature. Water features can add a soothing ambiance to any space. From simple birdbaths to elaborate fountains, there are plenty of options to choose from.

With smart water features, you can turn them on or off, change the flow rate, and even set a schedule, all from your smartphone or voice control. So if you’re looking for a way to add a little bit of luxury to your backyard, consider adding a remote-controlled water feature. You won’t be disappointed.

Other Heating Options

Living in Wisconsin, we know a thing or two about the cold. And when the temperatures start to drop, the last thing you want is to be stuck inside. But with a little bit of planning, you can keep the party going on cold summer nights and extend your outdoor season well into the fall and even winter.

One way to do that is by investing in a good patio heater.  Patio heaters come in a variety of styles and can run on either propane or natural gas. If you have a large patio or deck, you may want to consider a standing patio heater. For homeowners with pergolas or gazebos, you can install a ceiling-mounted patio heater that will provide heat without taking up any floor space.

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, consider radiant floor heating. This type of heating is invisible and can be installed under any type of flooring, from concrete to wood. With radiant floor heating, your feet will be warm and cozy all night long.

All of these options come equipped with smart technology that allows you to control the temperature, set timers, and even schedule heating times from your smartphone or tablet. Extend your outdoor season and keep your guests comfortable with one of these amazing heating options.

In Conclusion

There you have it! These are just a few of the many outdoor tech features that can enhance your home’s outdoor space. Whether you’re looking for ways to improve your home’s security, save money on energy bills, or just add a little bit of luxury to your backyard, outdoor tech can help. If you have any questions about adding outdoor smart technology features to your home, we’d be happy to help.

What are some of your favorite outdoor tech features? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to check out our other blog posts for more great ideas. Thanks for reading!

Wood vs. Gas: The Fireplace Showdown

When you live in a place with cold winters, like Wisconsin, having a fireplace is almost a necessity. But which is better? Gas or natural wood?

People love fireplaces because not only do they warm up your home, but they make your home feel warmer. There’s just a sense of coziness and comfort that comes with having a fire burning in the fireplace.

The question of gas versus wood has been around since gas fireplaces were invented. If you’re having a hard time deciding, we’ve dissected the pros and cons of each to help you decide.

 

Efficient Heating

Gas fireplaces are hands down the more efficient choice. They are designed to pump a lot of heat into your home while using minimal energy.

Wood-burning fireplaces are surprisingly inefficient. Unless you live near a forest and are willing to chop, split and dry the wood yourself, a gas fireplace will cost much less to run.

 

Cost of Installation

Gas wins again, unless you already have a fireplace and chimney in place. Gas fireplaces can be installed in just about any home and just require a simple vent.

Wood fireplaces require a lot more materials and labor to build. If you already have a wood fireplace and chimney in your home, modernizing it might be relatively easy. But if you’re starting from scratch, a gas fireplace is much less expensive.

 

Maintenance

Once more, gas wins.

Wood fireplaces require much more maintenance and cleaning to keep them in safe working condition. There is ash and soot that needs to be cleaned, and the chimney needs to swept to prevent creosote build-up.

Gas just needs to be inspected and cleaned every year, but they don’t come with the daily headaches that wood fireplaces do.

 

Safety

Safety is an issue with every fireplace, especially if you have small children or pets in the home.

Most modern gas fireplaces are designed to eliminate hot surfaces that can burn curious fingers.

With wood fireplaces, you have to be diligent to make sure sparks don’t fly onto your rug or smoke doesn’t build up inside your home.

 

Ambiance

With all factors coming down in favor of gas fireplaces, why would anyone want a wood fireplace?

But there’s nothing like cozying up in front of a crackling wood fire, watching it slowly burn out as your evening goes on. The smell of the wood, the warm glow of the coals. Gas fireplaces can’t do that.

Sometimes, the practical reasons for gas can’t make up for the ambiance a wood fireplace provides. And if you’re up to the task of maintaining them, wood fireplaces are perfectly safe and functional.

If you’re still not sure which is best for your home, give us a call and we’ll help you think through the options.

 

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