Household ideas

Hello!

I promised to discuss household products I have found useful. Being able to control your environment is empowering. Some products just need an automatic feature, while others need some kind of remote control. Other household items need rethinking.

This time, I will discuss my first two house environment products: garage door opener and thermostat.

I am sure most people have automatic garage door openers that work by a remote. I bet many have programmed a button in their car, too. For several years, I have been using an app to open, close, and check the status of the garage door. Let’s face it, we all have at least one family member who doesn’t close doors. Being able to check and close the garage door from bed, down the street, or out of town is huge. You can even use the app to give a pet sitter access when they text you. My app will give alerts and keep a history of all openings and closures. Handy teen parent information.

Check with your garage door opener manufacturer if an app is available.

Another key app is for my thermostat. When you are in a wheelchair, reaching the controls on a typical standing height installed thermostat is difficult at best. Thermostats with wifi access are easily available, well priced, and possible to diy install. A teen son installed one for me recently in about an hour. These are also handy in temperature family battles. If the battle frequency increases, check the air filter, thermostat batteries, and the control schedule. Such a battle even justified my latest purchase.

I have owned an Emerson and a Honeywell wifi thermostat and liked them both.

I will keep discussing my helpful accessible household products and devices. I have many. If you would like me to address a specific area next, please let me know.