Utilize new technology to upgrade and improve your older home while keeping all of the charm, tradition and coziness intact.
10 Ways to Take Advantage of New Technology in Your Old House
![See Inside your Walls with the General iBorescope](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/FH16MAY_MOBILE_05-mobile-camera-snake.jpg)
See Inside your Walls with the General iBorescope
![No Key or Combination Necessary](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH16MAY_MOBILE_03_04.jpg)
No Key or Combination Necessary
Master Lock's Bluetooth Smart Padlock does only one thing, but it does it very well. When you download the app, your smartphone morphs into an electronic 'key' for opening your padlock. The app also allows you to give multiple users access to your lock, thus eliminating the hassle of lost keys and forgotten combinations. You can also create a combination for the lock's key pad for use when the smartphones aren't on hand.
![Add a USB Charger in a Snap](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH16FEB_PRODUC_01.jpg)
Add a USB Charger in a Snap
In this electronic age, there seems to be at least one device charging on every single counter and end table in the house. It's getting difficult to find an unoccupied outlet for antiquated blenders and desk lamps.
Here's a cool gadget that can help. It's an outlet cover plate with a built-in USB charger, and it's as easy to install as a regular cover plate. You just shut down the power, unscrew the old plate and screw on the new one. No receptacle replacement required! The USB port gets its power from two prongs that contact the screws on the sides of the receptacle.
![Ultimate Garage Door Opener](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH16FEB_PRODUC_03.jpg)
Ultimate Garage Door Opener
My garage door opener finally gave up the ghost, but it survived almost 30 years and three teenage boys! I bought another Chamberlain and got a few more bells and whistles this time. The HD950WF model I chose has a hefty 1-1/4-hp motor and a battery backup, which is great because I rely solely on the garage door to get into the house. I'm not even sure where my house keys are, so I'd be in a pickle if we lost power.
The door starts out slowly, picks up speed, and then slows down before reaching the top or bottom. That, in conjunction with the belt drive, makes it super quiet. I really love that I can use my smartphone to close the door from anywhere, which comes in handy at bedtime when my wife is convinced the door was left open and wants me to go double-check.
Mark Petersen, Associate Editor
![Motion-Sensor Power Strip](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH16DJA_564_53_012.jpg)
Motion-Sensor Power Strip
Your cable/satellite box, Blu-ray player, TV sound system and streaming devices all draw power 24/7, even when the TV is off. It's the same with your computer and its attached printer, scanner and accessory speakers. The TrickleStar Motion Sensor PowerStrip shuts off those power-sucking devices when they're not being used. It takes its cues from whatever device (TV or computer) is plugged into the 'control' receptacle, along with input from the attached motion sensor.
Here's how it works. When you turn on the TV or computer, the power strip immediately powers up three switched receptacles for your accessories/peripherals. When you turn the TV or computer off, it shuts off the switched receptacles. And, if the TV or computer is on, but you leave the room for 30 minutes or longer, the motion sensor shuts off the switched receptacles. Come back and it powers them back up. The unit has one control receptacle, three switched receptacles and three always-on receptacles, along with built-in surge protection (1080 joules) for all outlets.
![Whole-House Shutoff Systems](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH16FEB_DETECT_10_11.jpg)
Whole-House Shutoff Systems
For the ultimate in water leak detection and flood prevention, consider a whole-house automatic shutoff system like this one. Wireless sensors placed around the house tell it when there's a leak or if a pipe has frozen, and a motorized valve shuts off water to the house. The WaterCop has been around for a few years, but the company now offers a Wi-Fi module that sends alerts to your smartphone or computer when there's a problem. A complete system consists of leak and freeze sensors, a Wi-Fi module and automatic shutoff valve. Depending on your DIY skills, you might need to hire a plumber to install it on your home's water main.
![Keyless Entry](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/schlage-sense-12.jpg)
Keyless Entry
![Motorize your Existing Dead Bolt](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH16JAU_SMARTD_04.jpg)
Motorize your Existing Dead Bolt
![Traveling Doorbell](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH16FEB_PRODUC_05.jpg)
Traveling Doorbell
If you're in the market for a new doorbell, and even if you're not, check out the Honeywell Wireless Doorbell Kit. It has six high-quality chimes to choose from. The volume is adjustable, and more than one doorbell and button can be used together.
But what we love most is the fact that it can be lifted from the wall mount and brought with you into your shop, out in the backyard or wherever. So if you're waiting on a pizza delivery or the cable guy, you don't have to stay chained up inside the house. It has a 225-ft. range and a flashing icon to alert you in case you're wearing headphones.
![Best Night-Light in History: SnapRays Guidelight](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/FH15MAR_TECHNO_01-outlet-night-light.jpg)
Best Night-Light in History: SnapRays Guidelight
- Everyone needs it: If the sun goes down where you live, you need a few night-lights, right?
- Anyone can install it: It takes all of 60 seconds. Remove the single screw on the old cover plate, snap in the Guidelight and reinstall the screw. That's it.
- It's inexpensive to operate: The three tiny LEDs come on only when it's dark, thanks to the light sensor built into the cover.
- It's not an ugly plug-in. It looks exactly like an ordinary cover plate. The LEDs at the bottom light up the floor right where you need it.
- The price is reasonable and they cost even less per light if you buy a bunch.