Outdoor Technology Trends is published courtesy of St. Pete Life magazine, 2024.
If there is one thing that we know how to do right here in St. Pete, it’s entertaining outdoors. Technology is the amenity that will make your home the envy of neighbors and friends while allowing you to enjoy your outdoor spaces more. In this short article, the experts at Integral Home Technology give us the insider’s perspective as to what is going to heat up (or cool down) in outdoor technology trends in Central Florida in 2024 and beyond.
#1: Extend Your Usable Living Space with Motorized Screens and Shades
Did you know that you can extend your living space outdoors with the simple addition of motorized screens or shades? These barriers act like soft walls, keeping the elements—UV rays, wind, weather, extreme temperatures, and bugs—from encroaching on your living space and making them one our favorite outdoor technology trends. “For homes in this area, we love the flexibility of Progressive Screens with MagnaTrack,” says Spencer Heckman, Project Manager at Integral Home Technology. “The self-tensioning design uses dual magnets that interlock into the track housing for a constant secure hold.” Where fixed track systems are rigid and can easily become damaged, MagnaTrack allows the screen to expand while under wind pressure, separating the magnets. When pressure subsides, the magnetic pull will tension the screen. These screens are perfect for patios, garages, windows, lanais, gazebos, picture windows, eating areas, carports, entryways, and even outdoor kitchens. (Learn more at Tampa Bay Blind Pro.)
#2: Cool Off With Powerful, Rugged Fans
You’ve made the investment in an enclosed outdoor living space with motorized screens, so now it’s time to get the air circulating in your new space. “One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is putting indoor fans outdoors, when not every fan is made for outdoor conditions,” says Melanie Niemerg, CEO of Integral Home Technology. “We are seeing more homeowners opt for rugged outdoor fans that powerfully circulate air and look great in the process.” Integral recommends fans from Haiku, which are hand-built with aircraft-grade aluminum airfoils and stainless steel components. They offer maximum protection from harsh climates and elements, while high-tech security features safeguard against overspinning or misalignment in heavy wind. These fans can also integrate with a smart home automation systems for simple operation.
#3: Bring Beauty and Safety to Your Landscape with Lighting
Landscape lighting is one of the most often requested outdoor technology trends because it does so many great things for your home. Pathway lighting shows the way in the dark. Landscape lighting adds beauty to your home and accents features like fountains, sculptures, or trees. Lighting can also keep intruders away, and can even be automated to turn on and off at a certain time of day, whether you’re home or not. “Coastal Source, a company founded here in Florida and designed with our particular climate in mind, makes outdoor lighting that stands up to irrigation, fertilizer, insecticides, acid rain, weed whackers, bugs, and salt spray,” says Heckman. “Homeowners are also choosing different colors for outdoor lighting that aligns with their aesthetic.”
It’s important to work with a smart home consultant from the beginning stages of your landscape lighting design to make sure you have the right mix of downlights, uplights, hardscape, and recessed lighting. They can also tie lights into the home control system for ease of operation from anywhere within the home or remote location.
#4: Outdoor Speakers Deliver Atmosphere
Whatever the desired vibe is for your outdoor oasis, audio brings your soundscape to life while blending in visually to the background. Whether you want to listen to talk radio on the boat dock, play background music for a backyard soiree, or enjoy serene music in the garden, outdoor speakers, when installed by a professional, make a huge difference.
“In Central Florida, outdoor speakers systems are one of our most popular smart home features, and they can be designed and installed in a relatively short period of time,” says Heckman. “The right smart home technology integrator can be in and out of your backyard quickly. The key is to achieve high fidelity over long distances without disturbing the neighbors. This finesse requires the expertise of an AV integrator.”
#5: Bigger, Brighter Outdoor TV
Many homeowners are taking their outdoor audio a step further and adding video. Unfortunately, outdoor TV has gotten a bad rep in the past because harsh sunlight can tend to wash out the onscreen video. “Outdoor TVs, however, are designed to combat onscreen glare and outdoor conditions, offering up to three times higher brightness and a sharper picture than typical indoor TVs,” says Heckman. “This provides a dramatically better viewing experience on bright and sunny afternoons.” Engineered for safe, permanent outdoor installation, TVs like those from Integral partner SunBriteTV take on rain, dust, insects, salt air, humidity, and extreme temperatures and keep on performing year after year.
Hire a Pro
We hope you enjoyed these top outdoor technology trends. Remember, while every homeowner has the option of going the DIY route and purchasing wireless, waterproof speakers and rudimentary landscape lighting, working with a professional is the only option for a permanent solution that will withstand the test of time and keep delivering entertainment for the long haul.
“Be thoughtful in your approach to outdoor entertainment and budget just like you would other important areas of the home,” says Niemerg. She also recommends hiring a technology integrator that is certified by the Home Technology Association (HTA). This certification is the gold standard for smart home integrators. The HTA is an independent, third-party association that puts integrators through their paces to pass rigorous certification criteria, giving the homeowner total peace of mind that any smart home project will be executed to the highest standards of professionalism. “We are also an HTA Design Partner, which means we have specific rules of engagement we follow when working alongside designers, builders, and architects in order to create the best experience—and outcome—for everyone.”
Contact Integral Home Technology at info@integralfl.com or 727-559-1265 to begin planning your outdoor haven today in time for spring and summer.
