Thanks to smart technology, we now have new ways to manage and monitor the temperatures in our homes.
Take Notion’s Sensors, for example. When you install them in key areas of your home (like the wine cellar or children’s bedroom), you’ll get real-time alerts that a room has become too hot or too cold based on your set parameters.
Below we look at 5 temperature-sensitive areas of your home and how you can use Notion to monitor and protect these spaces.
#1: Children's Rooms
Keeping your home safe is always a priority — but even more so if you have a baby or young child. That’s why so many parents take steps to “baby proof” their homes, whether it’s covering outlets with plastic plugs, padding table corners, or installing safety gates for stairs.
But it’s equally important to create a safe sleeping environment.
This not only ensures that everyone gets a good night's sleep, but it also helps to prevent fatal sleep accidents. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, thick clothing, too many layers, and high room temperatures can all increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Most experts agree that babies should sleep at a temperature of 68° to 72°F. Even if you have a smart thermostat, there can be a large temperature difference between where your thermostat is placed (usually on a main level) and the baby's room.
To monitor the temperature in their room from anywhere, install a Notion Sensor next to your baby’s crib or bassinet. When Notion detects that the temperature has become too hot or too cold based on your set parameters, you’ll receive an alert on your smartphone so you can take immediate action.
#2: Wine Cellars
If you’re thinking of adding a wine cellar to your home, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the basics of storing wine safely.
Some factors to consider are lighting (sunlight, fluorescent light, and UV light can all damage wine), humidity (conventional wisdom says that wines should be stored at a humidity level of 50 to 70%) and, most important of all, temperature.
Ask any expert what wine’s number one foe is, and they’ll likely say “heat.”
Though it isn't an exact science, the ideal temperature range for storing wine is between 45° and 65°F. Temperatures above 70°F will cause a wine to age faster — and if the temperature rises significantly, your wine might "cook," resulting in flat aromas and flavors.
Need help keeping an eye on your wine cellar’s temperature? Install a Notion Sensor to receive remote temperature alerts!
#3: Pets
Your pets, like you, become accustomed to the temperature in your home during the summer and winter. Unfortunately, there isn't a single ideal temperature for all pets in all seasons. To figure out whether your pet prefers a warm or cool environment, consider the following factors:
- Coat type (fur, feathers, scales, etc.)
- Size (small pets tend to get cold faster)
- Weight
- Age & health (elderly pets tend to require warmer temperatures)
With the above information, you can set the house temperature to the ideal setting for you and your pet. For example, for long-haired dogs, keeping your home between 75° and 78°F may be ideal in the summer.
#4: Plants
From snake plants to succulents, the indoor plant industry has grown dramatically in the past few years. But with such a vast variety of houseplants available, it can be difficult to know what temperature is too hot or too cold.
As a general rule, when it comes to houseplants, some prefer it hot, but almost all require at least a warm environment. Most plants grown indoors are native to tropical or subtropical countries, where temperatures are higher than in most of our gardens, so it’s a good idea to keep the temperature in your home between 60° and 75°F.
This is another area where Notion’s Sensors can come in handy. If you own any plants that get stressed out by fluctuations in temperature, you can install a Notion Sensor near them to keep track of any changes.
Using the Notion app, you can set custom thresholds for each sensor so that you’ll receive an alert the moment the temperature of that room falls outside the designated range – like if a window was left open in the winter.
#5: Art, Books, and Other Rarities
Whether you’re an art dealer, rare book collector, or otherwise, finding the right temperature for storing your priceless items is (needless to say) very important.
Extreme heat and humidity can damage and devalue your collection of artwork, books, and documents.
In particular, heat can cause art to shrink or expand, and while books will often yellow or develop mold and mildew when they aren’t stored at the proper temperature.
Although opinions on the ideal temperature for art storage differ slightly, most experts agree that it should be between 65° and 75°F. This is also the ideal temperature for furniture, delicate papers, fabrics, and metals.
Thanks for reading! Hopefully the tips above can help you keep your family, pets and possessions comfortable.
