What's Hot In-Home Technology for 2020?

The 2020s are upon us. That means a whole new era of technology, some of which was undreamed of just a few years ago. Cars, wearable devices, medical equipment, ordinary tools and aircraft are all in the process of being upgraded, enhanced and better adapted to help us. What does that mean for your home? For starters, some of the tech trends in home design are among the most fascinating of all because they directly affect our lives.

Experts say the "smart home" will be the major story of the upcoming decades technological revolution. Homeowners will see major advances in security systems, appliances, energy efficiency, fire prevention capabilities and in-home safety. Here are a few of the central home tech trends that will take off in 2020:

Smart Appliances

Consumers are flocking to smart kitchen and household appliances in a big way, making the market one of the biggest financial segments of the retail economy. Advanced tech for refrigerators, ovens, small appliances and water management mean newer kitchens use less energy and get tasks done faster than before. The entire concept of "smart" technology works to integrate an entire home's electric mini-grid into a unified, waste-free system.

Fire Resistance

Many new homes are constructed with materials that are not just resistant to but are also impervious to fire damage. When walls, ceilings and interiors house components consist of these scientific "wonder" materials, house fires are much less of a threat. There's even the chance, experts say, that home fire damage can be cut by up to 70 percent within the next decade.

Super Security

Homes built from 2020 onward will come with highly advanced security features like all-around cameras, smart locks that alert local police of break-ins when occupants aren't at home, windows that detect virtually any form of tampering or unauthorized opening, and yard-mounted lasers that alert owners whenever someone enters the property. Cameras and alarm components get most of the media attention, but experts say doors and windows that are virtually impenetrable will be the central features of enhanced security.

In-Home Elevators

In-home elevators are one of the most exciting pieces of the new-wave of home technology. Whether designed as part of a new home's inherent structure or incorporated as an add-on for existing homes, residential elevators solve two problems at once. High-tech American home elevators instantly make any home safer by vastly reducing the risk of fall-related accidents. Second, the sleek, quiet device adds to any home's potential resale value.

Energy Efficiency

New technology designed to cut home energy use has the potential to save homeowners up to 70 percent on overall utility expenses. Experts say there's a lot more to this new science than solar panels and smart thermostats, which already have the ability to chop about 25 percent off monthly energy bills. As the new decade unfolds, you'll see new homes that come equipped with solar roof shingles, heat- and cold-resistant paint, super-insulated walls and ceilings, integrated energy-management systems, underground batteries for backup power storage and other futuristic-sounding components.