No matter how tech savvy or un-savvy you are, smart home technology is easy to use and offers amazing opportunities for convenience and safety. Knowing a little about these innovative products can be helpful.

• Bluetooth-enabled speakers, light bulbs and appliances are basically remote-controlled items that use a smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth-enabled device as the remote control. Bluetooth speakers (and shower heads) wirelessly stream music from cellphones, laptops or other devices. Bluetooth light bulbs can be turned on and off or dimmed wirelessly, using a cellphone or tablet. Bluetooth-enabled devices cannot be controlled from outside the home, unless they are also Wi-Fi enabled. Most Bluetooth devices can be set to turn on and off at specific intervals, which makes them handy home security tools. Choose Bluetooth light bulbs for strategic lighting in living rooms, bedrooms and other areas of the home.

• Bluetooth-enabled adapters, outlets and light switches turn normal appliances and lights into remote-controlled items. Plug a Bluetooth adapter into an existing outlet or replace a switch or outlet with a Bluetooth-enabled outlet or switch. Then use a smartphone or tablet to turn the appliance on and off or set a daily or weekly schedule. It is not always convenient to use a phone to turn on a light, so be thoughtful where these items are installed. Bluetooth enabled adapters and switches are great for controlling mood lighting or holiday displays.

• Bluetooth-enabled locks and deadbolts operate without keys or combinations. Bluetooth padlocks are perfect for lockers and storage sheds; Bluetooth deadbolts can make it easy to allow temporary access to a home without handing over a key. Bluetooth locks are battery-powered, but they typically have a “jump start” option for access if the batteries die.

• Combining wireless access with Bluetooth technology creates amazing opportunities for monitoring and controlling home systems from afar. Kiddie’s Remote Link Monitor can actually listen for smoke and CO alarms in a home and send warnings to a cellphone or PC through the home’s wireless internet connection. iHome smart plugs allow remote access to any device plugged into it. Wi-Fi enabled thermostats can be accessed from anywhere in the world, and camera-equipped Wi-Fi door chimes let you know who is at your door, even when you are not home.

— Have a home improvement question for Fix-It Chick? Email it to Linda Cottin at hardware@sunflower.com.