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How Smart Home Upgrades Can Boost Your Home’s Value

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 19:28:11 GMT

Discover how smart home technology can increase your property’s market appeal, energy efficiency, and resale value—making it a smart investment for NJ homeowners.

In today’s competitive real estate landscape, homeowners are always seeking ways to stand out. While granite countertops and open floor plans are still popular, there’s one type of upgrade that’s not only modern but practical, efficient, and highly desirable — smart home technology .

Whether you're planning to sell your home soon or just want to increase its long-term value, smart upgrades can offer an impressive return on investment.

At TD Smart Homes , we help New Jersey homeowners turn traditional houses into fully connected, intelligent living spaces — and we’ve seen firsthand how it pays off.

The Data: What the Numbers Say

According to Coldwell Banker , 81% of buyers said they'd rather purchase a home with smart tech already installed.
A report from Zillow showed that homes with smart thermostats and other energy-efficient upgrades sold faster than those without.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that buyers are willing to pay more for homes with smart security, smart lighting, and automated climate control.

1. Make Your Property “Market-Ready”

Smart features are no longer considered futuristic — they’re now expected. For many buyers, smart tech is right up there with hardwood floors and stainless appliances.

Popular upgrades that impress:

Motorized window shades : These boost privacy, protect interiors from sun damage, and add a clean, upscale look to any room.
Smart thermostats (like Nest or ecobee): Let buyers know they’ll enjoy both comfort and energy savings.
Whole-home audio systems : Offer seamless music throughout the home — a big plus during open houses and showings.
Voice-controlled lighting and scenes : Think “movie night,” “entertain,” or “Shabbat mode” — automated with a single command.
Smart doorbells and surveillance systems : A must-have for today’s security-conscious buyers.

2. Boost Your Appraisal and Asking Price

Smart upgrades can increase your home’s appraisal value . While the exact number varies by location and the systems installed, homes with integrated smart systems often see a 1%–5% boost in listing price.

Let’s break it down:

$500,000 home × 3% = $15,000 value bump
Average cost of installing smart lighting, thermostats, shades, and audio = $5,000–$8,000
Net gain = $7,000+ potential profit

That’s a real return, especially compared to full kitchen renovations or room additions, which can take months and cost far more.

3. Highlight Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Smart homes appeal to eco-conscious buyers who want energy efficiency and automation. Here’s how:

Smart thermostats can save 10–15% on heating and cooling bills.
Motorized shades programmed to close at peak sun times reduce A/C load.
Smart lighting uses LEDs and motion sensors to reduce waste.

These savings add up — and more importantly, buyers recognize them as long-term perks.

4. Add Layers of Security

Safety sells.

Integrated systems like smart locks , cameras , and door/window sensors add tangible value by making buyers feel secure.

For families with children or those purchasing second homes or investment properties, knowing the home can be monitored remotely is a massive benefit.

5. Better Staging and Buyer Experience

Imagine a buyer walks into your home and:

Music starts playing softly in every room
The lights shift to match the time of day
The blinds automatically open to let in natural light
The thermostat adjusts based on occupancy

That’s not a showing — that’s a smart experience . And it’s one they’ll remember over every other home on the market.

Common Questions We Hear from Clients

Q: How much do smart home upgrades cost?
A: It depends on your goals. A starter smart package (lighting, thermostat, and one motorized shade) can cost under $2,000 . Full-home systems range from $5,000–$15,000 , but pay off in value, savings, and convenience.

Q: Can I upgrade my home in stages?
Absolutely. TD Smart Homes builds in phases — start with your most-used areas (like the living room or master bedroom), then expand over time.

Q: Will buyers know how to use this stuff?
Yes. Most systems today are intuitive. Plus, we provide training and tech support for you or the next homeowner.

Add Value. Add Comfort. Add Wow.

At TD Smart Homes , we help you upgrade wisely — no gimmicks, no bloated packages. Just smart solutions tailored to your lifestyle and your home’s value.

Whether you're planning to sell or stay for years to come, investing in smart tech is one of the smartest decisions you can make.

�� Call 201-888-1048 or book your free consultation now to see how we can future-proof your home and increase its value.

Best Ways to Protect Your Home from Break-Ins: Smart Home Installation

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 18:50:20 GMT

Protecting your home from invasion doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Keep reading for tips to improve your home’s security and keep your family safe.

An average 3.7 million homes are burglarized each year. Surprisingly, in more than 1 million of those homes, there was someone present in the house at the time of break in.

Last year alone in 2021, New Jersey reported more than 14,000 stolen vehicles, many of which occurred in Bergen County.

Thefts will only continue to rise, so now is the best time to secure your home and give you a peace of mind. Don’t let intruders take advantage of your property or leave you vulnerable and rob you of your sense of security.

Let’s start with the basics.

INSTALL SECURITY CAMERAS

Nothing stops a thief better than a camera pointing right at their face. It can stop them in their tracks or help you get justice. The mere presence of security cameras can also be a good deterrent to prevent robbers entering your property in the first place.

From thieves to porch pirates, installing surveillance cameras will provide a layer of security that will keep you at ease throughout your day. Installing smart cameras will give you access via mobile app to check in on your home and surroundings whenever you need. You can view footage in real time and back it up in storage if you need to watch it later. This would come in handy in the event of a break in and you needed to provide recorded footage as evidence to the police.

Our security cameras come with these additional must-have features:

Two-way talk

Motion detection

Night Vision

Cloud storage
Wi-Fi capability
Weatherproof protection

With these special features, you can automatically get updated with instant live video feed whenever someone enters your driveway. In response to suspicious activity, you can immediately scare away thieves with talk and listen capabilities through the smart camera.

For maximum security and coverage, it is recommended to install outdoor security cameras at every entry point to your house.

MOTION SENSORED LIGHTS

Smart lights that are activated by motion is another effective way to keep your home secure. The sudden spotlight can stop thieves dead in their tracks and make them reconsider their plan to rob you of your belongings.

The great thing about smart lights is that it can be automated and controlled anytime, from anywhere in the world. So even if you’re on vacation, you can schedule your smart light bulbs to turn on and off to make it appear like you are home. No matter where you are, you can monitor and control your home’s indoor and outdoor lights at the touch of a button.

Smart bulb installation is simplified when hiring the help of a professional. The cost of adding smart lights will be more cost effective in the long run, as they are more energy efficient compared to incandescent lighting. The upgrade to smart light home automation is a no brainer.

CLOSE THE GARAGE DOOR

Closing the garage door is not just necessary in preventing your sports and lawn-care equipment from getting stolen, but preventing access into your house. An open garage door is an open invitation for thieves. If you frequently forget to close the garage, even while you’re at home, consider installing a smart garage door for your added convenience and security. A smart garage door can be automated to open and close from your smartphone and can even send you alerts when the door is open.

UPGRADE DOOR LOCKS

Smart locks are extremely convenient for daily use - no more fumbling around for your keys or an extra hand to physically open and lock your door. Smart locks allow you to lock and unlock your doors using fingerprint, voice command, or an entry code.

Its remote control features allows you to grant access to guests or repair technicians so there is no disruption to your day. This also means that whenever you forget to lock it up, you can remotely lock it from anywhere in the world. Its Wi-Fi and bluetooth connectivity will enable alerts when doors open and close, and even give different passcodes to each member of the family, so you know exactly who is entering. Most smart locks are compatible with a traditional deadbolt, so they have the same security features as traditional locks.

RELATED: Are Smart Locks Really Secure?

CLOSE BLINDS AND CURTAINS

Leaving your shades open gives burglars an opportunity to look into your home and scout what possessions are worth snatching. Keep your belongings safe and steer temptation away from burglars by closing your blinds when you’re out of the house.

We know it’s inconvenient to manually open and close your shades throughout the day. Take the hassle out by installing motorized blinds that work at the touch of a button, or by voice command. Lutron Shades and PowerShades come in a variety of styles that will instantly upgrade your home decor while giving you the privacy and security that you deserve.

There are plenty of smart home automation solutions available to keep your home secure. Are you ready to take control of the safety of your family and treasured belongings? Increase your security while elevating your lifestyle. TD Smart Homes is New Jersey’s best home automation company, specializing in smart lights, automatic blinds, garage doors, security cameras, and more. Contact us today for a free consultation and estimate. Call us or fill out the contact form and we’ll set you up with a no-obligation consultation meeting. We look forward to working with you!

Somfy Motorized Shades

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 03:04:20 GMT

Complete Guide to Finding the Right Custom Window Treatment for Your Home

Window shades often get overlooked when it comes to interior design, but upgrading your window treatment to automatic blinds will easily add convenience, energy savings, and a more sophisticated look and feel to your home. Automated blinds are a luxury that is also useful and good for home security. The benefits are truly endless.

The smart shades industry has put the spotlight on Somfy , for consistently delivering effective and reliable smart home technology. They are the industry leader in smart shades, providing a range of different options that work with any interior design.

Difference between Blinds vs. Shades

Before we dive into Smart shade offerings, let's first clarify the difference between smart blinds and smart shades. Smart blinds are hard window treatments that have either vertical or horizontal slats, which come in a variety of options such as wood, plastic, metal, or a composite material. Where automation comes into play here, is the angle of the slats that can be customized to bring in or shut out light based on the position of the sun or a set schedule. Vertical blinds are gathered to the left or right to fully expose the window, while horizontal blinds are pulled up and down.

Smart shades on the other hand, are usually made of fabric. They move up and down to block out light and bring privacy to your home. For the sake of simplicity, we’ll be referring to smart blinds and smart shades interchangeably in this article.

With so many options of electric blinds, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with options, colors, and designs. When you also have to consider integration to your existing smart home systems like Alexa or Google Assistant, the choices can get overwhelming.

For custom shades, Somfy offers dozens of colors and textures to go with any type of interior design. You can hide the roll with fabric or metallic fascia and opt to power your smart blinds through a rechargable battery, 24V hardwire, or manual.

You can choose between three light filtering options - blackout, translucent, or sheer.

Somfy smart shades can be controlled in three ways: using the smartphone app, remote, or voice assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant. The app offers plenty of features such as window scenes and a natural light optimization setting the shades automatically with the movement of the sun. You can also take further advantage of your existing smart home systems to use voice controls.

The endless customization options will allow you to work with essentially any type or size of home. All offerings of their motorized shades will help you manage natural light in order to provide you with convenience, privacy, safety, and plenty of energy savings.

Roller Shades

Somfy's most popular roller shades are offered in a variety of colors, styles, and materials. Depending upon your preference, there are different shades of transparency for enjoying natural sunlight while blocking it out completely for more privacy. Imagine a beautifully synchronized operation of all your interior shades, raising and lowering in unison for the perfect balance of sophistication and beauty.

Roller shades will pair beautifully with any interior design thanks to its minimalist presence. Based on the fabric and style of choice, you can determine how much light can pass through these shades. From sheer, to translucent, and then blackout shades, the opacity is customizable to your needs.

You can choose from battery-powered to wired, and its motor-encasing design will seamlessly complement your home’s interior design.

The installation process is simplified using our professional technicians to help you install and manage your new motorized shades. Contact us today for a no-obligation, free design consultation and estimate. Motorized blinds will add instant value to your home. So what are you waiting for?

PoE motorized roller shades from PowerShades Review

Sat, 23 Jul 2022 21:18:19 GMT

Best Motorized Blinds to Upgrade Your Smart Home System

Motorized blinds are taking the home automation world by storm. The latest advancements in smart shades technology makes life a little bit easier. And while you might already have some cool technology in your home, nothing will charm your guests as much as automated, motorized shades. Nothing grabs their attention like shades being lowered as soon as the sun sets.

If you’re like most people, you have shades, blinds, or curtains covering your windows. Literally every home has a good number of shades and over time, these traditional window treatments become a hassle to use throughout the day. To have to walk around furniture to raise them in the morning, lower them when the sun is too hot, and close them at night, all becomes a chore.

That’s why most homeowners have their windows covered most of the time. But in the ideal world, you want window treatments that will bring in the right about sunlight, have beautiful outdoor views, while maintaining privacy when necessary.

Having designed and installed more electronic shades over the past two decades than anyone else in the state of New Jersey, TD Smart Homes has come to love what electronic shades does for homeowners.

Buying Smart Blinds

Motorized blinds are window shades that can be opened or closed with the touch of a button, voice command or an app on a compatible smart device. They come in a variety of styles, such as roller, slat, accordion, honeycomb, and light filtering. An important feature to consider is the type of power source - solar, battery or electrical cord.

You might be familiar with battery operated or wireless smart shades. We’re here to introduce to you the award winning PoE motorized roller shades from PowerShades.

It’s the world’s first PoE-enabled smart shades that are low voltage, eliminate the need for batteries and bulky wiring for wall decor.

The PoE (power over ethernet) shade uses a single ethernet cable to deliver both electrical power and command control data to the shade. Its hardwired access to power allows the motor to move twice as fast as battery operated models in the market. It only uses about 5 watts of power and is controlled using voice command, a smart device like Amazon Alexa, or PowerShade’s cloud based portal. It also has the ability to schedule your shades to automatically open and close at chosen times.

Benefits of PoE motorized roller shades from PowerShades

Reduce Energy Consumption : Opening and closing your shades on a custom schedule will give you effortless and passive energy savings of up to 30%.
Light Control : You can finally have the perfect lighting you’ve always wanted. Have your slumber with light-block shades or cast a glow and create an ambience with light filtering shades. Elevate the experience with custom pre-set scenes.
Unmatched Convenience: Automate the repetitive task of manually opening and closing your shades. This is especially true for hard to reach window treatments and the large number of shades around the house.
Safety: Keep your loved ones safe from the dangers of pull strings and dangling pieces.
Security & Privacy: Set a schedule to automate your motorized blinds to make it appear that you’re home and it’s actually vacant.
Compatibility: PowerShades easily pairs with Amazon Alex, Google Home, and other smart home systems you already use.

Advantages of power-over ethernet

With PoE motorized roller shades, you’ll never have to worry about charging or replacing its batteries. The speed of this electric blind is unmatched and operates more than twice as fast than the popular Lutron Serena.

It does not come with a DIY option because the product is distributed through trusted dealers that assist with installation and maintenance. Thankfully, it costs less than installing other AC- powered motorized blinds due to it’s use of PoE technology. Our professional installers will create a schedule to control your blinds using the PowerShades Dashboard. You’ll have the option to automate your shades depending on a defined percentage based on triggers or events from your smart home devices, or simply based on time of day, week, or month. You won’t have to worry about ever seeing the Powershades online dashboard, as your installer will program the controlled routines for you. Installation can’t get any simpler than that.

PowerShades offers two options for their PoE roller shades: single and day/night. The latter has two shades stacked together where one shade operates during the day and the second is lowered down at night for advanced light blocking and privacy.

You have three styles to choose from: Affinity, which reveals the electric dowel that moves the shade up and down; Concord, which conceals the motor inside a metal or plastic fascia; and Pinnacle, which works the same as the Concord with the shade brackets mounted to the fabric front instead of the window frame.

PowerShades comes in three types of fabric: Solar, which is a sheer type that allows light to pass through, while providing some privacy; Light Filtering, which is a more dense fabric that has less light passing and more privacy offered; and Light Blocking, which is essentially used to darken the room as much as possible and offers the most privacy.

Our installers can guide you through the choices and help you become familiar with the use of voice commands to control your motorized blinds. You can rely on sunrise/sunset routines or control them using voice commands such as “open,” “close,” or “set to” a percentage of open such as 25% open, etc.

The PoE motorized roller shades from PowerShades makes sense for homeowners or businesses who are looking for high quality motorized blinds that come at an affordable price. They are eco friendly and convenient to use. They are the perfect addition to your home decor and will surely wow your guests. Call us today for a free consultation and we can dive into exactly what these electric blinds have to offer your home.

Are Smart Homes Really Going to Catch On?

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 05:53:53 GMT

History is riddled with technological gadgets and services whose presence in the marketplace was short lived. Laser disc players, zip drives, America Online. The list is long, and it goes back many years. But that’s just the nature of living in a world driven by technology, where concepts and designs are constantly changing.

Sometimes a new device hits the market—such as the iPod—that is obviously a game changer and here to stay. Most of the time, however, people are skeptical when new technology is introduced. Will it fall by the wayside like so many other ideas have done? Will it be akin to throwing money away?

The idea of smart homes is one of the most compelling ideas (or collection of ideas) to come out of the tech world in recent years. Industry pundits have been predicting for years that the internet would eventually permeate more and more aspects of everyday life, finally resulting in an “internet of things” which can be used to control virtually every aspect of home living.

This internet of things has yet to be able to prepare meals for you at the touch of a button; we haven’t quite reached the level of the Jetsons. But we’re not far off. Some of the most important features of the home, including climate control, cameras, security and lighting, can already be controlled through smart technology. Other amenities and features have also arrived, such as the ability to run a bath or adjust the oven temperature from your smartphone.

But will all of this really take off? Or will the smart home go the way of the laser disc player? Is there any way to know for sure during these early stages?

There are no guarantees in technology, but if market experts are to be believed, certain aspects of smart home technology are indeed a slam dunk. Climate control is probably the best example. Smart thermostats give you wireless control over your home’s HVAC system from anywhere in the world. No more wondering if you forget to turn off the furnace or air conditioner. No more arriving home to a chilly or stuffy house. And smart thermostats also have the capability to learn your heating and cooling patterns on their own. The result is a smarter use of energy, lower monthly energy bills, and greater comfort in the home.

Security, CCTV and lighting are also good examples of smart home technology that’s here to stay. A robust, encrypted video feed that can be monitored globally from your favorite digital device is a quantum leap in home monitoring and security. Smart lights and entertainment systems can turn on automatically when you unlock the door. Smart security systems can detect movement, automatically shine lights, and send notifications when something is up.

One way to tell which aspects of smart technology are a good bet, and which aspects may be passing trends, is to look at the products and services on offer from smart home specialists. These are people who know the industry and where it’s headed, and they can be a valuable source of knowledge for any homeowner looking to make the most of their smart home investments and projects.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Smart Light Bulb VS Smart Switch

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 05:53:26 GMT

The Pros and Cons of Smart Light Bulb VS Smart Switch

Technology has come a long way since the original Clapper impressed TV viewers with the luxury of turning off the lights with a simple clap, all the while when you’re still in bed. Now there’s mechanics to dim the lights, control the colors and settings, set timers and schedules, all with your smartphone or voice command.

Installing smart lights is often the first step to home automation. The ease and convenience makes the switch a no brainer. If your hands are full of groceries, or the light switch is in a hard to reach place, the convenience of having lights turn on as your enter the room, is something we all could use and enjoy. Once it’s set up, it’s very simple to activate. And you will never want to go back to the days of fumbling to reach for the switch again.

There are lots of options when it comes to installing smart lights. We’re here to guide you through all the factors that differentiate smart light systems - from cost, to convenience, compatibility, and functionality. Let us help you determine the best setup for your home’s needs.

Benefits of Smart Bulbs

A smart light bulb is an LED light bulb that has Wi-Fi capability - enabling endless customization, scheduled operation, and remote control options. You can connect it to an app to control the brightness or color. With simple set up

A Stunning Light System

Are you sick and tired of your yellow incandescent lights making you feel dull and tired? Or what about the harsh glare of bright fluorescent lights that negatively impact productivity, mood, mental and physical fatigue, and even reduces focus and alertness? Did you know that light has the power to have such a big impact on your well being and influence your mood? Do not underestimate the power of light.

Now imagine being able to control the color and brightness of your lights, and thereby positively influencing your mood and health.

Smart bulbs can add a great ambience to any room. Each bulb can be set at any color and create beautiful effects. Some brands like the Philips Hue, come with pre-made light scenes that are captivating. Savannah Sunset and Arctic Aurora are crowd favorites.

There are even some smart bulbs on the market that enable you to sync color and lighting changes to the beat of your music or dialogue in a movie.

There is certainly a fun side to utilizing smart light bulbs. The possibilities to add a colorful dimension to each room is endless. For your enjoyment or to showcase your home to friends and guests, installing smart bulbs is a sure way to create a more welcoming and calm atmosphere that will please any crowd.

Energy Efficient and Cost Efficient

A typical smart bulb will last an average of 20,000 hours. Some can last even up to 30,000 hours, which is an incredibly long life span compared to traditional bulbs. We’re talking upwards to 28 years of light from a single smart bulb. That means you’ll replace it once or twice in your lifetime.

Smart bulbs are energy efficient because they use LED technology, which not only uses less electricity, but it is resistant to extreme temperatures.

Easy to Install Smart Light Bulbs

They are simple to install, just the way you would change a regular light bulb - Unscrew to remove and add the new one.

The modifications and usage isn’t too complicated, but may get technical for the beginner user. It would benefit to hire a professional to get the most out of your smart home light system.

Multifunctional features of Smart Bulbs

Smart light costs are fairly priced, but you can also spend a little more and find endless features that track motion, change colors, stream audio, or even multi-function as a camera. How cool is that?

Smart bulbs can even be programmed to adjust the color temperature throughout the day, depending on what time it is. It offers an easily customizable smart light system that suits your schedule and other needs.

Downsides of Smart Bulbs

There are a few downsides to installing smart bulbs that you should consider. The two main issues are cost and incompatibility. Let’s take a deeper look at whether the disadvantages of smart bulbs are big enough concerns for your needs.

Smart Bulbs are More Costly than Smart Switches

Installing smart bulbs will cost more than installing one smart switch that can light up the entire circuit. Cost will vary and depend on the quantity of bulbs you’ll need and the quality of lights you’ll want. But on average, they are on the higher side and can cost anywhere from $8-$60 dollars per bulb, depending on the colors and functions you need.

Smart bulbs will use more energy to operate when compared to a smart switch. That’s because they must always be powered on. These bulbs are categorized as Vampire Devices, which uses electricity even though they are not turned on. Smart bulbs need a constant connection to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This only amounts to a few extra cents per bulb, per month. Depending on the quality of the smart bulb, multiple units around the house will add a few extra dollars to your electricity bill. Even if it’s minimal, if energy cost is a concern, smart switches will be a better choice.

Smart Bulbs are Incompatible with Some Light Fixtures

Unfortunately, not every light fixture will enable a smart light bulb to be installed. Those that use smaller than standard bulbs will be incompatible with the single size of smart bulbs. They will need to be the standard A-shape in order to work with smart light bulbs. Fixtures may even require a series of LED strips, rather than bulbs.

Smart light bulbs are also not compatible with switches and dimmers. Attempting to use them together may damage the internal components.

Smart Bulbs can get Technically Challenging

There will be occasional software updates or glitches where you’ll need to troubleshoot and reconnect the smart light bulb to the app. Some manufacturers also require a smart plug or connector to your router, which can get bothersome. Pairing and controlling the bulb and plug can be difficult for some users, and it would benefit to receive the help of a professional to troubleshoot and fix when needed.

Benefits of Smart Switches

A smart switch is basically a light switch that is controlled remotely. It has the ability to control all the light sources in its circuit. It can automatically turn on/off, program scheduled automation,

And offer 24/7 monitoring and access to your devices. They are energy efficient, easily compatible with any fixture, and certainly convenient.

Smart Switches are Energy Efficient

A smart switch can be an efficient option in certain situations where the light fixture requires multiple light bulbs. Instead of replacing each bulb with a smart light bulb, you can simply install a smart switch to activate all bulbs in the circuit. So for example, if you have a fixture that requires 5 bulbs, you can either buy five smart bulbs, or one smart switch. If you don’t particularly need colored lights, a smart switch often makes sense.

Energy Efficient Means Cost Efficient

The average smart switch costs less than $20. One switch has the ability to control the entire room. The lifespan of a smart switch is also longer than smart bulbs, making its cost even lower.

Smart Switches are Compatible With Many Light Fixtures

Smart bulbs, fluorescent lights, incandescent bulbs, floodlights, chandelier bulbs, ceiling fan bulbs, dimmable switches, and many more - you name it, smart switches are compatible with most kinds of bulbs of different types and sizes.

Smart Switches are Convenient and Efficient

Smart switches can be very efficient and convenient to use. There are more programmable features to automate the devices that a smart switch is connected to.

Installing a smart switch certainly provides a convenient way to automate and control your devices remotely. You can even use it with an app that can be used away from home. The best smart switch connects with devices like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant, and other smart switch phone apps. If you are familiar with these apps, you’re aware of the added advantage of voice control.

Beyond the basic light switch automation, a smart switch comes with other cool features like scheduling and remote access to your devices. You can program your smart switch to turn on and off at certain times of the day. And you can access controls from anywhere, anytime.

Downsides to Smart Switches

Challenge to Install a Smart Switch

Smart switch installation will be more challenging than just screwing in a light bulb. It will require you to remove and replace the old switch from the wall. You’ll need tools and basic knowledge of working with electrical wires. The process can be invasive, but it’s necessary to connect the live and load wires together in order for the lights to always receive power.

Furthermore, if you want to change the smart switch to a different light fixture, you’ll have to repeat the installation process all over again.

So which is better? A Smart Bulb or Smart Switch?

The answer depends on your needs and what features you find attractive and more convenient. Smart bulbs offer a wide range of color-changing, dimming, as well as automation. Some smart light bulbs even allow the user to control the bulb with an app. It can be user friendly, but there is a learning curve as the compatibility and user features can be confusing and inconvenient, especially when used with a hard wall switch.

A smart bulb uses a lot less electricity than traditional light bulbs, but a smart switch is even more energy efficient, and thereby cost efficient. Smart light switches are compatible with multiple light bulbs and offer even more options for efficiency. They can easily be paired with Alexa, Siri, or Google Home, which makes it a family friendly option.

Both options will give you ease of use and convenience beyond your imagination. With smart bulbs, you will get the added benefit of creating the right ambience for any room, mood, or event.

Whichever smart light device you choose, you should consult with your smart home installer to guide you through all the different options available on the market, as well as covering safety protocols regarding the installation process.

Installing a smart light for one room might not be too difficult. But effectively and strategically automating your whole house with smart lighting could use the help of a professional. Some rooms may benefit from using smart bulbs, and in other cases, it might make more sense to utilize a smart switch to power on the whole light circuit. In most cases, you cannot use both a smart bulb and smart switch together. A smart light needs to always be powered on, but this is not viable when the smart switch is turned off. Once the power is cut off, the smart bulb disconnects from your smart home.

There is common fix to this issue for integrating smart light bulbs with smart switches. Something like the Philips Hue dimmer switch will accomplish this and using it in connection with a Hue hub will achieve optimal functionality and results. There can be an overwhelming number of options to consider when shopping for a smart light system.

Ultimately, everything will depend on your budget, convenience, and compatibility. Allow us to help guide you through the design, installation, and implementation of all the features a smart light system can do for your home.

Six Benefits of Motorized Blinds In Your Home

Thu, 05 May 2022 18:13:27 GMT

Smart blinds are taking the world of home design by storm and these electric or motorized shades are surprisingly durable and easy to maintain. They are a beautiful addition for modern homes and can be custom fitted and designed to your liking.

Here are 5 benefits that electric blinds will bring to your home.

CONVENIENCE

There are many perks of having electric blinds, but nothing beats the comfort and convenience of having it automated - it easily takes away the repetitive and oftentimes, hard to reach task of window treatments at the very ease of your fingertips.

In recent years, the advances made by motorized blinds have become even smarter and more intuitive. You can now remotely control capabilities of your shades by sensor, on-command, or on schedule. Automatic blinds can be integrated with built-in light sensors, built-in motion sensors, or virtual assistance like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit.

So if you happen to be caught up in a different room or find yourself stuck with a napping baby in your arms, you can comfortably operate your electric shades with any smart device, remote control, or by voice command. You will appreciate the ease and safety of even allowing your older kids to operate the push-button controls without having to use any cords. Motorized blinds are an ideal option for windows that have no direct access to the shades, such as behind a couch.

Take control of your blinds, anytime and anywhere. The convenience factor alone makes automatic blinds a worthy investment.

SAVE ON YOUR ENERGY BILL

Motorized window blinds can you reduce your monthly utility bills by sensing and utilizing the sun’s natural light and heat and adjusting accordingly. You can automate blinds to sense the amount of sun coming into a room as well as the temperature of the room. This would then que the smart blinds to raise or lower as needed, which eliminates the need for over lighting with electricity and leverages the sun’s heat to warm up your home.

Boost your home’s energy efficiency by setting your blinds to open and close at certain times of the day to let in as much natural light as possible. Smart blinds will automate the entire process so insulation and light control is always set to maximize your home’s energy use.

SAFETY FOR CHILDREN AND PETS

Children and window cords do not mix. As a parent, you’ve probably heard the dangers and risks of window blind cords to babies and small children. They seem harmless, but in mere moments can become a strangulation hazard to your loved ones. Cords can suffocate children when they get entangled in them, particularly those featuring a loop. In fact, over the span of 26 years, there were more than 17,000 children who were hospitalized for injuries related to window blinds.

Don’t take any risks with window cords. This is especially something you want to consider with older window coverings that probably do not meet the recent national standards for window covering cord safety. Motorized blinds offer cordless design that can give you a peace of mind knowing your children and pets are safe from the hazards of window cords. That’s why it makes smart blinds the safest choice for parents and pet owners.

SECURITY

With electric blinds, you can now be rest assured that your home is secure even when you’re not there. Whether you’re running errands or out of the country, you can automate your blinds to make it seem like someone is home, even when you’re not. The effect is even more convincing when coupled with a smart home lighting system. Simply automate your smart blinds to close at sunset and activate your light apps to switch on and off at different times through the evening.

So home security is far more than just closing your blinds and preventing passersby from peeking in. Motorized window blinds perform the best job at deterring potential thieves from attacking your home because your home will always look lived in, even when you’re far away. You can automatically set it to certain settings, or you can access your home while you’re on the go as well.

IMPROVE SLEEP QUALITY

If you have trouble falling asleep or waking up in the morning, installing motorized blinds can help. There are many options of window blinds that come with maximum light blocking opacity, that will keep your bedrooms as dark as it can be. This functions better than your traditional black out curtains because you don’t want to block out the natural sunlight in the morning when you need help getting up. Setting your electric blinds to gradually open in the morning will help you to wake up naturally as the sun rises into your room.

Now doesn’t a more peaceful bedtime and morning sound nice? You deserve a good night’s rest, and motorized blinds makes an excellent choice for bedrooms.

INCREASE YOUR HOME'S VALUE

You’ll be sure to wow your potential buyers with smart shades in the house, and adding any kind of smart home automation will certainly make your home worth more when you decide to sell. Motorized blinds are custom fitted to you windows, adding instant value to your home.

Home automation systems are trending and are seen as a major attraction for potential buyers. It increases the value of your home, which increases the chance of a sale.

Now that you know everything about smart blinds, which combine convenience, energy-efficiency, security, safety, protection, luxury and functionality, an all-in-one convenient package, get in touch with The Smart Blinds Co to start leveling up your home.

Here, at The Smart Blinds Co, we partner with you to simplify the process of up-grading your home by taking care of designing, measuring and installation for you.

Are motorized blinds worth it?

Automating a repetitive and sometimes cumbersome task like raising and lowering your blinds, is the key to ultimate comfort in your home. Your electric blinds can be controlled by the touch of a button, from the convenience of your home or remotely. Use a smart device or remote control adjust your blinds, or schedule them to automatically adjust throughout the day.

Motorized blinds are an excellent investment choice for any home. You’ll do more than just benefit from the comfort and convenience of remotely adjusting your blinds, you’ll also save on your energy bills and keep your loved ones safe and possessions secure. In the long run, you’ll save money from having to replace flimsy shades that got beaten up from all the manual adjustments, and it’ll even increase your home value when you are ready to sell. And last but not least, the beauty of motorized blinds will surely add the perfect ambience to your home.

Designing and fitting customized blinds to fit your windows is no easy task. Allow TD Smart Homes to simplify the design and installation process for you. When you are ready to upgrade your home’s interior with motorized blinds, get in touch with our team to schedule a free in-home consultation. For more information on the benefits of smart shades, request your free quote here and our team will be happy to help!

How Will Home Fires Be Prevented in the Future?

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:08:36 GMT

The number of home fires has steadily decreased since the 1970s, thanks in no small part to the invention of residential smoke detectors that alert occupants to the presence of smoke and allow them to take action. However, there were still over 365,000 home fires in the United States in 2015.

What will be the next step in protecting families and homes from fire and smoke? What will be the next technological leap that will drive the number of fires down even further? As it turns out, this technology is already here. Smart smoke detectors carry a wide range of benefits, can be integrated with other smart technologies, and are more affordable than you might think. So how exactly is this technology different?

First alerts, then alarms

The intelligent smoke detectors already in existence have the capability to communicate in audible human language, and through digital alerts on your home network. With old technology, you either get chirps or full-on alarms—and you’re often left fumbling with the instruction manual, trying to figure out what’s going on. Not so with smart smoke detection technology. The device can be programmed to give audible warnings prior to sounding an alarm. This gives you time to react in a calm way and easily communicate to the device that the appropriate action is being taken.

Self-testing

Standard residential smoke detectors are a wonderful thing, and have protected countless homes since they went mainstream in the 1960s. But every homeowner knows they can also be a pain to deal with. Regular testing is required to make sure everything is working properly, and people sometimes forget to do this—which defeats the purpose of having a smoke alarm in the first place.

The new smart smoke detector is self-testing. It constantly checks its own sensors and batteries to make sure everything is fully operational. If something is wrong, it can tell you in an audible voice and send an alert to your phone, tablet or laptop. Making sure your smoke detector is preforming crucial, and homeowners with smart smoke detectors no longer have to worry about forgetting to check.

Integrated with other systems

It’s well known that heat can cause fires to spread more quickly. So what if there’s a fire in your home during the winter, and the furnace is blasting? Smart smoke detectors can already be integrated into your HVAC system, and this trend will continue to become more mainstream. When smoke is detected, the HVAC system can react appropriately. In this case, the heat will immediately shut off to help slow/prevent the spread of smoke and fire.

Also detects Carbon Monoxide

Most homeowners have become aware of the carbon monoxide threat in recent years. This colorless, tasteless gas can be deadly if not detected, and the sale of special carbon monoxide detectors has gone through the roof. The future of protecting your home from smoke and carbon monoxide is one intelligent device that detects both.

Is this technology right for your home?

There’s no question that smart smoke detectors offer a higher level of protection and ease-of-use for today’s homeowner. However, choosing the right product and having it installed correctly is vital. Consulting a home automation specialist (especially one that offers free consultation) is a handy way to get a professional perspective on smart smoke detection and whether it’s feasible for your property.

Five Benefits of Smart Lighting Technology

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:08:34 GMT

Things have come an awfully long way since Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. In those early days of electric lighting, the ability to flip the switch and bring a light into a room seemed utterly magical. People have been lighting their homes and places of business the old-fashioned way for centuries, and this new development was almost difficult to believe.

Today, of course, we take electric lighting for granted. It’s the most natural thing in the world to walk into a room and flip the light switch. But now there are new developments in the way we light our homes and businesses. Many people are equally amazed by the new lighting technology that has arrived; and it’s safe to say that in the future – probably the not too distant future – these new lighting technologies will be the norm, and people won’t really think twice about them.

We are talking, of course, about smart lighting technology. This is one of the most exciting areas in modern home automation, simply because there are so many simple and useful applications for it. But let’s not beat around the bush – here are five of the most interesting and it useful benefits of smart lighting technology for the home and business.

1. Convenience

Ever had that feeling that you forgot to turn the lights off after leaving on vacation? Or have you stumbled around in the dark upon arriving home, trying to find the various light switches? Smart home lighting solves these problems in one broad stroke. It’s all about controlling your lights from your phone or tablet. Wherever you are in the world, you can check on the status of your lighting systems and turn various lights on or off.

2. Energy Savings

Smart lighting systems are clearly the next step in convenience, but they’re also good for saving energy and living a more eco-conscious lifestyle. The ability to manage your lights with the tap of a button on your favorite smart device, or from a control center in your home, means that you can take a more proactive role in conserving energy and only using what you need.

3. Lifestyle Integration

Smart lighting systems allow you to instantly recall lighting configurations for the entire house. For instance, create a “bedtime” setting that turns off all the lights except a porch light outside and reading light in your bedroom. Create your own custom lighting configurations can bring them back with the touch of a button.

Smart lighting also integrates with other home automation features, such as smart locks. You can program various lights to switch on automatically front the front door is opened, or when your motion detectors pick up on something in the front yard.

Optimizing your smart lighting system

If you decide to start integrating elements of smart lighting technology into your home, the various systems and flooding the market can be confusing. You certainly don’t want to end up with a so-called smart lighting system that makes a lot of promises but doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to. Some homeowners buy and install their smart lighting systems without professional help, and in some cases this can work out. Others decide that consulting a home automation specialist is the best way to eliminate doubt and a sure the best possible long-term performance for smart lighting.

Do I Really Need a Smart Home Theater System?

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:08:33 GMT

Without a doubt, there is a lot of exciting new technology these days. If you look at the devices available today versus 10 or 20 years ago, the difference is shocking. Back in the mid 90s, when Internet was still a new concept, it was difficult to imagine that in a decade or so, we would all be walking around with high speed touchscreen Internet devices in our pockets.

The contrast is even more dramatic when you look at what’s already possible with home automation. Capabilities now exist that would have been science fiction not long ago. There are smart thermostats that learn your heating and cooling patterns; smart home security systems that send you text messages and even video clips when motion detectors are triggered; and even smart sprinkler systems that keep your lawn and gardens healthy with minimal effort.

And those are just a few examples.

But with all this useful new technology, there are also quite a few technological gimmicks – things that may sound useful, but are just not that practical in the real world. For every invention and innovation that has true staying power in the marketplace, there are probably two or three products which will be completely obsolete within a few years. It can be a challenge for homeowners to invest in the right products and technologies.

What about smart home theater systems? Do they fall into the category of passing trends and empty gimmicks? Or do they represent the future of home entertainment?

Homeowners are right to ask these questions. Buying and installing a smart home theater system is a significant investment, and there are already so many expenses involved in being a homeowner. People also tend to focus on necessities before dedicating resources to entertainment upgrades.

In order to arrive at a meaningful answer, let’s take a look at what smart home theater systems can actually do.

The first thing a smart home theatre can do — at least when it’s been professionally curated and installed — is to make the basics work seamlessly. Streaming services have become the gold standard of home entertainment, but how many remotes do you have, and how reliable is your system? Reducing clutter and optimizing the system, so that it actually works like is should, is the first order of business when it comes to installing a true smart theater.

But it goes much farther than that. You might want to go beyond flat screens into the world of cinema projectors. You might want a screen that’s motorized, or hidden behind the wall. You might want integrated surround sound, and you might want everything to be controlled seamlessly from your favorite smart device, completely eliminating the need for remote control clutter. Today’s home automation technology can accomplish all of this and more.

Is there anywhere I can turn for trustworthy advice?

Home automation, including smart home entertainment, is an exciting but somewhat daunting frontier. There are so many products out there that claim to be “smart” devices, but they have widely varying degrees of quality, capability, and compatibility. Consulting a home automation specialist is one way to remove some of the variables and question marks around smart home entertainment, and realize its full potential for your home.

Four Home Automation Technologies You Didn’t Know Existed

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:08:31 GMT

Home automation is it exciting—and it’s constantly evolving. Enormous strides have been made in recent years thanks to the increasing strength of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, voice recognition, and other vital components of smart technology. You probably already know about smart thermostats and smart lighting systems—but here are four areas of home automation that might be news to you.

1. Voice Control

Remember “the clapper”? It wasn’t so long ago that this invention (which allowed you to turn the lights on and off by clapping your hands) seemed like a marvel of modern technology. These days it’s more of a joke than anything—but the concept still exists, and in fact is being taken to higher and higher levels.

Voice control is fast becoming one of the gold standard in home automation technology. The Increased sophistication a voice control has recently appeared in various devices designed by major companies such as Apple and Amazon. That same sophistication is reaching into home automation, and will soon allow us to control any number areas of our homes by simply uttering the right verbal commands. Whether it’s turning on the stereo, watering the lawn, changing the channel while watching TV, or even preheating the oven, we’ll soon be able to do it with sophisticated voice control.

2. Smart Sprinklers

Managing your lawn and gardens just became a whole lot easier, more efficient, and more interactive—thanks to the advent of smart sprinkler technology. Using your integrated apps or touchscreen control panels, it’s now possible to maximize the efficiency of your water supply and make sure your grass and plants have enough water, no matter where you are in the world. Smart sprinklers can also learn your watering patterns, and become sensitive to varying levels of sun exposure on your property, adjusting the water distribution accordingly.

3. Smart Shades/Blinds

How many times have you struggled to raise or lower the blinds in various parts of your home due to thin, cheap straps that often become tangled? The blinds of the future will not rely on primitive cords and straps, but will be raised and lowered effortlessly by touchscreen or verbal commands—and the future is already here. This is just one of the ways in which we are able to control and prepare our homes before we even arrive, or after we leave.

4. Smart Locks

Smart locks can make life easier for homeowners in so many different ways. We use clickers to manage the locks on our vehicles, but have been slower to adopt this technology to our residences. But now that the technology has evolved to a much higher level of security, it’s time to start integrating smart locks into our lives. Forget about juggling those keys with an arm full of groceries. Issue unique entry codes for various individuals and keep track of who enters and when. Integrate your entry way with your thermostat, so that the system automatically saves energy when you leave and kicks on when you walk through the door.

Should I talk to an expert or simply start buying/installing gadgets?

Home automation is reaching a level of sophistication we have never seen before, and to make the most of it, homeowners are seeking the support of dedicated home automation specialists. This takes the guesswork out of the equation and allows you to truly leverage the power of this exciting new technology.

Are Smart Sprinklers Worth It?

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:08:30 GMT

Keeping a beautiful lawn is something many American homeowners dream about. Not only do they dream about it, they spend a lot of time and money trying to make it a reality. After all, why invest tens of thousands of dollars in home improvements and renovations if your lawn is going to be an eyesore that detracts from your curb appeal, and takes away from your enjoyment of the home and its surroundings?

In the past, people would use enormous amounts of water to keep their grass lush and green. But in 2017 and beyond, environmental stewardship and conservation efforts are more important than ever. Homeowners who love to maintain a beautiful lawn must therefore find new, more intelligent ways to keep their grass looking green and healthy.

Sprinklers that run on timers were big news when they first hit the market, but even that technology has become outdated—and for one very simple reason. They’re difficult to control, time-consuming, and they don’t give you valuable information on how much water you’ve used or which areas of the grass need more water.

Fortunately, modern technology has already given us the answer. Smart sprinklers are the future of lawn care for the discerning and intelligent homeowner. To find out why, let’s take a look at what smart sprinkler systems (e.g. Rachio, which is compatible with Nest home automation systems) can offer today.

Like other home automation devices, smart sprinklers are controlled through wifi and bluetooth technology. Depending on how many sprinklers you need to control, you’ll install ultra-compact and modern controllers to your sprinkler lines. Setup is relatively easy, but may be more effective with the help of a home automation professional.

Once installed, the real fun begins. Of course you can turn any of your sprinklers on or off from anywhere in the world using your favorite mobile device. But this is only the half of it. Smart sprinkler systems also give you detailed reports on water usage, which is especially important for people who live in areas that experience periodic drought. They also offer any number of smart programs to help you manage your lawncare more effectively and consciously. Imagine having software that divide your lawn into a number of different areas and tell you which areas need to be watered in which areas have already been watered, and when. This takes the guesswork out of watering your lawn, or your gardens and flower beds. It stores all the information in one place so that you can see exactly where the water needs to go.

This system can also learn about your local environment and levels of sun exposure in different areas of your property. This allows it to calculate more accurate and efficient watering patterns.

Going on vacation? Not a problem. Simply program your sprinklers to run at predetermined times, or run them comfort of your Caribbean hammock. Smart sprinklers are truly one of the most exciting home automation developments today, especially for those homeowners who take a special pride in maintaining an immaculate, green, lush yard while being more responsible about water usage.

Is Your Thermostat Costing You Money?

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:08:29 GMT

It’s no secret that Americans spend a lot of money on heating and cooling. In the days before gas and oil furnaces, people had to spend a lot of energy and time collecting and preparing wood to burn. As home engineering became more advanced and sophisticated, homes were fitted with ductwork for ventilation and climate control. This enabled both furnaces and air conditioning units to distribute warm or cool air throughout the home; and it enabled homeowners to control the temperature inside their home simply by twisting the knob known as a thermostat.

As time went on, people began to realize the benefits being able to program the thermostat to repeat certain patterns of heating or cooling throughout the day and night. This enabled more effective management of heating and cooling resources – which, after all, cost money. The average homeowner spends thousands of dollars a year on a climate control. In fact, heating and cooling account for as much as 50% of all energy usage in our country every year. That’s a lot of energy!

Naturally, people want to know how to cut down on energy costs, and meet their heating and cooling needs in a more efficient and intelligent way. And yet, A huge percentage of American homeowners are still relying on traditional thermostats to manage the temperature inside their homes.

The problem with this is that traditional thermostats are not sensitive to different times of day, or different healing and cooling needs. Once you set the thermostat at 70°, it will work however hard it needs to work, For however long it needs to work, in order to reach and maintain that temperature. People forget to turn heating or cooling off or on, and the result is a huge loss terms of efficiency.

Programmable thermostats provide good opportunities for saving money and using resources more judiciously. But they still run on set patterns and are not particularly responsive to the environment or the lifestyle of the home’s inhabitants.

The next quantum leap in heating and cooling – besides the air conditioners in furnaces themselves, as well as new techniques involving ductwork and home insulation – is undoubtedly the advent of the smart thermostat.

This development essentially takes one of the most expensive an important aspects of home ownership — that is, heating and cooling — and plugs it into the so-called “internet of things.” A smart thermostat can be controlled using any of your favorite devices from anywhere in the world. If you forget to turn off the air conditioning when you leave the house simply turn it off after you leave the house buy opening an app and touching a button. If you want the house to be nice and warm for your arrival, simply use the app to turn on the heat.

But it’s not only the remote control capabilities that make smart thermostats special. They actually learn your personal patterns of the heating and cooling. They provide detailed, real-time data about your energy usage. The more you use a smart thermostat, the more it learns about your usage. Depending on the options you choose and activate, smart thermostats will respond to patterns of usage and help you manage your energy usage in a way that saves resources and save money. That’s what truly makes them a revolutionary step in home ownership.

Three Practical Smart Home Uses

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:08:28 GMT

With the advent of smartphones, smart watches, and almost any other kind of “smart” device you can think of, it was only a matter of time before smart homes became part of the conversation. After all, the home itself is a kind of technology. It involves specialized building materials to keep the elements out, and to maximize heating and cooling. It contains an electrical and plumbing network into which various devices are connected. The difference is, we now have the technology to connect things in ways that weren’t imaginable twenty or thirty years ago.

But a lot of people have a lukewarm reaction when they hear about smart homes. There are so many new devices and technologies being released, and keeping up can be tiring. People naturally become skeptical of new offerings. They know from experience that some of them are gimmicks, and really aren’t going to be around very long. They wonder if smart home technology falls into that category. Why invest hundreds (or thousands) of dollars into something that doesn’t have much staying power, or doesn’t really even serve a practical purpose?

There are many, many practical smart home uses to consider — but here are three important ones.

1. Lighting configurations

We’ve all had the experience of walking through the house and turning on various lights to create the exact configuration we want. What about being able to program different lighting configurations and recall them at the touch of a button? Simply choose your mood or activity and set the lights accordingly.

2. Forgetfulness

Another experience we’ve all had is leaving on vacation, even if just for a few days, and being troubled by the idea that we forgot to turn off the heat, the air conditioning, the lights, or the sprinklers. Smart home technology virtually eliminates that worry. If you’re worried you’ve forgotten something, simply open your smart home app and see exactly what lights are one, what the temperature is, whether the sprinklers are on, or any number of practical functions. Turn things on or off instantly at the touch of a button, wherever you are.

3. Temperature management

Getting home to find a house that’s much too warm or much too cold is never an ideal scenario, especially when you’ve already had a busy day. With a smart thermostat system, you have real time monitoring of your heating and cooling situation. You can turn the temperature up or down while driving home from school or the office — so that when you walk in the front door, you receive a pleasant greeting from your home!

Maximizing your smart home investments

Getting the most out of your smart home investments involves careful choices from a growing market of devices and features, not all of which have equal compatibility or functionality. Home automation specialists represent a new industry that will continue to grow in the coming years, as people seek to get the most out of their home automation investments. But as more and more of these specialists appear, it becomes more important to work with the most experienced and reputable among them.

Smart Cameras vs. Traditional CCTV: What’s the Difference?

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:08:27 GMT

It wasn’t so long ago that wealthy estate holders (or anyone with heightened concerns about home security) would install massive swiveling cameras to keep an eye on entrances and other key area of a property. Obviously, CCTV has been around for a long time. Businesses and public places have been using it for decades to enhance security and solve crimes after the fact.

Today, the average smartphone is many times more powerful than those old CCTV setups. Many of the businesses and public places who previously had large cameras now make use of compact “bubble” cameras that provide better functionality and are barely noticeable.

Now we have smart cameras; and they’re more accessible than ever. The average homeowner can have one installed for a modest investment, and the functionality is far greater than traditional CCTV.

Specifically, how do smart intercoms improve on the functionality of CCTV? What benefits can homeowners expect?

First of all, you won’t have to sort through hours of footage to find what you’re looking for. With traditional CCTV, there’s no way to automatically search footage that’s been recorded (aside from fast forward and rewind). Smart cameras eliminate this problem — and the integration of motion-detection is the key. Motion detectors allow the smart camera to record only when something is moving. If nothing in particular is going on, nothing will be recorded. Of course, this functionality is optional — but it’s a useful option that solves a major problem with traditional CCTV.

Secondly, smart cameras offer more convenient ways to package and manage your recorded footage. They can be programmed to send it directly to a computer drive of your choice, or even a DVR set. The system can even send out SMS alerts when motion has been detected and footage has been generated.

Thirdly, smart cameras allow homeowners to look at footage — both live and recorded — simply by using an app on their favorite device, whether it’s a smartphone or a laptop computer. This signals an entirely new level of home monitoring and security.

Finally, smart cameras can (of course) be integrated with smart home security and lighting systems. The cameras can be programmed to trigger and alarm or turn on spotlights when motion is detected in certain areas of the home or exterior, at certain times of day or night. This allows a more customizable and efficient home security setup.

CCTV, while it does offer some of the same basic benefits, is comparatively expensive and cumbersome to set up. Smart cameras represent a leap forward in terms of accessibility and functionality alike.

How to install a smart camera

If you’re simply looking for a basic smart camera, or what to “test it out” before you decide on a more professional solution, there are many DIY kits that give you basic functionality. There are even more robust camera systems that you can buy and install yourself — but it’s worth mentioning that installation is half the battle when it comes to getting a smart camera up and running. Homeowners who enlist a home automation pro to help them install their smart camera system are statistically more likely to be satisfied with their system over the long term.

How Can a Smart Intercom Make My Life Easier?

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:08:25 GMT

It can be difficult to keep up with all the new gizmos and gadgets these days. There are a lot of things that sound great, and look great, but aren’t really necessary (or all that useful) in daily life. Home automation is one area where people aren’t so much interested in appearances as they are in usefulness. This is an industry built on practical tools that serve a clear purpose and make life easier. But there are a lot of manufacturers and inventors out there, and some are more interested in turning a profit than offering homeowners real solutions for real problems.

One of the most effective ways to decide whether home automation (or ‘smart home technology’) is right for you is to take these gadgets and inventions one and a time, and ask whether they would really enhance your quality of life. For example, if you look at smart intercoms — examining what they can do, and how much they cost — it will be much easier to determine whether this particular aspect of home automation will fit your lifestyle.

Smart intercoms are essentially advanced, wi-fi connected systems with both voice and camera functionality. They give people within the home an easy and convenient way to communicate with each other. For families who have elderly people living in the house, anybody with an illness or medical condition, or very young children, this seemingly basic functionality is very useful — especially when it comes with voice activation controls. Some systems allow you to turn the device on or off, and even monitor different areas of the home, without even pushing a button.

Communicating with other people inside the home isn’t the only benefit, however. Smart intercoms can be professionally integrated with doorbells, smart locks, security and alarm systems, and CCTV systems. They can facilitate seamless interactions with people who come to your door — and in the case of smart lock integration, can allow you to interact with visitors and open the door (much like those old fashioned apartment “buzzer” systems).

Who can you trust for home automation?

When homeowners first get interested in smart intercoms or other aspects of home automation, they often don’t realize how difficult it can be to make everything work as it should. With the smart home movement still in a relatively early phase, there are no small number of homeowners out there who are frustrated with the products they’ve purchased and the problems they’re experiencing, whether from improper installation or lack of compatibility.

A home automation specialist is the answer to this growing problem. This is a dedicated specialist who is trained on choosing the right products and bringing them to peak functionality. The home automation process can be exponentially easier when such an expert is involved. With the right help, homeowners are able realize the true potential of home automation without the wasted time and money. There will probably come a time when home automation technicians are very common; for now, they remain a highly useful (and relatively unknown) option.

Three Big Ways Smart Home Technology Lightens Your Environmental Footprint

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:07:17 GMT

Convenience is obviously one of the biggest reasons for the explosion of home automation technology that has appeared in the marketplace in recent years. The very term “home automation” suggests a level of convenience and efficiency that goes beyond what has been possible in the past – and when we look honestly at what’s been happening in this exciting new industry, it’s safe to say that convenience is entering a whole new level when it comes to being a homeowner.

But there is another reason for taking a closer look at what is happening in home automation today, and that is concern for the environment. If we look across various industries today, we see a general trend toward services, Products, and even vacation packages that are eco-friendly or even “carbon neutral.” This is, of course, an ethical and perhaps even moral decision made by different people in different ways. But when it comes down to it, being more eco-friendly is ultimately also a matter of convenience. The more pressure we put on the environment, the more inconvenient it will eventually become for everybody.

So in terms of home automation technology, there are a few important questions to ask in terms of the environment. Is it really possible to lighten your environmental footprint through the use of Home automation technology?

Yes. Here are three big ways:

Thermostats

The fact that we can now use smart thermostats to control our home’s climate from anywhere in the world is amazing. But smart thermostats are also adept at learning patters of heating and cooling, and they deliver detailed reports on usage that allow easy adjustments in programming. When the system is working property, your heating and cooling needs will be met with much less energy usage!

Water management

Sprinklers have long been hooked up to timers; but what about controlling your sprinklers systems from your tablet or phone, complete with energy-saving reports and information on your water usage? Home automation is only going to be more sophisticated in terms of water management.

Electrical usage

Smart technology now exists to provide broad monitoring of all the home’s energy usage, including the electrical systems. Knowing how much juice you’re using, at different times of day — plus having mobile control over your home’s grid — is a great way to save on energy costs.

Advice for the 21st-century

Statistically speaking, home automation technology is more effective when it has been “curated” and properly installed by specialists who understand the inns and outs of every device and every home automation system on a market today.

Any homeowner can walk into an electronics store and fill a shopping cart with smart lights, smart thermostats, smart sprinklers, smart locks, smart intercoms, and pretty much smart anything. Some people may even have the time, patience and skill to make all of these things work properly. But in the majority of cases, the real difference between those who find success in their home automation efforts in those who find frustration is in the professional help they seek.

Four Ways a Home Automation Specialist Can Make Life Easier

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:06:13 GMT

Remember that old cartoon The Jetsons? Part of the reason why it was so entertaining was because of all the amazing futuristic conveniences enjoyed by the Jetsons on a regular basis. It was fun to imagine what it would be like to have a robotic housekeeper, or kitchen appliances that could basically do the chores on their own.

The funny thing is, when that cartoon was on TV in the 1980s and 1990s, most people didn’t realize that such technologies were not so far off. Here we are in the first half of 2017, and home automation is a rapidly growing industry. With the prevalence of wifi and Bluetooth technology, and the ever-increasing sophistication of digital technology in general, our homes are rapidly becoming more and more like something from that beloved old cartoon — at least those of us who decide to invest in smart technology for our homes.

But the fact is, many people out there are not yet convinced that home automation is right for them, or even that it is here to stay. Discerning homeowners understandably want practical information, not just comparisons with cartoons. And here’s the problem: so many manufacturers and devices have appeared on the market in recent years, and they all make a lot of promises. As a homeowner, it can be difficult to make sense of all of these different devices. Deciding which devices will meet your particular goals, and which devices will actually work together, is not as easy as it looks.

That’s where a home automation specialist becomes undeniably useful. Here are five ways in which a specialist will help you achieve more with home automation.

1. Assessing your needs and goals

A quality automation specialist will listen carefully to what you actually want to achieve through home automation process, and will give you ideas about things you didn’t know you could achieve.

2. Choosing the right equipment

Once your goals, needs and budget are established, it’s time to find the right equipment to accomplish those goals and meet those needs within the required budget. Technical compatibility and “upgrade friendly” equipment is crucial at this stage. A specialist helps you make the most bankable choices.

3. Foolproof installations and total functionality

Talk to anyone who has tried to install home automation devices without professional help, and you’ll hear about how frustrating it can be. Specialists assume this burden for you. Reputable specialists also back their work with contractual guarantees.

4. Ongoing updates and maintenance

Nobody wants to invest thousands in home automation gear and systems only to see their system become obsolete in a few years’ time. Part of the specialist’s role is to give you insight on this aspect of home automation, and help you to avoid redundancy for as many years as possible.

The next step for your home

There’s no doubt that amazing things can already be achieved with current home automation technology, and the frontiers will only be expanded as the years progress. If you want to quickly test home automation technology for yourself, you might choose to simply buy a couple of smart devices and attempt to install them yourself. If you want a bankable solution that gives you solid, practical, Useful every day results, you may want to contact a home automation specialist before making any major decisions.

How Does Smart Home Technology Lighten Your Environmental Footprint?

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:05:20 GMT

A lot of people are more eco-conscious today then they were 20 or 30 years ago. On the other hand, today we can see much more clearly why it is necessary to respect the environment and conserve resources. This is all good, but if things start to get complicated when being eco-conscious becomes popular and trendy. In other words, it becomes profitable for businesses to position themselves and their products as being somehow eco-friendly.

The question there needs to be asked by discerning individuals is simple: Which of those services, products or technologies will genuinely lighten your environmental footprint? The answer is, some much more than others. It seems that every tube of toothpaste or box laundry detergent these days claims to be eco-friendly. In many cases this is true, and meaningful advances are being made. But once again, there is are also questions of marketing at stake.

Home automation is in another category of technologies and services. When it comes to the ability to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, intelligent interfaces between our mobile devices and the various components of our homes will prove to be a very important step forward in terms of looking after the environment.

So what are some specific ways in which home automation technology can help people save energy and the planet?

Thermostats are obviously a big one. Statistics show that huge amounts of energy are used every year by America’s HVAC systems. The ability to control your thermostat from wherever you are in the world, and to monitor and adjust your own usage patterns (the system will also learn to read your heating and cooling patterns), can translate to big energy (and financial) savings.

Smart sprinklers are another smart use of resources. Again, you can intelligently monitor your water usage, program an appropriate watering schedule, and literally watch your water usage shrink while your grass grows healthy and strong.

Lighting is a third ecological benefit. Intelligently managing your home’s lighting patterns is bound to save resources — and it’s amazingly useful to have pre-programmed lighting configurations that can be recalled at the tap of a button.

Aside from these three areas, sound and entertainment is another area where energy can be saved. In general, the home automation gives you the power to easily monitor and control your home’s entire energy and resource grid. Let’s hope that more people adopt smart home technology — and that manufacturers and specialists keep building and installing products that are not only convenient, but which lead to energy savings for the planet.

Finding the right expertise

It’s a common misnomer that anybody can achieve the same results with home automation technology, as long as you read the instruction manual for the various different products and technologies that you purchase. The reality is, many of these products come from different manufacturers and it may not work together seamlessly. In many cases, even if everything works properly, you may have multiple apps indifferent user interfaces to learn in order to manage everything. The easiest way to avoid this in other frustrating scenarios is to consult a dedicated home automation specialist who can’t answer your questions and perform installation services at a high professional level.

Four Things a Smart Home Specialist Can Do

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:04:11 GMT

When people start learning about smart home technology (thermostats, lighting systems, intercoms and locks, home monitoring, sprinkler systems and so many other smart home amenities), they’re often amazed — and for good reason. We’re living in an age where science fiction finally seems like reality, and there enough exciting developments and gadgets to get anybody excited.

But for all the amazing things you hear about home automation these days, there’s another aspect of it that’s frequently overlooked. How are these devices going to work together? Is everything compatible? How are all these various smart home gadgets going to be installed and tested?

You might assume that the answer is obvious: Homeowners do everything themselves. This is, of course, a viable option for some people who have skill and experience with home automation. But for the vast majority, home automation gets complicated the moment you start researching devices and technologies to install in your home. That’s why smart home specialists have come onto the scene. They help you make heads or tails of your home automation needs and goals, and they make sure your results are second-to-none.

Here are four things a home automation specialists can do for you.

1. Work with your goals

You probably have ideas about what you’d like to achieve with home automation, but you might not know exactly how to get there. A home automation specialist can take your dreams and begin translating them into reality using the best available technology and installation techniques.

2. Expand (or consolidate) your thinking

A good specialist will also show you options and technologies you probably didn’t know about. It’s certainly not about pressuring you into a sale, but rather about making sure you know what’s out there and what interests you.

3. Help you avoid common pitfalls

Many DIY home automation installations go awry, and there are many different variables to consider in every unique case. The difference between frustration and smooth sailing is often made by a trained home automation pro.

4. Guarantee results

The manufacturers of various home automation technology cannot guarantee that you will install or use them correctly; but when your home automation is in the hands of a trained expert, you should be on the receiving end of a written guarantee that the workmanship you’re paying for will deliver the intended result.

Where to turn for accurate information on smart home technology

There are so many sources of information out there, and new technology is being developed all the time. How do you find a trustworthy source of information — someone who isn’t pressuring you one way or the other, but simply gives you the best, most reliable information about smart home technology today? Finding a reputable smart home specialist is an important step in getting your smart home devices to work exactly how they should. Look for a reputable specialist with plenty of positive feedback and years of experience — this will ultimately separate your home automation installations from the pack, and give you results that really are surprising.

Will All Homes Be Automated in the Future?

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:03:15 GMT

One of the reasons American homeowners are so excited these days about home automation is that it almost seems like something out of a movie or a science fiction book. The idea that various aspects of our homes can increasingly be controlled using smart technology is exciting to say the least. And it really isn’t a fantasy anymore. Everything from heating and cooling two sprinkler systems and home security can already be controlled using convenient and robust Home automation technology. It may still seem like a niche, and it’s true that many people have yet to explore these possibilities for their homes. But more people are discovering home automation every day, and industry experts predict this number will only increase over the coming years.

Here are some of the questions people ask when they learn how quickly home automation is growing: Will every home be automated in the future? Will homes of the future be able to perform a whole spectrum of tasks without intervention?

Let’s take one question at a time. In terms of the percentage of homes that make use of home automation, this number is still relatively low — but it’s growing fast. Those homeowners who don’t have any automation features in their homes are still in a majority, but this simply won’t be the case for very long. There are too many economic and lifestyle benefits to be gained from effective home automation tools, and it’s only a matter of time before home automation goes completely mainstream.

Just look at wireless internet. You don’t have to journey too far back in time (ten or fifteen years at the most) to see how “new” this technology is. And yet, in a short amount of time, WiFi has gone completely mainstream. It’s widely available in most public places, and huge numbers of homeowners have it at home.

In the same way, smart thermostats and intercom systems might seem cutting edge right now — but they’re gaining ground fast.

So what about the next question? Will home automation become more and more sophisticated until the majority of tasks are actually performed by smart technology?

The answer is: Probably not!

It’s nice to think that we’ll soon have affordable, effective robotic helpers that do kitchen work and clean the house to a high professional standard — but even if this kind of A.I. were currently available (and by all accounts, it’s not far off), it remains to be seen how average homeowners will feel about bringing such things into the home. Home automation treads a fine line between being convenient and useful, and being downright intrusive and uncomfortable. It remains to be seen how far home automation technology will go, and to what degree the public will embrace it.

What’s certain is that many home automation technologies exist right now that are accessible, easy to use, and extremely practical.

If you’re looking to know more about specific options for your home, contacting a home automation specialist is one of the best things you can do. The information you receive from installation and configuration experts can save you a lot of time and money. It will also ensure that your home automation projects are successful.

5 Ways Home Automation Can Save Resources

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:02:36 GMT

Saving resources is important for the planet — that much is obvious. But it can also be important for your bank account. When a technology helps conserves resources and actually saves homeowners money, there must be something to it.

Here are five important ways in which homeowners are using home automation to save resources:

1. Heating and cooling

Smart thermostats probably the biggest energy savings to be had through home automation technology so far. It’s no secret that Americans spend a big chunk of change on heating and cooling every year — especially if you’re in a state like New Jersey, with freezing winters and sweltering summers. Smart thermostats save energy in two important ways. First, they allow seamless control over your HVAC system from anywhere in the world with easy-to-use apps. You can always check on your home’s temperature and adjust it as needed. Second, smart thermostats actually learn your heating and cooling patters and begin to mimic those patterns automatically. At the same time, they behave in a way that minimizes wasted energy.

2. Water

It’s always good to conserve water in everyday, practical ways (such as turning off the tap when you brush your teeth), but smart sprinkler technology can take that to the next level. If you water your lawn or garden regularly, smart sprinkler systems can be programmed in detailed ways, are easily controlled from your tablet or smart phone, and can even learn patterns of sunlight and shade to optimize your watering schedule. Make better use of your water, and get it to your grass and plants when they need it.

3. Lights

Leaving various lights on throughout the house can really add up. That’s energy you could be saving, not to mention money you could be saving. Smart lighting systems are practical for energy savings — again, it gives you control of you home’s lighting system through a secure app on your tablet or phone, or in some cases, a dedicated touchscreen panel in your home.

4. Shades

Shades are actually a great way to optimize your heating and cooling. Letting in sunlight or blocking it can raise or lower your home’s temperature by a few degrees, and can make things easier on your heating and cooling appliances. Smart shades can be programmed to roll up or down at specific points throughout the day, and can always be controlled at the touch of a button on your tablet or phone.

5. Locks

Locks can actually be integrated into your home’s HVAC system, so that the home conserves energy when nobody is home. Of course, various settings can be programmed, and the system can always be changed at the tap of a screen. But imagine locking your house for the day and the heating or cooling system responding in order to conserve energy.

What is a home automation specialist?

Since there are many different products on the market with various levels of compatibility, homeowners often find it frustrating when they try to get results out of their own systems. A home automation specialist helps you optimize your product choices, install them, and get the most out of them.

4 Advantages of Smart Shades for Your Home

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:01:37 GMT

We may not quite be living in the future yet — but it sure is starting to feel like it! Today, homeowners are investing in all sorts of smart devices to make their homes smarter and more enjoyable. While sound systems and thermostats have garnered most of the attention as of late, one item that’s becoming increasingly popular are smart shades and blinds. Smart window treatments come in a number of designs and styles, all of which can be opened and closed using your mobile device.

So why are smart shades worth the investment? Here are some surprising ways in which these futuristic blinds can make your life easier and pay for themselves over time.

Energy Efficiency

When it comes to controlling the temperature of your home, blinds can play a bigger role than you might think. Closing your window shades during the hottest hours of the day during the summer months can help keep your home cooler — and your AC bill lower. Likewise, opening shades to let sunlight in can warm your home during winter, while closing them at night provides added insulation to keep your house cozy. By setting smart shades on a timer or using a sensor, you can save energy without having to give it any thought at all.

Convenience

Just like with all smart home devices, one of the biggest perks is convenience. Instead of opening and closing blinds manually, you can do it with the touch of a button from anywhere. Even better, set blinds on a timer to fit your schedule and have the work done for you with no effort at all.

Safety

Having your blinds on a timer is a great way to make it look like you are home even if you aren’t. If you’re planning on being out of town on vacation, smart blinds can be a great way to protect against possible intruders. While smart blinds won’t physically prevent anyone from breaking into you home (they’re not that sophisticated yet), they can dissuade potential intruders by making them think that your house is occupied — even while you’re lounging on the beach!

Protect Belongings

We love natural light, but direct sunlight can be damaging to furniture, artwork, and even wall paint. By paying attention to where direct beams of light land in your home, you can adjust your smart blinds to protect your belongings during the brightest hours of the day. This allows you to enjoy natural sunlight without the risk of a faded streak across your couch.

Finding a Qualified Home Automation Specialist

If you’d like to give smart shades (or any smart home device) a try — but aren’t sure where to start — consider hiring a home automation specialist. Someone who’s an expert in smart home devices will be able to recommend the best product for your home and lifestyle, complete the installation process, and be on call to troubleshoot if something goes wrong. By putting in the extra effort up front, you’ll get the most out of your home automation technology both now and in the future.

What are the Benefits of a Smart Sound System?

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:00:45 GMT

Little by little, the smart home market is growing — and smart devices are making their way into the homes across the nation. From thermostats to light fixtures, there are dozens of “smart” products that give you greater control and versatility at home.

One of the most popular products out there right now is a smart sound system — but what are the benefits of investing and installing one?

1. Access your entire music library from anywhere

While older stereo systems play music from one to several CDs at a time, smart sound systems allow access to your entire digital music library at the touch of a button — from anywhere. This means you can customize playlists, shuffle songs, or listen to hours of uninterrupted tunes by connecting your phone, tablet, or computer to your sound system through Wi-Fi.

2. Stream music from an app

Want even more music? Most smart sound systems can also connect wirelessly with your favorite music app — be it Pandora or Spotify — and stream music to your speakers. This gives you access to an unlimited number of songs. Just make sure that the sound system you are considering is compatible with your favorite app, as not all brands and models work with every music platform.

3. Set up multi-room speakers

Take your sound system to the next level by installing smart speakers in multiple rooms. Since your speakers will connect to your device through your Wi-Fi, you can play music seamlessly in multiple rooms, no wires needed.

4. Self-updating system

One of the best features of a smart sound system is that it will update itself continuously as changes to software become available. When your sound system manufacturer develops new features or fixes a problem, your device will automatically download the updates through your active WiFi signal. That means that you’ll continue to have the most up-to-date software without having to worry about manual updates.

Finding a Qualified Smart Home Specialist

If you’re thinking about installing a smart sound system in your home, your best bet is to hire a smart home specialist. A specialist will be able to provide valuable advice on which system will best suit your needs and lifestyle, install the system to ensure optimum performance, and make sure you understand how to use all of the available features.

As the concept of smart homes is a relatively new one, your options for a smart home specialist might be slim depending on where you live. As these providers grow in number, the more experienced and qualified among them will stand out even more. That’s why it’s important to do your research and make sure you settle on a qualified expert. Smart sound systems are one of the most exciting frontiers in home entertainment and home automation technology — but in order to avoid frustration and headaches, it’s important to get it right. A good home automation specialist will be able to guide you toward the result you want — great sound, smart controls, and an all-around next-level sound system experience.

3 Smart Home Brands You Should Know About

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:56:59 GMT

Smart homes are quickly changing from a futuristic notion to a reality of the present. Even moderately tech-savvy homeowners and apartment dwellers can now do everything from turning their lights on or off to setting their thermostat remotely using their cell phone or computer. As the market for smart home devices grows, more and more brands are looking for a piece of the action.

So which are the smart home brands that you should consider purchasing? With dozens of options out there, it can be hard to decide on the best choice for any given product. Read on to find out more about the top three brands you can trust.

1. Nest

While Nest wasn’t the first provider of smart home devices on the market, it has quickly climbed the charts and become one of the most popular. Their most coveted product is the Nest Learning Thermostat, which allows users to set the temperature of their home remotely from their mobile device. Additionally, this smart thermostat can respond to changes in your home such as a particularly humid day, or kitchen that’s warm from the oven. Users boast significant savings on their energy bill after installing a Nest thermostat, making it one of the most popular smart home devices on the market.

2. Philips Hue

Philips is a trusted name in lighting, so it’s no wonder they’ve also become a trusted name in smart home lighting. While the Philips Hue line of smart lighting isn’t the cheapest on the market, it is likely one of the highest quality products. Users love Philips Hue products because they are easy to use and install, and allow homeowners to set timers, adjust lighting to achieve a specific ambiance, or change bulb colors all with the touch of a button or using Siri voice commands.

3. Belkin WeMo

Belkin is most well known in the smart device world for their smart plugs, which allow users to control nearly any appliance through their cell phone. This means you can manage your lamps, TV, stereo system, and even coffee machine remotely with the touch of a button. Users love that the switches are easy to install and use. With the backing of a large brand name, we expect Belkin to continue developing and innovating new smart products to keep up with demand.

Choosing a Home Automation Specialist

Choosing which smart home brands to purchase is just the beginning of the decisions you’ll need to make if you want to turn your house or apartment into a smart home. If you’re excited about smart home devices and how they can make your life easier, more and enjoyable and more economical, consider hiring a home automation specialist to answer your questions, help you choose the right products, and provide critical support with installation and product use. Search online for qualified home automation specialists near you and get quotes from a number of specialists before choosing one. A reliable home automation specialist will take the guesswork out of smart home devices.

3 Ways a Home Automation Specialist Can Help You

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:56:14 GMT

Among the plethora of job titles that didn’t exist a decade ago is “home automation specialist.” But when you consider how quickly technology is changing — and how much we use various gadgets in the course of daily life — it’s no surprise that experts of appeared to help us get the most out of our technology purchases and investments.

The reality is, home automation features that might have seemed futuristic ten years ago are a reality today — and things are just getting started. There are already lights that you can dim from your phone, audio systems that respond to voice commands, and thermostats that learn your heating and cooling patterns. These are just some of the examples of the smart home technology available on the market today. As more and more people bring this technology into their homes, specialists are required to help them choose, configure, and maintain the various features. In other words, home automation specialist help people maximize their investments and purchasing power, getting the most value possible for the money.

Here are three specific ways a home automation specialist can help you.

1. Choosing the right technology

Whether you’re in the market for a smart thermostat, smart light fixtures, or a smart security system, you’ll soon realize that there are numerous options to choose from in each of these categories. Instead of choosing one at random, you can rely on a home automation specialist to help you find the product that will best suit your lifestyle and needs. Specialists have extensive experience researching, using, and troubleshooting the different products on the market and will be able to make clear and educated choices across the board.

2. Installation & configuration

Smart home devices are intended to make life easier, not harder — but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to install and configure. Instead of struggling with complicated installations on your own, find a home automation specialist who can help you with the trickiest part of smart home living. An experienced specialist will have your new devices and systems up and running properly, and configure them based on your preferences. They’ll also teach you to use everything, and make sure you have the knowledge and tools to maximize your home automation technology for years to come.

3. Ongoing maintenance & troubleshooting

Just like all technology, smart devices can have problems at some point. In some cases, the solution might be quick and easy — but it’s a good idea to have a trusted expert in your corner, in case there are problems you can’t solve on your own. Whether it’s a connectivity issue or a problem with the actual device itself, a specialist will be able to troubleshoot any issues and make sure your devices are running smoothly.

Choosing a Home Automation Specialist

While home automation specialists haven’t been around as long as many other types of home contractors, that doesn’t mean that you should settle for an inexperienced one. Focus on contractors who have experience, give clear information, and provide fee structures that are transparent and fair. Remember — this is about saving time, money and frustration over the long haul! It’s also about taking full advantage of the amazing home automation technology on the market today.

How Can a Smart Thermostat Save You Money This Summer?

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:55:24 GMT

Of all the things we love about summer, sweltering temperatures probably don’t make the list. Sure, the warm is a nice change from a long grey winter, but extreme heat and humidity aren’t all that comfortable either. On top of that, keeping your home cool during a heat wave can cost a small fortune.

Recently, more and more homeowners and renters are installing smart thermostats in their homes to give them more options and versatility when it comes to regulating temperatures. There are plenty of smart thermostats on the market that can be controlled remotely from your phone or computer in order to regulate the temperature of your home — even when you’re nowhere near it. Additionally, there are some products that can learn your habits or adjust automatically to the surroundings.

Not only can these gadgets be practical in a variety of circumstances (e.g. you’re on vacation over the summer and forget to turn down the cooling) — they can also save you quite a bit of money on your electric bill if used properly. If you have central air, you probably know how much of a difference cooling makes on your energy bill. In a place like New Jersey, seasons with temperate weather tend to be the cheapest, in terms of energy consumption. During the sweltering summer days, things can get very spendy indeed. It’s estimated that running your central air for six hours a day will use about 900 kilowatts of energy per month. At the typical price of per kilowatt, that will cost you about $120 monthly.

On average, users of smart thermostats find that during summer months, they saved about 15% on the cost of what they typically would pay to cool their home. Energy bills vary drastically depending on your region, provider, and the size and insulation of your home — but for most users, smart thermostats generate savings of about $140 per year. Within two years of use, a smart thermostat usually pays for itself. Savings can be even higher for people who tend to be forgetful with their thermostat, and are prone to leaving the air conditioning on high all day, even when they’re at the office or out running errands.

If you think you would be a good candidate for a smart thermostat, you’ll want to find a trustworthy home automation specialist who can recommend the best product and configuration for your specific home and lifestyle. After the right technology is selected, home automation specialists can install your smart thermostat to make sure it’s properly functioning, so that you may fully enjoy all of its features. This is a great way to avoid frustration and get the most out of your smart thermostat (or other home automation features) from the beginning.

A specialist also gives you trusted advice on how to best take advantage of its features to save you money right away. Consider investing in a smart thermostat this summer so you can beat the heat without having to spend an arm and a leg.

3 Common Problems with Home Automation

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:54:42 GMT

The prospect of bringing a greater degree of automation to your home is exciting to say the least. We’re all busy, and we all like to save time and money wherever possible. Recent developments in home automation allow us to do this in ways we never thought possible — and the future looks very bright, in terms of the technology that can and will be developed.

But home automation is not without its challenges. Part of the reason is that the industry is very new, and many different tech companies have gotten into the game quickly. Bluetooth and wireless technology are relatively cheap and easy to manufacture, and so the number of products on the market may be difficult to navigate.

Let’s take a look at three of the most common problems with home automation, and explore possible solutions.

1. Not selecting the right products

With hundreds of products and dozens of brands on the market, in all areas of home automation, how do you know what the best choices actually are? A lot depends on your individual home automation goals and needs. Walking through an electronics store and throwing gadgets in your shopping business is one way to go about it (or even doing lots of research online), but you’re more likely to encounter problems down the line if your product selections aren’t on target.

2. Incorrect installation

Installation is a huge aspect of home automation, and a lot of the problems people encounter stem from mistakes made at this stage of the process. Every manufacturer will tell you that setup is easy, but the fact is, it’s not always as straightforward as it seems — especially if you’re integrating multiple home automation devices and trying to get them to work together.

3. Ongoing Maintenance

Selecting and installing your home automation products are only the first steps. Now you need them to function as they should, year in and year out. This is easier said than done. Home automation is a delicate and sometimes “finicky” business, and if things aren’t done right from the ground up, problems are more likely to surface as time goes on. Troubleshooting the problems yourself can be frustrating, especially if you end up lost in a maze of call centers and instruction manuals. At this point, you might scratch your head and ask yourself: Wasn’t home automation supposed to make things easier, smoother, and more convenient? If your system is dogged by maintenance concerns, you aren’t experiencing the true benefits of home automation.

Why home automation specialists matter

If we look at each of these three common problems, it becomes apparent that home automation can benefit from being in the hands of a professional. Product selection is actually one of the most important steps, as choosing the right products will make installation and future maintenance easier and more predictable. The bottom line is that you want your home automation features to work and to make things easier, not more complicated and difficult. That’s where a home automation specialist can make the difference.

Home Automation is Changing the Way Lights Work: Here’s How

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:53:19 GMT

The popularity of smart homes is rising rapidly, and the technology involved is altering the very structure of the modern home. Consider the fact that light switches could become obsolete in the near future — it’s difficult to imagine, but it’s a real possibility. Lighting is one of the more underrated aspects of home automation right now, but it’s gaining steam quickly. If you’ve been considering a ‘switch’ over to a smart lighting, here are three valid reasons to go for it.

1. They save energy

Because automated lights can be programmed to know when the lights need to be on (through the sensors that tell them what time of day it is, and whether or not anyone is at home), a great deal of energy can be save. Smart lighting also saves energy by using automatic timers and sophisticated programming that allows your home to “learn” your lighting patterns and preferences.

2. They save time

Smart lighting allows all of the lights around your home to work in sync. You can program lights to turn on when someone walks into the room, and switch off when the room is empty. Lighting can be synchronized with alarm systems and motion detectors, allowing for greater possibilities of security and efficiency. One of the most exciting things about smart lighting is the ability to create your own lighting configurations, whether for one room or the entire home. This allows you to instantly recall different configurations with the touch of a button.

While most homeowners prefer to control their smart home system from a smart phone or a tablet, businesses oftentimes feature a physical control center that allows multiple people to control the system through one area. Either way, smart lighting is a big time saver.

3. The make it fun to control your lighting

On top of saving energy and time, it’s downright fun to be able to control every light in the home from wherever you are in the world. Never again worry about whether or not you left the lights on — or forgot to leave them on. Simply check the status of your lights and adjust as you wish, all from the comfort of your favorite digital device. Program and configure your favorite lighting arrangements and enjoy the ability to control your lights without moving around the house and dealing with all of those light switches. The fun factor is definitely high when it comes to smart lighting.

Getting the installation right

Many people feel that smart lighting should be something they install themselves — but more and more homeowners are realizing today that home automation is not as simple as it looks. Installation and setup are crucial parts of the process, and if they’re not done correctly, all of that convenience and efficiency will be replaced by frustration. Home automation specialists are people who know home automation through and through, and can help you do everything from choosing and designing the right system, to installing it on your behalf — and guaranteeing the best possible results.

What’s the Single Most Useful Smart Home Feature?

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:52:30 GMT

Smart homes are climbing up the ladder in terms of popularity — and it makes perfect sense when you think about it. Not only do you have the ability to check in on your security system, temperature, lights, sprinklers, and many other aspects of your home from anywhere in the world using your favorite tablet or smartphone — you can also rely on these systems to actively learn patterns of energy usage and provide valuable ways to cut down on monthly expenses.

But with all the exciting things happening in home automation, it’s common to be a little confused about the various features and amenities, and which ones would be most practical in your particular case.

Let’s put it another way: What’s the single most useful “smart home” feature? Is there a general consensus about at least one smart home feature that’s useful to virtually every homeowner?

Different priorities for different lifestyles

In the current market, a majority of homeowners seem to feel that smart thermostats represent the biggest gains and the best overall value in terms of home automation technology. There’s a very simple reason for this: People spend a lot of money on heating and cooling their homes every year. Smart thermostats take your HVAC system to a whole new level of efficiency and control, resulting in tangible savings every month.

But there are other candidates — smart home security, for example. With the technology that’s currently on the market, you can check in on your home via camera from virtually any location, using your tablet, phone or laptop. This kind of real time monitoring is useful for many different reasons; it also allows you to review footage more easily. Motion sensors can tell the camera to record whenever there is movement in a room, and automatically send the video clips to your chosen email address. That’s what taking home security to the next level looks like.

Smart locks are another feature. With these systems integrated into your home, you no longer have to worry about getting locked out of your home if you forget your keys. You also have the luxury of unlocking your home from far away if you want to let a friend or family member inside to pick something up. You can also use this system to open and close your garage door, as well.

Sprinklers, lighting systems, entertaining and sound systems — the list goes on. But if we had to choose a winner right now, it’s hard to beat the energy savings and personal comforts of an expertly installed smart thermostat system.

Regardless of which features and amenities are at the top of your list, hiring a professional home automation specialist is a worthy consideration. Why would you need an expert to help you select home automation systems and install them for you? If you’ve ever tried to install and integrate multiple home automation systems by yourself, you already know the answer. A specialist guarantees that you get the most out of your money and a clear answer to every question. With the increasing desire for smart homes in American homes, expert installation and integration support arguably gets you a better return on your home automation investment.

Who Do You Trust With Your Home Automation Needs?

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:52:29 GMT

It’s difficult to comprehend how much technology has changed in the last twenty years. The internet and personal computer revolution completely changed the landscape of the 1990s — but even then, people could hardly have imagined what lay in store. Only a few years have passed, and today the average phone has hundreds of times the computing power of even the most powerful machine from that era.

Other technology is changing fast too. Driving is a great example. Modern cars are now assisted by intelligent cameras and anti-collision technology. Self-driving cars already exist, and in ten years will probably be as common as smartphones are today.

The home itself is also in the middle of a technological overhaul. Building materials are getting stronger and more ecological. Residential solar power is becoming more common all the time. And when it comes to controlling the various amenities, security features and technological aspects of the home, everything is moving in the direction of the “smart home.”

Some of the most important aspects of this “home revolution” are digital locks, security systems, cameras, smart thermostats, lighting and entertainment systems, and intercoms. These features are revolutionary because they save energy, improve security, and enhance entertainment — and because they can all be controlled from anywhere in the world using a smart phone, tablet, or computer.

Many people hear about these features and have an immediate reaction. Sure, it all sounds very convenient and progressive, but don’t “smart homes” present a whole litany of security concerns? The answer is that smart home technology has evolved considerably, and is still evolving. A great deal depends on the products you choose, and the people you choose to install them.

Moving in the direction of home automation is a big step for most homeowners. Certain doubts and concerns are perfectly understandable. Who do you trust to guide you through this process, to answer your questions and set your mind at ease? Who do you trust to recommend and install the very best and most secure home automation features?

Smart home technology is still fairly new, but many online reviews have already popped up, and reputable home automation companies are already distancing themselves from not-so-professional outfits. Finding a company with a solid online reputation and plenty of positive feedback is definitely a good step.

You also need someone who is experienced and voiced in all areas of home automation, not just one or two. If you find that many of your questions are met with “we’ll get back to you” or “we’re not sure,” you probably want to look elsewhere. This is one area where having a reputable expert on your side makes all the difference. Home automation is about designing a system of parts that work together as a whole in order to cut costs and make your home more secure. Any professional you work with should understand your home automation goals and be able to outline the best path to achieve them, while addressing your security concerns in detail. The installation itself should be fast and consistent, and it should work every time. That’s how you know your home has been serviced by a true home automation professional.

The 3 Most Common Concerns about Smart Home Technology

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:52:28 GMT

The smart home revolution is truly upon us — and we all knew it was coming. For years now, phones and computers have been getting smaller and more sophisticated. Digital devices have became more widespread in various areas of daily life. It was only a matter of time before homes themselves turned into digital hubs. Heating and cooling, lighting, security, and entertainment would all be connected to a central nervous system that made daily living easier, safer and more rewarding.

But most of us didn’t realize just how quickly the smart home revolution would happen. It seems like the stuff of science fiction, yet the products and expertise to achieve these “futuristic” results already exist.

Many people hear about the reality of smart home technology and say ‘not so fast.’ What about all the security concerns related to home automation? And will smart home technology really save energy and money, or is it just a gimmick? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the hardware that exists right now, and will it get better in the future?

If you’re at all serious about investing in smart home technology, these are very important questions to ask. You want to make sure you’re putting your resources into something solid and reliable — not some set of gadgets and gimmicks that will ultimately fail to deliver the results you want, and become obsolete before they’ve even paid for themselves.

Security

This is the biggest question most people have, at least if they’re considering smart locks. Others aspect of smart home technology — such as entertainment, cameras, HVAC, lighting, and smoke/CO2 alarms — would be of little interest to criminals. But the idea of someone hacking your smart lock is a very real concern that needs to be addressed. People considering investing in smart home technology should be aware of the following points:

Smart locks are not yet mainstream enough to be attractive to hackers
Current smart lock technology is extremely difficult to hack, and will only get better
Thieves are probably more likely to be able to pick an ordinary lock than hack a smart lock
Many other aspects of home automation are available to those who aren’t comfortable with the current smart lock technology
Smart smoke and CO2 alarms, smart cameras, and smart lighting systems can all enhance your home security without raising significant “hacking” concerns

Energy efficiency

There’s no doubt that the right hardware, including smart thermostats like the next generation Nest, have the power to make your home significantly more efficient. By learning your heating and cooling patterns and giving you easy ways to optimize energy use, these devices will generate lower energy bills right away. Smart lighting and entertainment systems are another way to limit your energy usage only to what you need.

Upgrades and obsolescence

This is another concern people commonly have, and it comes from years of experience with the technology market. Will I invest thousands of dollars in smart home technology, only to see my system become totally obsolete within a year? How long can I expect my technology to work? Can it be upgraded without too much hassle?

The need to secure a long-term return on your investment is one of the reason why working with a qualified home automation professional is so important. When you go it alone, or simply try to assemble a collection of smart devices and make them work together, frustration is all but guaranteed. When you partner with an expert who knows this technology forward and backward — someone who can specifically answer all your questions about obsolescence and upgrades — you’ll have a much clearer idea whether smart home technology is something you want to invest in.

Smart Cameras Can Change Your Home: Here’s How

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:52:27 GMT

In years gone by, home surveillance cameras were often seen as something for extremely wealthy people who live in massive estates. As cameras became integrated into everyday devices like phones and watches, and as new technology like wifi and bluetooth became available, people started to realize that home surveillance wasn’t just for the privileged.

In recent years, the online markets have literally exploded with home surveillance devices and softwares. They’re supposed to give you an effective, economical way to set up home surveillance and keep your family safe 24/7.

But do they deliver?

The fact is, with so many different options out there, it can be difficult to know who (or what) you can trust. Although CCTV is now a distinct possibility for the average homeowner, it’s important to invest in a robust solution that isn’t going to let you down when you need it the most.

Assuming you do that, smart cameras can seriously change your home for the better. Here are five specific examples:

1. Remote Monitoring

The ability to check on your home from literally anywhere in the world (whether you’re at your office ten miles away or on vacation abroad) is revolutionary. Many systems will sent SMS alerts according to your specifications.

2. Take action from afar

Ever wish you could interact with someone at your doorstep without actually being at home? Smart camera technology allows you to do that. Not only can you monitor who shows up at your doorstep, you can (with certain systems) talk to them via your phone, or even open the door for them.

3. Motion detection technology

A huge part of the smart home revolution is the ability not only to see what’s going on in your home, but to be notified if something is moving. Motion detection systems can function seamlessly with your cameras and alerts systems to provide a new standard in home security.

4. Different resolutions and options

Depending on what type of hardware you choose for your smart camera installation, you can see the picture in various resolutions and color schemes. You can even move some cameras with the touch of a smartphone or tablet in order to get a better view.

5. Endless customization

A smart camera system can be installed any number of ways — with any number of cameras, motion detection systems, and alert protocols. Every home is different, and setting up one camera isn’t likely to give you the security and monitoring you’re looking for. Bringing in an expert in smart homes is will help you get the most out of your smart camera setup.

Using smart cameras to your advantage

Grabbing the first “smart camera” system you find on eBay is one way to go about it. But with something as sensitive as next-generation home surveillance, most homeowners still turn to professionals who know the best technology, understand how to properly install it, and can help you get the most out of the finished installation. Provided you put in the proper work and research up front, a smart camera system can open up new frontiers in home safety and peace of mind.

Three Reasons You Should Consider a Smart Thermostat

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:52:25 GMT

These days, there’s always a new gadget or technological advance vying for your attention. The companies who make these products want to convince you that you need what they’re selling—that it’s going to improve or enhance your life. Of course, sometimes it actual will. Many of the devices we rely on today were unheard of just a few years ago, and when they hit the market, nobody knew if they would last. On the other hand, there are many inventions and gadgets that quickly fall by the wayside.

You may be wondering where smart thermostats will fit into this picture. Will they take off and become commonplace, like smartphones? Or will they fade into obscurity and be forgotten?

It may be impossible to see the future, but the signs pointing to the longevity of smart thermostats are difficult to ignore. If you’re considering whether to integrate this technology into your home, and whether it will be worth it on the long run, consider these amazing benefits.

1. They’re efficient

Perhaps the most desirable benefit of smart thermostat technology—and one of the main reason they’re here to stay—is the energy savings they consistently deliver. Smart thermostats can learn to minimize energy use when you leave the home. They offer smart settings that bring you tangible gains in energy efficiency. They help you eliminate wasted energy by showing you detailed information about your climate controls and energy usage. Most homeowners are truly surprised when they see the very real savings available through this technology.

2. They’re convenient

With a smart thermostat, controlling the climate in your home is no longer something that needs to be done while you’re on the premises. Smart thermostats provide a whole new level of control and interaction with your home’s HVAC system. You can turn the heating or cooling on or off from your phone or tablet, no matter where in the world you are. There’s no need to worry about whether you remembered to turn the system off before leaving the house—simply open your smart thermostat app and check for yourself. There’s no need to come home to house that’s uncomfortably cold or stuffy. Simply adjust the climate in your home at the touch of a button.

3. They’re Intelligent

They’re called “smart” thermostats for good reason. The latest models don’t just allow you to program, monitor and change your climate controls in real time—they actively learn your heating and cooling preferences. By taking a proactive approach and learning your patterns, the system finds ways to be more efficient and save energy on its own. These settings can obviously be stopped or changed as per your preferences, but most users find them incredibly useful and beneficial in the long run.

Getting the most of your smart thermostat

Once people learn what smart thermostats can actually offer in the home environment, they’re often tempted to run out to the nearest electronics store and buy one. But for those who really want to maximize the benefits of smart thermostat technology, there’s a strong argument for consulting a home automation specialist. They’ll help you learn about your options and recommend projects. The most qualified among them will also perform installation services. This allows your smart thermostat to be fully and properly integrated into your home, to the highest professional standard. As a result, you get the most out of the technology with a minimum of hassle.

Why Should I Hire a Home Automation Specialist?

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:52:25 GMT

We’ve seen smart technology take off in virtually every part of life. It was only a matter of time before it found its way into our homes, our security systems, our lighting systems, our cameras and intercoms, our entertainment and sound set ups, and our climate controls.

This is no longer something people dream about for the future. It’s already here, and millions of homeowners are already in the process of automating their homes with smart technology and “the Internet of things.” The possibilities are truly limitless. With bluetooth and wireless technology, it’s possible to automate our homes in ways we could hardly imagine even 10 or 15 years ago. Home automation may appear to be in its early stages, but in many respects, the technology is surprisingly mature.

People often wonder how they should go about investing in smart home technology. They see gadgets and gizmos on sale at various shops and superstores, and they’re tempted to simply start buying and installing devices. But many home owners who have tried this strategy can tell you how frustrating it can be. Sometimes it’s not as easy as it seems to get the devices working properly. Sometimes two devices from different manufacturers don’t interact like they should. Sometimes it isn’t even clear what the device or devices are actually capable of.

That’s why home automation specialists are on the rise in today’s marketplace. Instead of trying to piece things together yourself, buying an assortment of home automation devices and hoping they work like you want them to, millions of homeowners are opting for a more reliable approach. Consulting an expert in home automation can demystify the process and clearly delineate what’s possible for your home and within your budget.

The reality is, home automation requires careful planning, impeccable installation, and correct programming in order to reach its full potential. That’s exactly what home automation specialists enable the homeowner to achieve. The first step is a discussion about your wants and needs in terms of home automation. You’ll also learn about things you didn’t know were possible.

Discussing your budget is also important, because it allows you to know what types of features and amenities are realistic for the money you want to spend. A qualified specialist will always encourage you to focus on fewer home automation features that work right, rather than spreading your budget too thin and ending up with a whole array of features that don’t function correctly.

Finally, the importance of installation and programming cannot be overstated. Home automation is designed to make things easy once the system is online and working as it should—but if there are flaws in the installation or programming process, your home automation system is unlikely to reach its full potential.

Home automation experts know about all the various products on the market today, which ones work together, and how to use them to meet you needs and exceed your expectations. They’re also a reliable source of support when something isn’t working correctly. That’s why so many homeowners are seeking guidance on how to modernize their homes the right way.

4 Smart Home Trends to Watch in 2017

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:52:24 GMT

It’s that time of year again when everybody makes predictions for the year ahead. Politics, business markets, fashion, and definitely gadgets. Indeed, Technology has become such an important part our everyday lives that more and more attention is given to technology all the time.

The rise of the smart home is one of the foremost areas of technology news today. The new smart phones will undoubtedly have better cameras, Clearer screens, and faster processors. But home automation technology is a relatively unexplored frontier that promises to change the way we spend time at home. It promises to change everything from security to climate control to lighting and even entertainment. And this is just the beginning. It won’t be long before our homes are even able to help with the cooking and cleaning.

So what are the top home automation trends to watch for the year ahead? Are there things homeowners should consider investing in now? Are there areas of home automation where it might be better to wait before investing? Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening in smart home technology right now.

1. Camouflage or “invisible” gadgets

High-end kitchens have made use of “hidden” appliances for a long time, such as dishwashers that blend seamlessly into the cabinetry. Expect home automation solutions to become more aesthetically pleasing in the year ahead. This will hinge not only on the devices themselves, but on specialists who come up with creative installation solutions.

2. Voice-based controls

With the rise of voice-based interactive devices (most notably the Amazon Echo and Apple’s Siri), home automation will begin to follow the same pattern as more and more aspects of the home become manageable through voice commands.

3. Next-generation locking systems

We’re all used to “clicking” to unlock our cars, but until now, we haven’t trusted our home security to be managed in the same way. Smart home locking systems will continue to become more sophisticated and easier to use, with automated locking features that can easily be managed—even with your hands full.

4. Smart monitoring and security

Feeling safe at home is a high priority for the vast majority of Americans, and home automation technology will continue to evolve in that area. Smart motion sensors can already activate cameras and send live alerts to administrative users, complete with video files. More Americans will make use of smart security to keep their homes safer in the year ahead.

Keeping up with the Joneses

It’s important to be smart about smart home automation. Effectively integrating new technology into our homes isn’t just about running after the latest trends. It’s about understanding what types of features we really need and want in our home, and which devices are really going to make a difference in the day-to-day. Navigating the constantly changing landscape of home automation technology is much easier when you have an objective, skilled expert on your side who can give you clear, honest answers about which home automation investments are most effective right now and can help you achieve your goals for a simpler, more comfortable, and more energy efficient lifestyle at home.

3 Little-Known Facts About Smart Home Technology

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:51:42 GMT

Have you ever wished that you didn’t have to bother your neighbors by asking them to water you lawn when you’re on vacation? Ever wished you could turn the air conditioning on in your home before you get back, and be greeted by a cool blast of air when you walk through the door? No one would have dreamt twenty years ago that these things would be possible in their lifetime. But here we are — home automation is a rising trend in neighborhoods all over the country.

Here are some things you probably need to know when considering home automation and smart home technology.

1. It’s already here

Although you may not be very familiar with this technology yet, the fact is that it is being used in homes and businesses around the world as we speak. And this technology is expected to rise in popularity as time goes on. Many people are already using their smartphones or tablets from remote locations to control various systems and amenities in their homes, including: HVAC, sprinklers, alarms, intercoms, window shades, pool temperatures, entertainment systems and lights.

2. It can save you money

Smart home technology can help the environment by saving energy. It can also save homeowners a lot of money. For example, a smart thermostat gives you the ability to control your home’s temperature even when you’re not there. It also learns the most economical and effective patters of heating and cooling for your family’s lifestyle.

A similar scenario is true with sprinkler systems. Smart sprinklers can learn patterns of shade and sun, and use this data to executive a more effective and resource-conscious sprinkling schedule for your lawn, gardens, shrubs and plants. You can even install smart blinds that automatically darken the house (and keep the ambient temperature cooler) during the warmest hours of the day.

3. It’s not cost prohibitive

You may be afraid that installing a home automation system in any of its various forms is too expensive. But don’t be fooled — getting good results from home automation doesn’t require a colossal investment. With the right guidance, it’s possible to start with a few effective features that will make a positive lifestyle differences and start to save you money right away. As your investments start to pay for themselves, you can expand into other areas of home automation.

Getting your ducks in a row

Navigating the brand new world of home automation can be tricky when you don’t know where to start. Questions of compatibility or incorrect installation may prevent you from getting the results promised by various manufacturers, and your efforts could end in wasted cash and frustration.

A home automation specialist can show you the most effective ways to make use of the exciting new frontier that is home automation. Instead of trying to “go it alone,” get in touch with a qualified specialist who can tell you about compatibility, quality, installation, durability, upgradability, and all of the important issues facing homeowners who want to experience the benefits of these amazing new technologies.

Are There Tax Breaks for Home Automation?

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:50:57 GMT

Tax day is already behind us for 2017, and if you’re like most Americans, you don’t want to think about taxes again for a very long time. Unfortunately, the months roll around faster than anybody realizes. Before you know what hit you, it’ll be time to start thinking about your state and federal returns once again.

In fact, people are often caught off guard when they remember the approaching tax deadline. Many people rush through their returns, just wanting to cross it off the list for another year. In the process, many useful tax breaks are often overlooked.

We’ve been seeing an uptick in the number (and types) of tax breaks available to people who make energy-saving modifications to their homes — and since home automation (also known as smart home technology) is becoming more and more mainstream these days, it begs the question: Can American homeowners expect tax breaks for home automation installations?

The short answer

Basically, American tax codes have not yet caught on to smart home technology in particular, and how this can help homeowners save money. The law makes provisions (which tend to change from year to year) for homeowners who invest in things like solar, wind, or even an electric vehicle. But a smart lighting, HVAC or sprinkler system has yet to bring clear, specific tax breaks to American homes.

Given the energy savings available with smart home technology, it won’t be surprising if specific tax breaks do appear in coming years. For now, however, it’s best to be careful about which aspects of smart home technology are declared as “tax deductible” on your annual return. If there’s any doubt, erring on the side of caution (or consulting a tax specialist) is probably the best way to make sure you’re getting your fair due for smart home improvements made during the previous year.

Energy savings

Even if the government won’t give you a break (yet) for those smart home installations you’ve made, at least you still have the energy savings and lifestyle benefits of the technology itself. Smart lighting systems make a big difference in your daily lighting usage, and can allow you to ‘recall’ certain lighting configurations instantly. Smart thermostat technology saves you hundreds of dollars a year — even thousands, in some cases — by making your HVAC usage more efficient every single day. Smart sprinkler systems curb water usage, which is becoming increasingly important in draught-affected areas like California.

Where to go for advice

Home automation specialists have a high level of expertise in terms of home automation. It’s important to remember that they aren’t manufacturers, and they aren’t trying to sell specific products. Instead, they take all of the available technology into consideration, and make recommendations that really have an impact on your smart home purchases and installation. It’s just not that easy to get really fantastic results when you’re mixing and matching different smart home devices, and trying to install them yourself. Home automation specialists are an excellent resource for maximizing your smart home savin

The Most Popular Smart Home Trends for 2018

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:49:59 GMT

As the home automation revelation continues to push new boundaries, people are able to do more than ever before with their smart gadgets. Some of the most exciting stuff, as we’ve seen over the past several years, involves linking up different features of home automation to work together. Smart locks, for example, can be integrated with lighting and HVAC systems to perform specific functions depending on whether the door is locked or not. All you have to do is unlock your door and walk in, and you can be greeted with a totally customized set of functions. If you want strobe lights and rock music to start automatically, you can do that — although most people take a more practical approach.

So as 2017 winds down and 2018 ramps up, what will we see from the home automation industry? What new innovations will change the way think about smart home gadgets?

1. Better security

At recent home automation trade shows, many manufacturers showcased newer, more robust security systems that take home security to a new level. High resolution, faster processing power, and the ability to capture images in the dark are some of the most exciting developments in this area of home automation.

2. Integration with wearable technology

Those devices that can now determine (with increase accuracy) whether we’re asleep or awake, whether we’re in the middle of a workout or in deep relaxation mode, are already starting to find their way into smart home automation. In the coming year or two, we’ll see a lot more of this. Specific settings will allow people to integrate fitness bracelets and smart watches with smart thermostats, lighting systems, and automatic blinds to adjust the comfort and temperature level of the home based on the body temperature and heart rate. It’s one of those things that seems outlandish — but with time, this kind of integration might be every bit as common as wifi!

3. Automatic grocery ordering

This is another one that seems far out, but when you think of the potential usefulness, it’s the kind of thing that makes home automation such an exciting field. What happens when companies like Samsung start putting cameras inside their refrigerators, and what happens when those cameras are tied to automatic shopping and subscription services such as Amazon? You may never run out of your favorite foods again. We’re still a few years from seeing this become a reality, but the basic pieces are already in place.

Bring it all together

The one thing that isn’t going to change about home automation is the difficulty of installing or “onboarding” new devices. As these gadgets and systems tend to come from different manufacturers with different functions and installation requirements, it can be a huge challenge to get everything out of the box, installed, and up-and-running the way it’s supposed to be.

That’s why home automation specialists are going to be even more important in 2018 and beyond, as the industry continues to evolve and push into new frontiers. Having a qualified expert on your side will remain the single biggest advantage to getting the most out of your smart home installations.

3 Upcoming Developments in Smart Home Technology

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:48:56 GMT

If there’s any home industry that is reinventing itself every few months, it’s smart home automation. Every month, new products are being released, new brands are jumping into the smart home game, and new breakthroughs are being made in how people live in and interact with their homes. The market is developing so quickly, that it can be hard to keep up with what’s new and exciting in the moment.

Fear not, we’ve got you covered! Here are three of the newest trends in smart home technology.

1. Voice Control

What’s even easier than controlling your lights, music, or coffee machine from your cell phone or mobile device? Controlling them verbally. In the wake of the immense success of Amazon’s Alexa, more and more manufacturers are rolling out new lines of voice controlled gadgets to help get the job done without even having to pick up your device.

Samsung now makes a vacuum cleaner that can be operated using only your voice. There are even trashcans that can open responding to an owner’s voice, and we have a feeling this is just the tip of the iceberg for voice controlled devices.

2. Connectivity

Individual smart devices are neat on their own, but when your devices begin to communicate with one another it opens up a whole new realm of what is possible in the smart home. We first started to see connected devices with the vast array of features that were developed along with Alexa. By connecting Alexa to other smart plugs, users are able to control any number of appliances through the speaker.

Now, though, this phenomenon is spreading. Smart smoke detectors can connect to your smart oven to turn it off if food is burning. Refrigerators can connect with your Amazon account to order milk when you’re running low. The possibilities are endless!

3. Utility Boosters

Apart from just making life easier, the newest smart home devices are also geared towards making your life more environmentally friendly and thus lowering the cost of your utility bills. Take, for example, a new Samsung showerhead with a lighted panel that changes color based on how much water and energy is used during a given shower. This visual stimulus can make it easier for environmentally conscious consumers to track how much water they are using and make smart decisions to use less.

There are also a number of new fans that operate on a sensor and can connect with your Nest thermostat to change the temperature of individual rooms to meet your preference when you’re in the room, but save energy when you aren’t.

Finding a Home Automation Specialist

Ready to install your first (or tenth) smart home device? Consider bringing a smart home device specialist onboard to help you every step of the way. A specialist can act as a consultant advising you the best product to get based on your budget, preferences, and lifestyle. He or she can also take care of everything from installation to troubleshooting to make sure that your smart devices run smoothly, making your life easier and not more stressful.

3 Common Problems with Smart Home Gadgets

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:48:03 GMT

The future of the home is upon us. In just the past few years, the number, diversity, and options of smart home devices has multiplied hugely. There are now gadgets that allow you to control every aspect of your home from your lights, to your music, to your refrigerator all at the touch of a button. Sounds great, right?

Unfortunately, as homes get more technologically advanced, there are also more opportunities for things to go wrong. Read on for some of the most common problems with smart home gadgets and how to avoid them.

1. Devices only work sporadically

Smart home devices are only convenient when the work consistently. Otherwise, they’re more trouble and time consuming than they’re worth. If a device says it will allow you to turn on your lights verbally, you want it to work every time, not just occasionally.

Often times inconsistent functionality is a result of poor Wi-Fi signals. As you add more smart devices to your home, you may need to get an additional router installed or upgrade your internet plan in order to smoothly integrate new devices located around your house. Sometimes, sporadic performance is a sign of incorrect installation. In this case, it’s best to have a home automation specialist check out your setup to make sure that everything is installed as it should be.

2. Devices break down after short period of time

Another common issue is that a new device works perfectly for the first three months and then one day it just doesn’t. Smart home devices aren’t cheap, so it can be frustrating when something doesn’t perform as you’re expecting it to.

Your best bet in avoiding this kind of disappointment is to do your research before buying any new device. Read online reviews looking for ones that attest to a product’s longevity, not just how well it works right out of the box. Also, pay attention to the warranties on any product you buy and make sure to keep any necessary paperwork where you’ll be able to find it if something goes wrong.

3. Manufacturer takes too long to fix problems

Every brand of smart home device will have a customer service line that you can call with problems, but sadly these lines don’t always provide the most efficient customer service. Nip any problems in the bud by hiring a home automation specialist who can help you with installation and troubleshooting. Getting your gadgets up and running perfectly will help prevent the need to spend your lunch break on hold on a 1-800 line.

Finding A Reliable Home Automation Specialist

If you’re ready to go the smart home route, or even if you’d just like to introduce one or two gadgets into your domestic routine, it’s a good idea to enlist the help of a home automation specialist. A qualified expert can assist with everything from finding the best products for your needs, to installation, to troubleshooting. Look online for reviews of a qualified and respected home automation specialist near you. Your perfect home is just around the corner!

4 Creative Uses for a Smart Camera

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:46:54 GMT

Smart cameras are one of those things that make you pinch yourself. Is this really happening? Yes — technology continues to advance in ways we couldn’t have imagined ten or twenty years ago. There are all kinds of practical uses for a smart camera, from enhanced home security to turning on the lights or drawing the shades when you get up in the morning. But many people are also getting creative with these devices, and new uses are popping up all the time. Here are four creative uses for a smart camera in the home.

1. Streaming family gatherings

This may sound outlandish, but there are countless family gatherings every year in which not everybody can participate. People are traveling, or have obligations with the other side of the family. Some smart home enthusiasts have used their smart cameras — which serve all kinds of other purposes — to create a live stream of their kitchen or dining room that can be accessed by specific people who wish they could be there, but can’t. This isn’t a function that’s specific to smart cameras, but it’s definitely a creative way to use a tool that’s already highly practical.

2. Watching your diet

We’re all trying to stay in shape and keep ourselves healthy, right? But we don’t always make the greatest decisions throughout the day. Often times, we make trips to the kitchen without even really realizing it. When you’re using a smart camera for security and other practical uses, you can also use it to review your own eating habits. This can be a handy way to keep tabs on how much, how often, and what you’re actually eating throughout the day and night. And if there’s any doubt about who took the last cookie from the cookie jar, you’ll have that covered too.

3. Observing pests and animals outside

There are tons of great uses for smart cameras inside the home — but what about the great outdoors? Many homeowners have gardens or flowers that are routinely raided by various types of critter. With a smart camera, you don’t have to dig through hours of footage to see what’s really going on. Motions sensors can automatically start the camera recording when something moves. You can even have the system automatically email or text you the footage when a recording has been made.

4. Keeping an eye on children

Baby monitors and cameras are nothing new, but smart cameras can serve this purpose for small children of all ages — with many added benefits. For example, a smart camera allows you to monitor the feed from your phone, tablet or computer. If you’re away, it’s easy to look in on the situation at home, whether you have older kids or a babysitter.

Where can I find a good smart camera?

If you’re going to use a standalone smart camera, you might consider looking for a highly rated product and installing it yourself. But if you’re going to get creative, and/or link your smart camera to other home automation functions, you’re better off with an expert in your corner. Home automation specialists can help you choose the right products and get them correctly installed, so that you get the very most out of all your home automation devices.

How Do Smart Sprinklers Work?

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:45:49 GMT

Water is precious — that’s something we’re learning more and more each day, especially as our knowledge of the environment continues to grow and evolve. There are a lot of homeowners out there who are looking for better ways to use and conserve water — not only to protect this vital resource for future generations, but also to cut down on costs.

When there’s a draught in a place like Arizona or Southern California, what’s the first thing people are forced to limit or stop entirely? You guessed it — watering the lawn. Other uses for water are more important to homes and neighborhoods, and if something has to go, it’s probably going to be the grass.

In fact, it’s really amazing how much water is wasted every year due to sloppy or lazy lawn-watering practices — not just in desert States, but everywhere in the country. It’s similar to carpooling: If we all did our part, the overall situation would be so much better.

What if there was a way to make better use of your sprinkler systems? What if you could save water while actually improving the health of your grass, plants and shrubs? Smart sprinklers hold this promise — and it isn’t just a gimmick. Countless Americans are already making use of smart sprinklers to manage their watering efforts, and the results are truly exciting.

So how does a smart sprinkler system actually work?

Well, if you’ve used “traditional” sprinkler timers in the past, you’re already familiar with the wiring process that allows the timer to “talk” to various sprinklers and activate or deactivate them according to the chosen watering schedule. The first thing you’ll do when installing a smart sprinkler system is to replace this traditional timer with your new smart controller, using all the same wiring.

Once that process is finished, and the smart controller is correctly installed, it’s very easy to start using your system. There are two main differences between smart sprinkler controllers and traditional sprinkler timers:

1) The smart system has far more capabilities, from learning your watering patterns to reading the current weather conditions and reacting accordingly.

2) The smart system is connected to your home WiFi network, and can be controlled using any ordinary device — such as a smart phone, tablet or laptop.

It’s a relatively simple transition to make, and the benefits are extensive. There’s no more worrying whether you left the sprinklers on — or forgot to turn them on. Wherever you are the world, you can instantly monitor and adjust all of your sprinklers, or any combination thereof. The control and convenience of this technology is unprecedented in the history of lawn care. You can also see exactly how much water you’re using on a weekly, monthly or annual basis in order to have a crystal clear idea of your conservation efforts.

But what if I need help with installation?

Installation (or even choosing) a smart sprinkler system isn’t for everyone. Navigating the world of smart devices can be intimidating. That’s why home automation specialists exist. These are experts who can do everything from helping you choose the right sprinkler system to making sure it’s installed correctly, whether you’re replacing a traditional timer or starting from scratch. If you’re on the fence about a smart sprinkler system, get in touch with a home automation specialist for sound advice on how to move forward.

3 Reasons to Install a Smart Camera

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:44:47 GMT

For most people, a home isn’t just a place to lay your head at night, but it’s an extension of who you are. We care deeply about your living spaces, and when we’re away from home, whether at work or on vacation, we want to know that all is well. For this reason, home cameras are becoming increasingly popular with renters and home owners alike. While home cameras have been around for years, the new features of smart home cameras are making these gadgets more useful than ever. Read on for a few of the most popular uses of smart cameras.

1. Motion Sensor Notifications

The primary reason that people choose to install a home camera is so that they can keep an eye on their home when they’re away from it. That said, no one wants to spend their vacation parked in front of a computer watching what’s bound to be dull footage of their living room. Smart cameras are great in that most of them can operate using motion sensor notifications. If you aren’t expecting any movement in your home while you’re away, you can program smart cameras to send a message to your mobile device if something or someone moving triggers the motion sensor. This way you can rest assured that all is well in your home without ever having to check the camera.

2. Supervising Children, Nannies, and Pets

At other times, there may be someone in your home that you’d like to keep an eye on. Whether the kids are having a sleepover and you want to check on them without tiptoeing downstairs, or your new puppy is staying home alone while you’re at work, a smart camera is a great way to know what’s going on in your home from afar. With smart cameras you can get live footage of your home right to your mobile device.

3. Automating Other Home Devices

If you’re a smart device fanatic and are gradually turning your house into the home of the future, a smart camera can be a great addition — especially for its ability to automate other home devices. Assuming your camera is compatible with the other devices you own, you can program many smart cameras to recognize when you walk in the door and act accordingly. Lights on. Thermostat adjusted. Music on. Preheat the oven. The possibilities are endless!

Finding a Great Smart Home Specialist

On the fence about buying a smart camera or other smart home device? Or know you want one but aren’t sure which one to get? A great option is to hire a smart home specialist who can facilitate the process every step of the way. From choosing the best devices for your home and lifestyle to taking care of installations and troubleshooting, a smart home specialist is a valuable asset in helping you bring your home into the future. Take a look online to find a qualified smart home specialist near you. Make sure to ask for qualifications and experience before hiring someone, and, as with any provider, it’s a good idea to get a contract in writing to know exactly what services are included for the quoted price.

Are Smart Locks Really Secure?

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:43:57 GMT

Recent times have brought us into an age of convenience. More and more, we’re seeing things we thought were science fiction become a reality. Even twenty or thirty years ago, who could have imagined that we would all be walking around with smartphones that connect us instantly to a global network of contacts and information?

Likewise, few people could have imagined that by 2017, you would be able to lock and unlock your homes from a remote location. Smart locks are one of the most interesting and contentious developments in home automation technology.

For those who are considering installing a smart lock system for the home, the question of security is probably at the top of your list of concerns. After all, hacking seems like it may become a problem with smart homes — especially where locks are concerned. Here are some simple ways to mitigate your concerns about being hacked. Could it be that a smart lock is indeed a safe decision for you and your family, and that it may actually make you safer?

1. Guarantee a safe Network Operations Center (NOC)

A network operations center stores your information. As soon as you install your smart lock, make sure that your center is accredited. When an NOC is accredited, it guarantees that all your personal information is stored in a safe and secure manner.

2. Make sure you are networking securely

Just as you would when you are working on your computer, set up appropriate networking safety standards. These cover a variety of security standards—firewalls, frequently changing passwords, and router names. Even though smart systems are designed to be easy and user friendly, you still have to take the initiative to protect your security proactively.

3. Know that burglars want it to be easy

It’s commonly understood that most break-ins are perpetrated by people who don’t have much patience. Hacking into your smart system takes a different kind of criminal. We have yet to see these problems in the many homes across the country who have already adopted smart lock technology — but that doesn’t mean hacking is impossible, especially if people know your home is protected by smart locks. Fortunately, that information will not be obvious by the appearance of your doors and locks.

That said, precautions are always a good idea. Connecting an alarm system to your door and window locks will be the best way to make sure that you are safe in this more immediate and physical way.

4. Use a name brand

There is something to be said for trusted smart home companies. Successful companies greatly value the security of their customers and are constantly looking for new ways to make them safer. As new updates for your smart locks become available, make sure to download them right away. Many of these updates include improved security methods.

5. Secure your router

Security comes up once again when we consider how easy it would be for a hacker to control your system if your router is open and easy to access. Keep your router from being an easy invitation into the digital world inside your home and give it a good password.

Security first

When you hire a professional home automation specialist to install your smart lock, your home will be secure, and you can rest assured that the access you have into your home belongs to you only. Professionals will be able to design lock systems for your home and set up the system that is best and easiest for you. Most importantly, they’ll be able to answer and address your questions ahead of time with pertinent and honest information, so you can decide for yourself whether smart lock technology is the right call for you home.

Smart Garage Door Openers: Are They Worth It?

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:42:16 GMT

Technology is constantly changing — we see it every day. Manufacturers are in a race to deliver the next hot gadget, the next thing everybody just “has” to have. But as we all know, many of these devices and gadgets end up collecting dust. People eventually forget them and put them away in boxes, or try to get a few dollars back by selling them in eBay.

As homeowners, we all want to avoid these types of purchases as much as possible. We want to invest our money in products that our families will actually use for years to come, and that serve a clear purpose in the home. The problem is, there is so much advertising and so much pressure to buy the next new thing. Is it really going to be worth the money? Or is it just one of those gadgets that’s going to fall by the wayside and be forgotten?

These are definitely questions people ask when they hear about smart garage door openers. Is my regular electric garage door opener not already convenient enough? What possible advantages could a “smart” garage door opener offer that would make it worth my time and money?

The answer is actually pretty simple: Smart garage door openers deliver greater security and better peace of mind to the modern homeowner.

This is especially true for those of us who live in homes with an attached garage. Essentially, access to the garage means access to the entire home. So what happens if you forget to close that automatic garage door when you leave? What happens if you think you might have forgotten? Do you agonize about it all day at work, or throughout your entire vacation? Do you frantically call your neighbors and find someone to check on the situation?

With a smart door garage opener, you simple open an app on your phone or tablet and find out whether your garage door is open or closed (this information is provided by a wireless tilt sensor installed on the garage door). If the door is open, you close it with the tap of a button. Simple as that.

What if another person (a family member wanting to borrow the car, for example) opens the garage door from the inside? You’ll know about it — a smart door garage opener can send instant notifications to your favorite digital devices, notifying you any time the garage door has been opened or closed.

Even if your garage isn’t attached to your home, you probably have a lot of valuables stored there. The extra layer of security and real-time monitoring afforded by smart home garage door openers will most likely end up being one of these inventions we all use sooner or later.

Buying and installing your own smart door garage opener is an option, but the process can be challenging, and not all homeowners have the technical know-how or desire to carry out a high quality installation. Home automation specialists are a good options for helping you choose the right garage door opener and installing it for you. That way, you know you’re getting the best result possible.

4 Advantages to Automating Your Office Space Right Now

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:40:10 GMT

Smart phones haven’t really been around that long, and we’re already hearing about a whole range of “smart” products and services. People are even beginning to talk about smart homes and smart cars.

Smart offices are really just another logical step, especially since running an effective business is all about keeping things efficient and economical. And making your professional space into a “smart office” isn’t something that’s going to be available five or ten years from now. It’s already here. Consider these four advantages to automating your office space right now.

1. Controlled entry

If you work in an office where controlled access is needed, there are smart solutions that can make things easier for you. Digital doorbell and intercom systems can allow you to see who’s waiting outside, exchange words with them, and even open the door — right from your favorite digital device. This is a great way to streamline your everyday office security without paying hefty subscription fees for off-site security services.It’s also worth noting that the locks on your office doors no longer need to be traditional “key” locks. There are robust, super-secure digital locking devices that provide up to 30 different entry codes and range of other secure features. Gaining access to secure areas of your office no longer has to be difficult!

2. Smarter climate control

Did you know that most offices spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars a month on climate control, including heat in the winter and air conditioning during the warmer months? Obviously you and your employees need to be comfortable while you work, but careless use of HVAC systems can lead to a whole lot of unnecessary spending.Smart climate control systems are no longer a futuristic fantasy. They’re available right now for your office, and they literally put climate control in your hands. Any number of employees or managers can be given access, via their own digital devices, to the office’s climate control settings. This enables more effective management of energy resources, and ensures that the climate in your office will be just right no matter the season or time of day.

3. Full-time monitoring

Being able to keep tabs on your office space, especially areas that are sensitive, is no longer the stuff of spy thrillers. With Nest Cam and other similar devices, it’s easy to have access to a 24/7 live feed of your office’s interior, entryway, individual offices, or anything you need to keep an eye on. It goes without saying, there are many situations in which this feature is useful to different types of offices, providing added security and peace of mind without expensive equipment or monthly fees.

4. Responsive lighting and interior control

Wall-mounted touch screens such as Wink are now able to seamlessly control any number of “smart office” products and installations. That means you can have “control center” mounted on the wall to control everything from lighting and temperature to locks, cameras and even blinds! This not only makes it easy for you and your staff to manage everyday life at the office, it also gives your business a highly professional sheen, and provides a long-term solution for controlling future “smart” installations in your office.

How do you know who to trust?

Upgrading to a “smart office” may seem daunting at first. After all, we’re talking about important things like security and energy efficiency. Consulting an expert in smart homes and smart offices is one way to make sure you’re getting the best products, services, warranties, and installations the industry current has to offer.

What Would You Change About Your Current Home Theater System?

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:39:17 GMT

Catching a new blockbuster at the movie theater is always fun, but not something that most of us can do on a daily basis. For movie and TV enthusiasts, a home theater is a great way to bring the big screen to the comfort of your home. Home theaters can range in size, features, and cost, but more and more, people are opting for smart devices when it comes to outfitting their home theater systems.

Read on to find out common issues that homeowners have with their home theaters and the new smart device options to combat these problems.

Content Accessibility

Long gone are the days of going to the video store (remember Blockbuster?) to rent a DVD. Most of the content we watch today is streamed over the internet via services such as Netflix, HBO and Hulu. This shift in the way we consume digital media can make a traditional TV feel outdated. A much better option? A smart TV. Smart TVs have full internet connectivity. This means that users can watch most of their favorite programs from streaming services without any additional equipment. Many smart TVs can also be controlled using your cellphone or other mobile device.

Speakers

Speakers can be one of the most difficult pieces to install when it comes to a home theater system. With new options for smart speakers, installation is a breeze. Most smart speaker systems are wireless and easy to mount in your space. By controlling speakers with your mobile device, you can easily and seamlessly toggle between enjoying a movie with surround sound, and listening to your favorite music all at the touch of a button.

Remote control

One downside of a smart home theater setup is that you’re likely to end up with half a dozen different remotes. Avoid having to switch back and forth by streamlining all of your devices onto one smart remote. The best remote controls on the market work with thousands of smart devices, and can connect to up to 8 devices at once. They can even access devices that are hidden inside furniture and behind walls, ensuring that you have your entire smart home system at your fingertips.

Finding and Experienced Smart Home Specialist

Not sure where to start in creating your smart home theater? Hire a smart home specialist to help you sort through the options, make the best choices for your space, and get everything set up. Additionally, a smart home specialist can be a valuable resource when it comes to troubleshooting any issues that come up later on.

Do some online research to find a qualified and experience smart home specialist near you. Make sure to ask about qualifications and even get names and numbers of a few references before choosing a specialist. Like it or not, the smart home trend isn’t going anywhere, so finding a specialist who can help you with all of your technology needs will certainly make your life easier for years to come.

Are Smart Locks Really Secure?

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 22:21:21 GMT

1. Guarantee a safe Network Operations Center (NOC)

2. Make sure you are networking securely

3. Know that burglars want it to be easy

That said, precautions are always a good idea. Connecting an alarm system to your door and window locks will be the best way to make sure that you are safe in this more immediate and physical way.

4. Use a name brand

5. Secure your router

Security first

Smart Garage Door Openers: Are They Worth It?

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 22:20:19 GMT

The answer is actually pretty simple: Smart garage door openers deliver greater security and better peace of mind to the modern homeowner.

What Would You Change About Your Current Home Theater System?

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 22:19:24 GMT

Read on to find out common issues that homeowners have with their home theaters and the new smart device options to combat these problems.

Content Accessibility

Speakers

Remote control

Finding and Experienced Smart Home Specialist

Amazon Echo vs. Google Home: Which is Better?

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 22:18:44 GMT

What’s one of the easiest ways to take the jump into the world of smart devices? A voice-activated speaker! If you’ve ever used Siri on your iPhone, you’re already aware of some of the things you can do with these devices. You might also know that they’re relatively easy to install and use right out of the box — making them a great way to break into the smart home craze.

In fact, the hardest part of getting a smart speaker might actually be choosing which one to buy. In this post, we’ll go over some of the pros and cons of the two main products on the market: Amazon Echo and Google Home.

Amazon Echo Pros and Cons

Commonly known as Alexa (for the name the speaker responds to), the Echo was the first main-stream voice activated speaker on the market. This plastic cylinder comes in black and white and features a colored ring that illuminates when in use.

If non-stop music is what you’re after, one benefit of the Echo is that it features the louder speaker of the two products. The Echo can stream music from any number of music listening platforms including Pandora and Spotify. Users can also play music from their own digital libraries.

But there are many other unique features that really make this speaker “smart”. This is where the Echo really shows off with over 11,000 third party skills. Using just your voice and your Echo, you can order a pizza, request an Uber, buy groceries online, or any number of other tasks. And with updates happening regularly, these functions continue to grow and improve automatically.

Google Home Pros and Cons

The smaller size of the Google Home makes it slightly more convenient than the Echo in terms of choosing where to install it. About the size of and shape of a stemless wineglass, this speaker comes in a wider range of colors. This suits a greater variety of stylistic preferences.

When it comes to the quality of the speaker, the Home makes up in quality what it lacks in volume. Most users agree that music sounds better from the Home, even if it isn’t as loud. Like the Echo, music can be accessed from any number of streaming platforms or your own digital library.

While Google Home doesn’t have anywhere near the number of third party skills that the Echo does, it is slowly closing the gap between the two products. At the moment, the Echo definitely wins in this respect — but it probably won’t be long before the Google Home catches up.

Finding a Reliable Home Automation Specialist

Making sense of the latest developments in the smart home landscape can be confusing to say the least. Whether you’re choosing a smart speaker, smart shades, or a smart thermostat, a reliable home automation specialist can help ensure that you get the absolute best product to suit your needs and lifestyle.

Additionally, a home automation specialist will be a lifesaver when it comes to installations and troubleshooting. Look online to find a reliable specialist near you. Don’t be afraid to ask about qualifications and experience, and even for references. Once you find a home automation specialist you can trust, you’ll be in expert hands as you bring your home into the 21st century.

Are Smart Locks Really Safe?

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 22:17:40 GMT

In today’s high tech world, we’re hearing more and more about hacking attempts and cyber security. In fact, according to some of the latest estimates, the global cyber security industry is worth over $100 billion. Most of this spending is from large corporations, but it’s also true that individuals and families are taking greater precautions to protect their data and computer systems.

Given these facts, a lot of people are raising an eyebrow at the idea of smart locks. The idea of connecting your home’s locking mechanisms to the virtual world is not the most comfortable idea for a lot of people, and they find themselves asking: Are smart locks really safe?

It’s all about the encryption

Smart locks essentially use the same deadbolt technology as other, traditional locks. The difference is that the locking mechanism can be opened or closed using wireless, virtual commands. So how easy would it be for a hacker to open your smart lock and break into your home?

As it turns it, doing this wouldn’t be easy at all. Consider the fact that the United States government protects its most classified information with AES encryption of 192 or 256 bits. Even information classified “secret” is protected with 128 bit encryption.

This 128 bit encryption is the standard used by most smart lock manufacturers today. Would it be possible for a skilled hacker to focus their attention on your individual lock, and eventually get it to open? Yes — but it’s much more likely that a skilled burglar would pick your traditional lock using crude tools. A hacker would have to put quite a bit of effort and technology into opening a single lock, which simply wouldn’t be worth their while in the vast majority of cases.

If instances of smart lock break-ins rose suddenly as the technology became more popular, that would obviously be a major issue. Manufacturers would probably start using higher levels of encryption to provide a more reliable product. But for the time being, standards of encryption and security appear to be extremely high for most legitimate smart lock products on the market today, and choosing a smart lock arguably gives you greater protection today than a traditional deadbolt — not to mention all the great conveniences of smart lock technology, such as integration with lighting, sound systems, and other home automation features. Being able to let people into your home remotely — whether you’re home or not — is another great feature that can be used safely with a proper understanding of how the technology works.

A smart lock expert you can rely on

Part of the problem with all of this new home automation technology is that people are choosing and installing projects themselves, without the guidance of an expert. This is fine for a lot of “ordinary” home gadgets and appliances, but smart home technology in particular benefits from professional guidance. That’s why home automation specialists are popping up all over the country to help people get the most out of their smart locks and other smart home technology. But it’s important to find one with plenty of experience, clear fee structures, and good communication skills to help you maximize your smart home investments.

How Does a Smart Garage Door Opener Work?

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 22:17:00 GMT

Smart home technology is taking the country — and the world — by storm. With every year that passes, we’re seeing more and more innovations in all areas of home automation. People are adopting this technology in greater numbers as they see how amazing the benefits really are, whether it’s a smart thermostat, camera system, or even sprinkler setup.

What about shades? You may have already hear about smart shades and what they actually are — but let’s talk about three surprise benefits you may not have considered.

1. More efficient heating and cooling

This is something people often don’t think about — but the truth is that your shades can actually make a significant difference in your heating and cooling bills. Shades can provide extra insulation for your windows, which are often a major weakness in terms of HVAC efficiency. When you have smart shades, managing this side of things is easier than ever. Because your shades are now controlled from your phone or tablet, you have greater control over when the shades are open and when they’re closed. And if you leave home without remembering to manage your shades, all you have to do is open the app and tap a few buttons.

2. Greater convenience

There’s really no arguing that smart shades are an amazing convenience. Not having to walk over and mess around with tangled up cords every time you want to adjust the shades is something you appreciate every time you walk in the house. You can even configure specific shade settings throughout the house, and recall those settings with the touch of a button. For instance, at night, when you want to close all the shades in the house, it can be as simple as tapping a button on your smart phone. Now that’s convenient!

3. Longer lifespan than ordinary shades

We have yet to see any detailed studies on whether shades themselves last longer when controlled by a smart shade system, but we’re willing to bet that on average, smart shades do last longer.

Why is this? Consider how you normally open and close your shades, using drawstrings to raise, set, and lower the blinds. These old fashioned systems have worked well for a long time, but they do put a lot of strain in the interior mechanism of the shades. Smart shade systems bypass that problem and allow smooth, mechanized control of the shades. This preserves the shades themselves and gives them a longer overall lifespan.

Get your smart shade questions answered!

Knowing where to turn for answers in a crowded smart home marketplace can be tricky. Do you head straight for your local department store and start shopping for smart shade equipment, hoping that you won’t have any problems with setup or installation? Or do you turn to a home automation expert who can help you choose the right products, install and configure them for you, and provide troubleshooting support to make sure you get the most out of your smart home investments? The choice is yours — but for many homeowners, turning to an expert is a great value in the long run.

3 Surprise Benefits of Smart Shade Technology

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 22:16:15 GMT

What about shades? You may have already hear about smart shades and what they actually are — but let’s talk about three surprise benefits you may not have considered.

1. More efficient heating and cooling

2. Greater convenience

3. Longer lifespan than ordinary shades

We have yet to see any detailed studies on whether shades themselves last longer when controlled by a smart shade system, but we’re willing to bet that on average, smart shades do last longer.

Get your smart shade questions answered!

Is Your Thermostat Saving You Money?

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 22:15:19 GMT

As the saying goes, old habits die hard. There are many homeowners out there who have been living in the same home for ten, twenty or thirty years — in some cases a lot longer than that. As the seasons come and go, people often continue about their daily routines without really questioning how their home is operating, or whether there are any ways to cut costs and run a more efficient home.

This is obviously important because of the environment. It’s no secret that saving resources, using less, and making our lifestyles more efficient is a necessary thing going forward.

But making your home more efficient is also important for a reason that’s more direct and immediate for families and homeowners today: Saving money. Everyone is interested in scaling back costs, especially if it can be done in a way that doesn’t negatively affect the lifestyle you’re able to life.

Out of all the home automation devices and “smart home” gadgets out there — not to mention all of the various other technological advances homeowners can take advantage of these days — smart thermostats are the single most accessible and easy way to make the home more efficient and ultimately net yourself some noticeable savings.

How is this accomplished? Wouldn’t you also need a new, high-efficiency furnace and better insulation in order to really reap the benefits of a smart thermostat?

Not exactly. It’s true that upgrading your furnace and installation will almost invariably have a positive effect on the efficiency of your HVAC system, but this represents a very big investment, and many homeowners simply can’t make it work in the immediate future.

A smart thermostat, however, is a very small investment. Not only that, it can work with your existing furnace and doesn’t require other upgrades to your home. But can it lead to energy savings all on its own?

The answer is yes. By preventing unnecessary heating, and by “learning” your heating patterns and interacting with your preferences, smart thermostats are able to help owners get a much clearer view of the energy they’re using. They can be programmed to more or less work on their own, using their internal algorithms to make the use of your heating system more efficient. They can also be programmed to work in very specific ways as directed by the user.

At the same time, these devices allow far greater control over the heating situation throughout the winter. One of the biggest benefits of a smart thermostat is how easy it is to manipulate your indoor climate from anywhere in the world. When you’re at the office and the house is empty, you can turn your heating down a few degrees using your smart phone or tablet. If you leave on vacation, you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn the heat down. And when you’re on your way home, it couldn’t be easier to crank the heat up again.

It’s worth mentioning that turning your heat drastically down will force the system work harder in order to warm the place up again — this often defeats the purpose of energy savings. But smart thermostats have their own kind of intelligence, and the best ones on the market (when properly installed) will work with you to achieve optimal heating efficiency throughout the winter.

3 Smart Home Trends for 2018

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 22:14:33 GMT

You might expect this list to contain some of the most obvious smart home improvements, like thermostats and sprinkler systems. These are always exciting upgrades, because they help homeowners make better use of resources and reduce their environmental footprint. Those devices are going to continue their rise in popularity as we head into 2018 — there’s no doubt about that. But in this list, we’re going to talk about a few of the “smaller” things that people are going to be doing more of in 2018, in terms of smart home integration.

1. More cameras

Once upon a time, home surveillance was a luxury reserved for people with sprawling estates. Today, any homeowner can have a high level of home video surveillance with a relatively small investment. In fact, Smart cameras have already become such a great value with so many sophisticated features that homeowners are installing multiple cameras covering multiple angles and viewpoints around their properties. A simple app on the phone or tablet allows easy and instant home surveillance at a tiny fraction of what it used to cost. Look for more homeowners to take advantage of smart camera technology in 2018.

2. Smart lock integration

Smart locks are exciting not only because of what they can do on their own, but because of the myriad ways in which they can be integrated with other smart home automation devices. For example, a lot of people don’t realize that you can program a smart lock to turn on certain lights the moment you enter the home at night. The same type of integration can be achieved with cameras, sound systems, automated blinds, and many other smart home devices. Home owners are definitely warming up to the idea of smart locks, as people learn more about how safe they can actually be when correctly installed and maintained. As more people integrate this technology into their home, they will start of all of the ways in which it can be integrated with other devices.

3. Lighting upgrades

The lights are one of those areas of the home that we may not think about very often, but lighting is something we use all the time. Maybe a lot of homeowners think that lighting is just about as advanced as it’s going to get. They’re in for a surprise. Smart home lighting applications are getting more diverse and exciting every day, but let’s just consider a simple scenario. You walk in the home, and it’s completely dark inside. With the simple tap of a button on your phone, you can recall a complete lighting configuration for the entire home. Now this is a convenience worth investing in!

Another thing we’re going to be seeing more of an 2018 is homeowners taking advantage of home automation experts and the services they offer. When you have a pro help me choose the right products — and then taking care installation and maintenance for you — you’re in a better position to reap the full benefits of everything that’s happening today in home automation.

4 Reasons to Invest in Smart Cameras for Your Home

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 22:13:19 GMT

With an endless number of ways to spend money, today’s homeowner is looking for a solid investment. There are so many advertisements, both online and everywhere else, that try to convince us to spend. But in many cases, those purchases don’t really have a long-lasting value. Before we know it, we’ve stashed whatever it is away in the closet or storage area — or thrown it out with the trash.

Smart camera technology is one thing that definitely does not fall into this category. Its capabilities are already impressive, and are only getting better. Here are four reasons to invest in a professionally-installed smart camera system for your home.

1. They make your home more secure

CCTV has always been a step taken by homeowners (or business owners, for that matter) who want to make sure their premises are secure, and that any unwanted activity is documented. But in the past, this has been an expensive and rather exclusive option, only available to people with fewer budget constraints. Today’s smart camera technology has completely changed the game. It’s affordable, versatile, and far more sophisticated than traditional CCTV or security camera systems. For anyone looking to boost home security without breaking the bank, smart camera installations are virtually a no-brainer.

2. They’re super convenient

In the past, security footage needed dedicated monitors and/or recording hardware to make sure everything was properly monitored and documented. Today, thanks to wireless and cloud technology, there’s no need for any of that. You can choose to store your own footage on the hard drive of your choosing, or you can outsource it to the cloud. You can view a live camera feed from your favorite tablet or smartphone whenever you feel like it, and with the addition of motion detection, you can program the system to automatically send you a video clip whenever motion is detected. Talk about raising the bar on home security and convenience!

3. They can be integrated with other smart systems

One of the most exciting thing about smart cameras is that they can be integrated with other smart home technology, and these capabilities are only increasing. For example, if you have a smart camera with motion sensors, this can be connected to one or more spotlights outside the home, so that motion turns on the light and simultaneously starts the camera recording. You can also build your camera system into a home alarm system, so that certain types of motion or events will trigger the alarm directly.

4. They’re affordable

We’ve already touched on this, but smart cameras are already very reasonable in price, and the cost will probably continue to fall as they become more widely used and produced. What’s the catch? They can be difficult to install correctly, and you may not understand how all the features work. You may not even know which camera to choose, since there are already a huge number of them on the market. This is where a home automation specialist can step in and guide you toward the best possible results.

4 Ways to Maximize Your Home Automation Investment

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 22:11:12 GMT

Making your home into a “smart home” is now a real possibility. We’ve all known it was coming, and suddenly here it is: You can now buy and install a whole plethora of devices that are designed to enhance and simplify your lifestyle at home, whether it’s a thermostat you can manage from your smart phone, or a camera that detects motion and sends video clips to your favorite device.

But there’s a catch: These devices have to be chosen and installed carefully. Otherwise, homeowners will be met with frustration as they struggle to make different devices behave as they’re supposed to. To avoid these problems, here are 4 important ways to maximize your home automation investment.

1. Research products meticulously

Things are constantly changing — that much is obvious. New technologies and devices are being introduced all the time. Who’s to say that smart lock or sprinkler system you’re looking at won’t be obsolete in a year or two? Do you know for sure that you’re making a good long-term investment? Meticulous research within the home automation market is the only way to find dependable answers to these questions.

2. Purchase devices that work together

Since smart home technology is so popular these days, more and more manufacturers are scrambling to design and produce new devices for the market. The problem is, integrating all of these devices (from all of these different manufacturers) can be very tricky, even downright frustrating. That’s why it’s crucial to look at compatibility and installation issues before you decide which devices to purchase.

3. Avoid mistakes during installation

Whether you’re talking about a new smart thermostat or an integrated lighting system that works seamlessly with your new smart lock, installation is what it’s all about. When installation is done correctly, and to a high professional standard, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t reap the full benefits of the technology you’ve purchased. Too often, however, DIY smart home installation efforts result in frustration, lost resources, and features that don’t work like they should. Doing your homework on installation is the way to avoid this.

4. Hire a smart home automation specialist

You may or may not have heard about home automation specialists. They haven’t been around all that long (neither has home automation), but they’re already proving to be a huge advantage for homeowners who want to expedite their home automation process, and make sure they get the most for their money. Home automation pros will do all of the things on this list for you, working together with you to make sure you get the products and features you want, while making sure that everything works together as it should, and is properly installed.

Where to find a good professiona l

Since home automation is relatively new, not every city and town has specialists. The first thing to do is research your local area and look for companies that specialize in smart home installation and troubleshooting — then ask what services they offer, and whether a free consultation is possible. If you’re lucky enough to have a highly reputable and professional smart home professional in your area, getting the most out of your investment could be easier than you think.

How Does Your Smart Thermostat Help You Save During Winter?

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 22:09:49 GMT

As the days get shorter and colder, people all over the country are battering down the hatches and getting ready for the snow to fly. Winterization can be a fairly big project involves vehicles, wardrobes, and various aspects of the home. Windows and doors can be a great way to save on heating energy, which is the main expense during the winter months. A new and more efficient furnace, although it’s a sizeable investment, is another great way to save on those steep heating bills.

Short of that, what can you do to reduce heating costs? A lot of homeowners are beginning to realize there’s another option. It’s relatively affordable, it makes heating and cooling a lot more practical and fun, and it can significantly reduce your heating expenditures during the winter. But it’s not a new furnace.

We’re talking, of course, about smart thermostat technology. You’ve probably noticed that you don’t have to go far to find this new technology. Most department and electronics stores now have it, and major online retailers carry a seemingly endless number of devices.

So what are these thermostats so popular, and how do they actually help you save money when the temperature drops?

Total control

The main way you’ll save money on your heating bills through smart thermostat technology is probably control. Because your thermostat can be controlled from anywhere in the world, instantly, using your favorite phone or tablet, there’s no more “accidentally” leaving the heat on all day when no one’s home. The other benefit of this is that you can make sure the house is nice and toasty when you step in, rather than having to wait for the place to heat up.

Ongoing learning

Depending on what thermostat you buy, it will be capable of actually “learning” your heating patterns and behaving accordingly unless you intervene. This takes some of the guesswork out of heating efficiently, and keeps you comfortable at your desired home temperature.

Heating cycles

It’s a common tactic to let the heat reduce at night in order to save. But did you know that it can sometimes be more costly to replace that lost heat in the morning? Smart thermostats use detailed metrics to calculate what the most efficient heating strategies will be, and gives you in-depth information on your energy usage to help you make better heating decisions throughout the winter.

Choosing the right thermostat for your home

Obviously, the efficiency of your heating system, your insulation, your windows, and even your doors will have a drastic effect on how efficiently your system is able to run. But assuming these things are in good working order, a smart thermostat can take your savings to the next level by learning your preferences automatically, and by giving you complete control over your home climate system with the touch of a button. It’s important to make sure everything is selected and installed correctly, so a home automation specialist is a good bet for homeowners looking to get the full benefit.

5 Things You Didn’t Know Your Smart Lock Could Do

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 22:08:23 GMT

Home automation is amazing us more and more everyday. It’s only been a few years since the first home automation gadgets hit the market, and already we’ve seen the technology grow exponentially in breadth and scope. We’ve reached the point where a whole host of devices can be integrated together, making a whole new set of smart home functions possible for the modern homeowner.

Smart locks are one of the most exciting inventions in home automation for this very reason: they can be integrated with multiple other systems to produce useful, practical, and great functions for homeowners.

Cameras are one example. Smart locks can be integrated with smart cameras any number of ways. When the lock is deactivated, a camera can be programmed to automatically capture/record the person entering into the house. That recording can be automatically recorded and sent to your phone, so you know every time someone enters your home. If you’re the type of homeowner who doesn’t have a lot of people coming and going (or if you’re exactly that type), this can be a really useful security feature.

Smart locks can also be cleverly integrated with your thermostat to change your at-home climate controls, depending on whether or not anybody is at home. These settings can result in real energy savings that add up over time — not to mention the convenience of having your thermostat automatically detect when you’re home, and change the climate according to your specifications.

Lighting is another exciting, and simple, example of smart lock integration. Why not program your smart lighting systems to communicate with your smart lock, and react when the lock is activated or deactivated? No more leaving lights on in the house when nobody’s home, for one thing (other smart appliances can be programmed to automatically shut off as well, when the lock is activated). The other nice aspect is that you can program your preferred lighting configurations to automatically active when you enter the home. How convenient would it be to have all the lights you need automatically turned on the moment you enter the house?

The list of functions that homeowners can have is constantly growing, but these three alone make smart lock integration worth consideration.

Putting all the pieces together

All of these features, and many more, can be accomplished with smart home installations. The problem is, getting the best results on your own isn’t as easy as you might think. Every manufacturer wants to make things easy for you, but when you’re dealing with multiple brands, makes, models, routers, wiring situations, and other variables in your home — getting everything to work as it’s supposed to can be a stressful undertaking. For this reason, more homeowners who are interested in home automation are hiring expert consultants to ensure that they choose the right products to accomplish their home automation goals, and then providing professional installation, setup, and troubleshooting services. This takes the guesswork out of home automation and allows families to quickly reach the full benefits of home automation.