While home automation technology has been around for a while, it’s more affordable than ever nowadays. Thanks to advancing technology, we can customize and control our home from the lighting to the window treatments to the security system. Whether this is the beginning of your process of upgrading to a smart home or you’re just trying to stay up-to-date with new options for automation, here’s a guide of our top 5 smart home automation ideas for your home.
Lighting
With smart light bulbs, you are able to control the lights in your home with a smartphone app or smart hub. Not only do these LED-based bulbs have lower energy consumption which helps lower your electricity bill, but they can also allow you to set your lights to turn on when you wake up and off when you want to go to bed.
Another key smart home automation system we recommend is the use of exterior lights. These are a basic in home security and also add a level of convenience. You have the option to have these lights turn on with the sunset and off with the sunrise, or to have a motion sensor so that they only come on when someone is near them.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Not only are they another option for home automation, but smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are extremely important for your safety too. Over 400 people die a year in the US due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, and many people don’t realize how easy it is to prevent this. Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will send notifications to your phone when it’s time for them to be replaced, and nowadays most of them are easy to install too. Here’s a look at some of the best smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on the market right now, don’t wait until it’s too late!
Heating and Cooling
Smart thermostats are not only extremely convenient but are also a game-changer when it comes to energy efficiency. Smart thermostats automatically adjust the temperature to your ideal level of comfort, and you can easily adjust the temperature on your smartphone. These devices also track your energy usage and some devices even have an air quality monitor to alert you if the air quality is getting worse.
Security
Thankfully, nowadays there are many ways to upgrade the security in your home with smart devices. From installing a video doorbell so you can always know who is at your door to upgrading to smart door locks so you don’t have to get out of bed to lock the doors at night, there are endless options for upping your home security so you can sleep well at night knowing everyone in your home is safe.
Window Treatments
Automated window treatments offer your home an extra level of convenience, safety, and lower energy consumption. Our Hunter Douglas PowerView ™ Motorization works with your choice of voice-controlled technology from Amazon, Apple or Google. Similar to automated lights, motorized window treatments can be scheduled to open when you wake up in the morning and close at the hottest parts of the day – protecting your furniture from the sun and helping regulate your air conditioner throughout the day so it doesn’t have to work as hard.
While each shade can run on AA batteries, the option to not change a dozen batteries every year has its advantages. If your home is under construction or you are ready for a smart home overhaul, pre-wiring is a highly attractive option for getting power to each window without the use of batteries.
If you have questions about the Hunter Douglas PowerView Automation system and how it functions with other smart devices, contact us today! We truly believe in the benefits of this system and enjoy seeing homeowner’s reactions once it is up and running.