home automation

Smart homes aren’t the future, they’re now! Each of these home automation innovations grants homeowners further control over their daily routine, while a few can even have an especially big impact on energy savings! We’re sharing the most popular smart home devices and how they can help simplify your day-to-day through automation and motorization. 

Lights

Smart light bulbs are LED-based bulbs that can be controlled by a hub or smartphone app. There are a few options that do not require use of a specific hub and can connect through wi-fi and an app like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. These bulbs often allow you to alter the color or hue of the bulb, and turn it on and off by voice-control or directly from your phone.

Read: The Best Smart Bulbs For Your High-Tech Home

Appliances

There are likely more smart appliances on the market than you realize. The term extends to refrigerators, vacuums, coffee makers, ovens and a few other specialty items due to their ability to connect to the internet, utilize sensors and automate functions. 

Now, who doesn’t want the ability to get coffee started right from bed!?

Read: 12 Awesome Smart Appliances You Can Buy Today

Plugs

With a device like the “Amazon Smart Plug,” you can control your lamps and other appliances directly from the outlet. Use your voice or schedule lights, fans, and appliances to turn on and off automatically. The Amazon Smart Plug, in particular, does not require a hub; as you have complete control through the Alexa app. 

Heating and Cooling

The ability to automate your thermostat and HVAC system is not only convenient, but it is also a game-changer in terms of energy efficiency. One of the leading brands behind this shift is Google Nest. With its minimal design and easy-to-use interface, homeowners are able to schedule the temperature within their home or change it remotely from their Google Assistant. The interconnectivity between the Nest system and Google means you no longer need to have separate apps for each of your smart devices.

Window Treatments

Hunter Douglas PowerView ™ Motorization works with your choice of voice-controlled technology from Amazon, Apple or Google. With a simple push of a button or a tap on a mobile device, you can transform light and mood throughout the home. Installing smart window treatments can also optimize your family’s daily schedule by opening shades or blinds at a specific time and closing them to help everyone wind down in the evening.

Beyond simplifying your life, it also works in tandem with your thermostat to further increase energy efficiency. If no one is home during the heat of the day, closed window treatments allow the HVAC system to more easily maintain the desired temperature within the home. A system that does not have to work as hard = a lower energy bill.

Batteries or no batteries, Austintatious has you covered. 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’re ready for a smart home overhaul, pre-wiring is a highly attractive option for getting power to each window without the use of batteries. We are smart window treatment experts, just ask us!

If you have questions about the Hunter Douglas PowerView system and how it functions with other smart devices, give us a call! We truly believe in this system and enjoy seeing homeowners reactions once it is up and running.