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Home automation has come a long way in recent years, and tech-savvy homeowners love streamlining their lives and saving time and energy. From voice-activated assistants to smart thermostats and electric blinds, there are countless devices and systems available to help automate and simplify everyday tasks. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
Smart Thermostats – One of the most popular home automation devices is the smart thermostat. These devices can learn your daily routine and adjust the temperature accordingly, helping you save energy and money on your utility bills. You can also control them from your smartphone! We love: the Nest Learning Thermostat.
Smart Speakers – Another popular home automation device is the smart speaker, such as the Amazon Echo or the Google Home. These devices can be used to control other smart devices in your home, play music, set alarms and reminders, and answer questions using voice commands.
Automated Curtains and Blinds: Automate your window coverings to close automatically at night for privacy and security, and open during the day to let in natural light. Some automated systems can be controlled remotely Check out the Lutron Serena Smart Shades and the Hunter Douglas PowerView Motorization system.
Smart Locks: Loved by real estate agents everywhere for the easy and quick access they provide, smart locks allow you to lock and unlock your doors remotely via a smartphone app and can even send you notifications when someone enters or exits your home. Check out the August Smart Lock or the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt.
Smart Lighting: Smart lighting allows you to control the lights in your home remotely and can be set to turn on or off automatically based on your schedule or when you’re away.
Smart Security Cameras and Monitoring Systems: A smart security camera allows you to monitor your home remotely and can send you alerts if it detects any unusual activity, using a smartphone app. Check out the Ring Alarm or the SimpliSafe Home Security System.
Smart Doorbells: A smart doorbell allows you to see and speak to visitors remotely and can even record video footage of anyone who approaches your door (great for catching porch pirates in the act!) We love our Ring doorbell.
Smart Garage Door Openers: A smart garage door opener allows you to open and close your garage door remotely and can even send you notifications if it’s left open.
Smart Smoke Detectors: Install a smart smoke detector that can alert you to a fire even when you’re not home and can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app. Check out devices like the Nest Protect or the First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound.
Smart Home Theatre System: Set up a smart home theatre system that can be controlled using voice commands or a smartphone app. We simply ADORE our Sonos Beam system.
Smart Coffee Makers: Imagine waking up to a freshly brewed cup of coffee, brewed by a coffee maker programmed to work with your schedule.
Smart Lockboxes: RELATORS love smart lockboxes that allow you to securely store keys for guests or service providers and can be opened using a smartphone app. Check out devices like the Master Lock Bluetooth Lock Box or the Igloohome Smart Keybox.
Smart Pet Equipment: From programmable pet doors that allow your pets to enter and exit at specific times or via connected collars or tags, to automatic pet feeders controlled by an app on your smartphone.
Home automation isn’t just a way to make your friends jealous….it simplifies every day tasks and improves energy efficiency too.
