1. Lighting Controls
With smart lighting, you can control lights throughout the house with a remote, your phone, or even your voice! You can also create custom lighting settings. For example, very dim when you’re watching a movie, or bright when you’re reading a book. Some systems even come with lights that can change color to create a fun aesthetic throughout your home. On a more serious note, you can use lighting controls to make it look like you are home when you’re away. Either preset the lights to come on and off as they usually would or control them remotely from your smartphone.
2. Blinds
When you install smart blinds, you can control them via a remote, through an app on your phone, or set up automatic times for them to go up and down. If you have a smart home device, you can hook your blinds up to respond to voice commands as well. Not only are they convenient, but these automatic blinds can help you control the temperature in your home by blocking sunlight and assisting with energy efficiency. And with hundreds of options in customizable shades, you can find ones that fit your windows and home aesthetic.
3. Thermostats
3. ThermostatsYou’ve probably seen a programmable thermostat as they have been around for over fifty years, but a smart thermostat takes your control a step further. With a smart thermostat, you can change the temperature and settings from your phone. So, if you’re on the commute home or coming back from vacation, you can adjust the temperature to save money while you’re away but be at a perfect comfortable level when you get home. Many smart thermostats can even sense whether you are home or away on their own. They will automatically adjust your home’s temperature controls, allowing you to be as energy efficient as possible, without having to remember to change any settings!
4. Door Locks
Smart door locks add a level of security that standard locks can’t live up to. You never have to worry about forgetting your keys, or the security issues of leaving an extra key under the mat. With many of the options out there, you can give each family member, guest, or even technicians and cleaning services, their own unique code to get into the house. And the smart lock will send an alert to your phone when these codes are used. Plus, the Bluetooth enabled device can automatically detect when you arrive home and unlock the door when you’re standing outside, so you never have to fumble for your keys when your hands are full.
5. Moisture Sensors
Hidden water damage is every homeowner’s nightmare. Preventing unseen water damage can save you from dangerous mold or costly repairs in the future. Smart moisture sensors will alert you to any leaks, humidity, or changes in temperature throughout the house. This is especially useful for basement drywall or in crawlspaces you don’t regularly access.
6. Outlets
Turn your devices on and off from anywhere, and even put them into standby mode to save energy with smart outlets. These outlets use Wi-Fi to connect to your phone, allowing you to have complete control from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection. You can even set automatic rules to adapt the outlets to your lifestyle and usage habits. Many smart outlets can be set up to work with smart home devices like Siri, Alexa, or Google Home to turn the outlets on and off with voice commands.
7. Doorbell Cameras
Wireless doorbell cameras send push notifications to your phone when they detect motion. They can also record video any time of day or night, and many have audio so that you can communicate with people at your door! So, you can see who is at your front door even when you’re away.
While these are easy upgrades, you should consult a professional electrician before installing smart home items. Many devices like outlets, surveillance cameras, and lights will require electrical rewiring.
If you’re thinking about installing one of the updates above in your home, schedule a consultation with Brothers’ experienced residential electricians. They will take exact measurements, give suggestions for your unique space, and expertly install your smart devices. So, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the convenience of your ultimate smart home!
