Home Automation: 5 Things It Can Do for You

Have you ever fantasized about waking up to the smell of coffee already brewing or turning up the heat on a cold day without getting out of bed? It sounds like a dream, but both are possible (and pretty easy to do) thanks to smart phones and smart appliances.

Home automation syncs household systems with programs or input from a wireless device. A smart lamp, for example, may be synced to your phone so you can control it from the palm of your hand.

Most homeowners who choose to automate their homes spend between $564 and $2,260 to sync everything from thermostats to alarm systems. But there are lots of smaller ways to take advantage of home automation without spending a fortune. You can even set up some smart home devices yourself.

Intrigued? Here are five things you can do with a few easy home automation upgrades.

1. Control appliances across the room without getting up

Installing programmable lights and switches is a great first step toward living in a smart home. Just swap regular light bulbs with smart light bulbs, then plug a smart switch into your outlets. From there, you can program your lights with an app on your phone and control them from the palm of your hand.

It’s a simple upgrade, but you’ll love the convenience. Turn your lights on before you come home so you don’t trip over the cat on your way to the switch. Or, turn your lights off at the end of the night from the comfort of your bed.

Have a light in the house that doesn’t fit a smart light bulb? You can still make it smart by upgrading to a programmable light switch. It’s best to hire a professional electrician when it comes to rewiring.

Hire an Electrical Wiring Service

2. Unlock the door without fumbling for your keys

By installing a smart lock, you can ensure your safety and security while gaining the convenience of opening your door with your phone. Some versions also give you the ability to open your door remotely, which comes in handy in case of an emergency or a houseguest showing up ahead of schedule.

Afraid of relying totally on your cell? Some smart lock options also provide you with a physical key as a backup when the batteries are drained or your phone dies.

Hire a Locksmith to Replace Your Locks

3. Hear safety alerts from anywhere

Hopefully, you already have both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that will alert you of danger when you’re home. But as loud as these alarms are, when you’re out of the house, trouble could be unfurling at home while you enjoy blissful ignorance.

Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can send you a text when they sense a health hazard no matter where you are — a must-have, especially for pet lovers whose furry friends may be home alone.

Hire a Home Security Installer

4. Lower your heat and air-conditioning bills

Smart thermostats learn your habits and can begin operating autonomously after about a week. This will make your life easier and save you money — since you don’t need to heat your home as much while you’re sleeping or at work.

Best of all, you can control your thermostat with your smartphone. So, if you forget to turn down the heat before you leave for vacation, the controls are always within reach. The Nest is one popular smart thermostat you can snatch up and have a pro install.

Hire a Thermostat Installation Service

5. Up the value of your home

If you’re installing different components of the automated home one by one, or if you’re looking to cut costs, wireless systems are the way to go. But there are also many benefits to household-wide hardwired automation systems.

A hardwired system is more difficult for hackers to access and, unlike a wireless system, it will continue to run even if your internet service goes out. The components can be easily synced, so setting your home to “vacation mode” will ensure all the doors are locked, all your appliances are off and the temperature is a frugal 60 degrees.

Hire a Home Automation Service

Photo: Bernard Goldmach via Flickr