While smart 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 to make your home smarter.

 

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 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, as well as alter the color of the bulb. Here’s a look at some of this year’s best smart light bulbs options.

Another key smart home automation system we recommend is the use of exterior lights. These are definitely a basic in home security and also add a level of convenience. You have the option to have these lights turn off with the sunrise and on with the sunset, or to have a motion sensor so that they only come on when someone is near them – you can decide exactly when they turn on and off. Here’s a look at some of the best outdoor motion sensor lights.

 

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With October being Fire Safety Month, we wanted to share the importance of having smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. 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 smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on the market right now, don’t wait until it’s too late!

 

Window Treatments

Motorized window treatments offer your home an extra level of convenience, safety and lower energy consumption. 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. Here’s a more in-depth look at the benefit of motorized window treatments.

 

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. Here’s a look at some of the top smart thermostats in 2019.

 

Security

Last but definitely not least, 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 security in your home so you can sleep well at night knowing everyone in your home is safe. Here’s a look at some of the best smart security products on the market right now.

We hope this blog has helped you realize all of the ways to upgrade your home to be a smart home, and that there are many options out there for every budget. If you’re looking to upgrade to motorized window treatments, we’d love it if you considered the possibilities with us at ABC Blind & Drapery.