Smarter Living with a Smarter Home
From home security systems to smart thermostats, smart devices can make your home more connected than ever before.
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Smart Home Automation Devices from Top Providers
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Smart Thermostats
Among the most popular smart home devices on the market are smart thermostats. While their specific features vary between models, the primary features they offer include the ability to control your HVAC — heat and/or home cooling — remotely from your computer or smartphone. The many benefits this brings include:
Energy & Cost Savings: Smart thermostats are an eco-friendly choice that can reduce your energy consumption, and the associated costs! While a smart thermostat does require an investment at first, the savings you’ll soon realize will likely be worth the price.
When can I use my Smart Thermostat?
These smart home devices are especially popular in areas with extreme temperatures, where the temperature can greatly fluctuate throughout the day. But smart thermostats are appealing to homeowners and renters all over the world. Below are some examples of current customer scenarios where having a smart thermostat with remote control is helpful.
Changing Climates
Was it a comfortable 65 degrees when you left the house this morning, but it will climb into the high 80s before you return home? Turn up your air conditioning system an hour or so before you expect to arrive so it has a chance to cool things down in time for your return.
Temperature Drop
Perhaps you’re experiencing the opposite scenario and you left the cold air blasting when you rushed out this morning, only to later realize the weather expected to cool down. Not only will adjusting the temp ensure you won’t be shivering when you arrive home, but you won’t be wasting energy and money cooling an empty house. If you have pets, they’re sure to appreciate it too!
Frequent Travelers
Smart thermostats are also popular for people who frequently travel, even if they’re often just away for a day or so. After a long day in flight or on the road, you don’t want to wait for your AC or heat to adjust when you finally sink into your favorite spot on the sofa.
Securing Your Home
The degree to which we have been given control of the security of our homes, and the irreplaceable people and pets who live there, has reached incredible heights in recent years. Many of us were initially drawn to smart home devices with a home security angle, including alarm systems and security cameras that can be accessed from our smartphones, both inside and outside the home.
But behind all of these front-facing features of home security — such as text alerts when motion sensors are activated — are advanced home automation systems that power the whole operation. And it is those systems that need to be monitored by trusted companies like our partners.
Smart Home Security
Below we have highlighted some of the most common home security solutions on the market to help you in crafting a list of which are most important for you and your family:
Motion sensors, alarms, and lights
Door and window sensors
Smoke, fire, carbon monoxide, and water (flood) sensors
Remote door locks
Live video feed
24/7 professional monitoring
Smart Lighting Benefits
Many years ago, the closest we came to controlling the lights without getting up was The Clapper – a simple device which allows you to turn on and off plugged-in appliances with the clap of your hands. While this can be a fun solution (and brought some memorable commercials), smart lighting control options now empower you to manage your lights from a convenient app, wherever, whenever you choose.
Energy & Cost Savings
Setting lights to your schedule is a bright idea – pun intended! — with almost limitless functionality. And this bright idea can add up to significant energy and cost savings, while simultaneously making your life easier. Know you’ll be pulling into the driveway every weekday at 6:30 p.m.? Schedule your front lights to turn on just in time so you aren’t struggling in the dark with bags and/or kids in tow.
Traveling
Going to be away for a few days and don’t want your house to appear empty? Many thieves are looking for the easiest target on the block, and a light turning on may be just enough of a deterrent to reduce your risk of being that target. Schedule lights to turn on and off throughout your time away to give the appearance of someone being home.
Smart Home Services
Many of our partners offer high-speed Internet, TV and phone services also offer cutting-edge smart home system options! Explore some of the most cost-effective, reliable equipment and home automation solutions on the market to find the perfect solution for you and your family.
| Provider | Offerings | |
|---|---|---|
| Xfinity offers around the clock security with 24/7 professional monitoring and video recording options. Bonus: The motion sensors know to ignore pets up to a certain size, so you won’t have to worry about your animal companion setting off false alarms! | Learn More | |
| Do you want a robust system that instantly notifies you when a door or window has been opened, and allows you to check crystal clear HD cameras at home from your phone? Consider plans available from COX Homelife. | Learn More | |
| Do you want a highly customizable system, with equipment that you’ll own at the end of your contract? Home security offerings from Mediacom are definitely worth your attention. | Learn More | |
| Already know which specific devices you’re interested in, and want to easily compare them? GCI’s website allows you to narrow your options based on manufacturer, device type, plan type and more. | Learn More | |
| Armstrong offers award-winning protection through Guardian Protection. Get 24/7 professional monitoring with options like keyless entry, door/window sensors, glass break detector, smart garage door opener, cameras, and so much more! | Learn More |
Helpful Resources
A Comprehensive List of Alexa Smart Home Devices
Curious about your device options with Alexa? Check out this list of categories and smart home devices you should be using with Alexa and why.
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