Smart homes are becoming more and more popular, with many new homes coming with a variety of smart features already along with smart upgrade options. There are many reasons smart home features have become so popular. Our day-to-day relationship to technology makes these an easy integration into our already electronically charged lives. Here are some reasons that you might want to choose smart technology for your home and a guide to smart window treatments.
Why Should I Add Smart Features to My Home?
Smart home appliances and programs offer a variety of advantages over traditional choices. Though the price may be more at the outset, you can benefit greatly from the savings available. You should consider the following when deciding if you want to include smart home features in your own space.
Smart Home Appliances Are Convenient
Based on the Pew Research Center’s research on technology device ownership in 2015, 68% of Americans have a smartphone and 45% have tablets. We love how convenient our smartphones are. You can do just about anything from them these days, answer emails, social network, make dinner reservations, buy movie tickets or even shop! Some of you may have even found this article while on your wireless device! This carries over to smart homes. These devices are the remote controls for your smart appliances.
With the tap of a screen from just about anywhere you can set your security system, adjust your air conditioner and even schedule when you want your dinner to start cooking in some cases. Traffic quickly becomes dinner prep time and you don’t even have to be present! If you get home after dark, no problem, just switch your lights on before you even get out of the car so you aren’t fumbling in the night for your keys and add a little extra safety.
Smart Technology is a Cost-Saver
It’s 7:00 AM, you are thisclose to being ready, but your kids are another story. As you frantically toss shoes and lunches in their general direction, you don’t have time to think about everything that you forgot to turn off. It’s 8:30 AM, you’re settling in at work. Coffee…check. Emails taken care of? Check.
Then the slow dread creeps in…the A/C is still on full blast (the dog must be in heaven), none of the lights got turned off on the way out and you don’t remember if you even set the alarm! If you’ve invested in smart technology, you have little to worry about. Your dog might be a little bummed when the A/C goes from frigid fantasy to cool-ish comfort and the lights go down, but your budget will thank you. Peace of mind can do wonders for your stress level.
Smart Home Options Can Add Another Layer of Safety
Remote alarms systems are fantastic. Not only can you set the alarm and shut it off before you ever enter the house, (thus eliminating the frantic run to the alarm system to shut it off before time runs out) but if anything unusual happens while you are away, you will be notified on your smartphone immediately. This gives you time to call a neighbor, the police will already be notified, but you are aware of what is going on and won’t be surprised by a burgled house, or worse, the intruders themselves when you arrive home. During the summer when kids are at home, this additional security is worth the monthly cost to keep them safe. Same goes for outdoor lights and garage doors or door locks that can be turned on and unlocked remotely. Your family’s safety is important and easier than ever to help ensure.
Smart Home Technology is an Energy Saver
These days, the cost savings that is provided by energy saving options like turning lights off and air conditioner units up are important with smart tech. Additionally, being able to save energy will help you do your part for the environment as well. An excellent way, especially during the dog days of summer, to save energy on lights and reduce the need to crank up the A/C is to use effective window shades. Shades made specifically for insulating from the heat of the sun are especially helpful.
How does this fit in with smart technology? These aren’t just any window shades but are smart window shades which are compatible with your smartphone. You can program the shades to go up or down on a timer depending on when and where in the house the sun is at it’s most invasive. You also have the ability to use your smartphone as a remote control to put shades down for privacy or partially up or down depending on your needs as you relax. Once you get the schedule down, you will be amazed at how little you actually have to bump the air down throughout the day. They’re pretty great for “wowing” company as well. See some of Austin Blind Faith’s motorized smart shades in action in these videos.
Smart tech is only going to keep getting better, more intuitive to your individual needs, and more convenient. We’re already talking about automatic vacuums, grill cleaning robots and auto air purifiers. Not to mention all of the new electronic pet products that are out there so your furry friends don’t feel so alone during the day. Who knows, maybe we’ll all have our own version of Rosy from The Jetsons soon enough.
If you’re interested in learning more about the cost savings, style and efficiency that motorized smart shades, blinds and draperies can offer you, contact Austin Blind Faith today!
Austin Blind Faith has been providing the best window coverings in Austin for years. Their custom window treatments for Austin-area clients are high quality and installed with precision and care. Call or email Darby and Trey today and they will come to you for a complimentary in-home or in-office consultation! Austin Blind Faith loves working with interior designers as well!