Smarthouse Blog Archives - Page 2 of 7

Think Smart (Homes): How to Build the Best Home Automation System

19 Nov, 2020 / by admin / in Design category

Remember that scene in Back to the Future Part II, where we get a glimpse of Marty McFly’s home in the “future”—i.e., 2015?

It’s full of smart, automated gadgets and features that seemed pretty incredible at the time. Well, it’s now 2020, and smart homes are a reality. There’s a host of sophisticated home automation devices on the market, and they make the science fiction dreams of yesteryear look old-fashioned.

Smart devices are a great addition to your home. They help make your life easier, and they can streamline productivity.

So we’ve put together this little guide to building the best home automation system. Just use these tips to give your home the smart upgrade you’ve always wanted.

1. Set Up a Smart Thermostat

One of the first steps in assembling the best home automation is to install a smart thermostat.

A smart thermostat lets you control your home’s heating and cooling more efficiently. By having a set schedule, you can cut down on heating and cooling costs and save on your monthly energy bills.

2. Use Smart Lights

This is another must in home automation.

Like the smart thermostat, smart lights are a great way to help you save on energy costs. And they come with an array of incredible features. There are smart lights with motion sensors, WiFi-enabled lights connected to your smartphone, and timer-activated lights.

3. Install Smart Shades

Installing automated shades is another easy way to give your home an upgrade.

A product like Lutron’s Serena smart shades offers the convenience of customizable, motorized shades that can be remotely operated from your smartphone, even when you’re not at home.

That way, you can control the amount of sunlight entering your house and save on energy bills, even when you’re half a world away.

4. Set Up a Voice Assistant

This is where things get really futuristic.

Voice assistants have come a long way, and sophisticated platforms like Josh.ai are designed to support natural language voice commands. These systems integrate with your smart home, centralizing control.

Now you don’t have to worry about controlling each individual device. All it takes are verbal commands to your voice assistant to activate your various smart devices.

That’s what living in 2020 should be about.

Let Us Help You Find the Best Home Automation

Smart home technology is advancing rapidly. The best home automation is at the intersection of new advances in artificial intelligence and ever more responsive devices.

Are you ready to upgrade your home with the best in home automation? Contact us today at SmartHouse Integration, and see how we can help bring your home into the twenty-first century.

The 5 Best Home Automation Systems

28 Sep, 2020 / by admin / in Trends category

Over 60 million properties in the U.S. will be labeled “smart homes” by the year 2022. But our homes have a much greater capacity for technological innovation than simply asking Alexa to play some music. So how can you take your home automation to the next level? And what are the best home automation hubs available?

From security to entertainment, to your home office, there are so many options for making your house more efficient. Read on to find out more!

1. Whole House Audio

Upgrade your Amazon Echo or Google Nest speaker by installing a central audio control for your home. You’ll be able to control exactly which rooms are playing the same music (or any audio at all) while keeping your speakers out of sight.

You can control your audio system wirelessly, and wander from room to room without missing a beat. What’s more, this can be applied to video too!

2. Integrated Security

Whether you’re on vacation or simply out for dinner, you can rest easy knowing your automated home security system is keeping you and your home safe. Our monitoring center offers protection 24/7.

Install a variety of devices, including touch panels, keypads, and discreet CCTV to keep your home totally secure. You can playback recordings from your phone or computer to check any time what’s going on in and around your property.

3. Climate Control

Now more than ever we need to make sure we’re not wasting energy by needlessly heating and cooling our home. With Florida’s temperamental weather conditions this could be challenging, but our climate control system makes it easy.

Adjust your AC remotely, set a program for the upcoming day, and personalize the settings for every room in your house. This way you’re in complete control of the temperature of your home, while also doing your bit for the environment.

4. LED Landscape Lighting

Utilize LED landscape lighting to highlight the most stunning features of your home. Whether that’s an infinity pool or a luxurious driveway, landscape lighting provides a warm yet chic ambiance to your home.

You can link the controls to your phone or tablet via WiFi, or simply program them to turn off and on according to daylight hours. This way you’ll have a smart garden to accompany your smart home.

5. Home Office Upgrade

The final home automation feature you need is to enhance your home office technology and security. With more and more meetings taking place at home in the era of Covid-19, now is the right time to invest in your home office.

Our H.O.P.E program allows business owners to stay competitive with advanced network capacity and first-rate power management.

Now You Can Achieve Home Automation Perfection

We’ve now covered five of the top home automation features you should be considering. It’s time to make use of the incredible technological advances available to us and create a smart, sophisticated, and secure home.

SmartHouse Integration is a certified dealer and multiple award-winner with over 20 years of experience making houses more intelligent.

Get in touch for more information about how we can help you innovate your home’s technology.

5 Things to Look for When Choosing Custom Security Systems

10 Sep, 2020 / by admin / in Lifestyle category

As a homeowner, your home and everything inside of it is precious to you. Whether we’re talking about your family members, important heirlooms, or valuable items, you must take measures to ensure safety and security.

Even if you live in a nice neighborhood and know the neighbors well, it doesn’t mean your house can’t be targeted. However, home security is about much more than just protecting your home and possessions from intruders, it can actually save lives.

The only question is how to choose the right security setup. There are endless options for custom security systems, how do you know what you need for your house?

We’re here to help provide some guidance. Keep reading for the top five things to look for when choosing a home security system.

1. Smart Home Integration

Smart home technology is progressing and becoming increasingly popular. Smart homes allow you to turn appliances on and off from your phone, manipulate the temperature, lights, and more. Imagine the convenience of a smart home integrated with your security system.

Custom security systems can be set up so you can monitor and control its functions from your phone or other devices. If an alarm is triggered, you’ll immediately be notified on your phone. At any time, you can check in on the security cameras for a live feed.

Furthermore, smart home security integration can also monitor CO2 alarms, smoke alarms, and heat sensors.

2. Security Cameras

Security cameras are a must for custom security systems. If you’re away from the house on vacation or at work, you can tap into your live feed to see the cause of an alarm, check on your pets, see what your kids are up to, and more.

Additionally, the presence of visible security cameras outside your home serve as a powerful crime deterrent. If someone ignores the camera and tries to break into your home, the video footage could provide vital evidence to find the intruder.

3. Motion Lights

When learning how to choose a home security system, we also recommend looking into motion-activated lights. These will help deter anyone from trying to break in at night.

Criminals prefer to operate in the dark where no one will see them. If they trigger a bright motion light, they’ll quickly change courses.

4. Door and Window Alarms

Obviously, one of the most important factors when choosing a security system for your house is finding one with adequate door and window sensors. These will trigger if the alarm is set and a door or window is opened. There are also window sensors that are triggered in the event that the window is smashed.

As an added bonus, this helps notify parents if their teenagers are trying to sneak out in the middle of the night.

5. Company Reviews

Finally, when looking at custom security systems, you need to check the reviews of both the equipment and the companies behind them. Your security system will be installed and monitored by the company of your choice. They will be the ones contacting the police and checking in on you if alarms are triggered.

Are You Looking at Custom Security Systems?

We hope you found our home security guide helpful and informative. However, if you’re looking for more information on smart home technology or custom security systems, be sure to check out some of our other articles before you go. Our blog is dedicated to helping homeowners like you stay safe and secure while enjoying maximum comfort and convenience.

Here’s How Future Technology Will Transform Your Home

05 Aug, 2020 / by admin / in Trends category

The ways in which future technology will affect our lives is far-reaching. From healthcare to tasks of daily living, the advancement of new technology aims to make our lives easier and better in just about every way.

Nowhere is this more true than in our own homes. Studies show 69% of households now have at least one smart home device. But how will future technology change your home for the better?

While we can only predict some of the ways in which our lives will be enriched by technological advances, we do have some pretty good ideas on how they might help create more comfortable and modern houses. Keep reading to learn how the future of technology will transform your home and the life you live there.

Always Connected

The younger generations that are alive today are already among those that have grown up never knowing a world without the internet, but those being born today and beyond will grow up in a world of constant connectivity.

Bluetooth and WiFi technologies are already in every developed country. But technology already exists that links more than just our phones and computers to this online grid. And it will continue to grow so that your entire home can be linked up. The appliances and machines you use every day will be online capable and always connected.

Completely Automated

Along with this online capability comes the capacity for a completely automated home.

Out of milk and eggs? Your fridge will know as it creates your grocery list for you.

Shades that automatically open and close and lights that turn on and off at specified times? These total home solutions are already here, and only getting better.

Energy Efficiency

Along with completely automated homes will come enhanced energy efficiency capabilities.

Besides the already existing technology that allows your home’s temperature and lighting to be scheduled and controlled remotely, developing technologies geared toward renewable energy and decreasing our carbon footprint will likely result in appliances that can be similarly controlled and turned on and off.

Enhanced Security

Where security is concerned, technology has already changed the way we keep ourselves and our families safe.

From wireless camera systems that let us monitor our homes in real-time while we’re away to fire suppression systems that automatically send alerts to the local fire department, our homes have never been safer or more secure. And this technology will only continue to grow and advance.

Future Technology in Our Homes

And the best part?

As future technology comes into play and becomes more commonplace, it’s easier and more affordable than ever to start making your home a more comfortable place to live. From simple additions like controlling the temperature and lighting to more in-depth integrations like security and monitoring, upgrading your home isn’t just about paint colors and layout remodels anymore.

Are you ready to take your home to the next level of comfort and convenience with the newest in technology?

Contact Smarthouse Integration to learn how you can bring your home into the future!

5 Home Security Features You Should Be Looking For

04 Aug, 2020 / by admin / in Lifestyle category

There are approximately 1.6 million burglaries in the United States each year. This means that it’s of the utmost importance that you protect your home and your valuables to the best of your ability.

Fortunately, innovative advancements in smart home technology have made keeping your home safe easy.

Read on to learn five security features that your home needs stat.

1. Get a Hard-Wired System

Everything in your life has slowly moved to wireless, but your home’s security system is one thing that shouldn’t.

Having a hard-wired security house is more reliable and effective. First of all, it’s more dependable because the signal can’t be interfered with. Wires ensure a constant and sturdy connection between all of your security elements.

If you’re looking for a long-term solution, go with a wired system.

2. The Best in Video Technology

One of the best security features to invest in is video technology. Nowadays, high-tech security cameras are capable of providing HD video in color. This makes it easier to identify who is on your property and what they’re doing.

Many of these devices are available in small sizes that are easy to hide and disguise.

Among video technology, video doorbells have become a popular choice. Some even come with zoom-in options, motion detectors, and the option to communicate through them.

3. Smart Home Security Automation

There are so many home automation products on the market these days that it should come as no surprise that you can automate your security house as well.

You also have the option to connect your security system to your cellphone. This allows you to monitor and control all of your security features from anywhere.

Whether you don’t want to walk to the other side of the house or you’re away on vacation, this option is a must-have.

From camera feed to door locks, you can automate it.

4. Advanced Sensors

All sorts of security sensors are available to keep your belongings safe.

These include:

Door tamper sensors
Window tamper sensors
Window break sensors
Control panel tamper sensors
Fire detectors
Flood sensors

Investing in these sensors will ensure that you know the second your home is in danger from fire, flood, or burglars. Window break sensors are especially important because 95% of home invasions involve forceful entry.

Whenever a sensor goes off, an automatic alert will be sent to your phone.

5. Smart Safes

It’s not uncommon to have a safe for your most valuable assets and documents. But how will you know if someone manages to get into your safe? Perhaps someone you know got past your security system.

This type of scenario is why you need a smart safe that alerts you any time your safe is opened.

Invest in These Home Security Features Stat

You never know when disaster will strike, so it’s important that you protect your home as soon as possible.

If you have valuables to protect, be sure to consider all five of the security features in this article. Taking precautions is better than dealing with the loss later on.

Check out our selection of home security options today.

How Does Lighting Impact Circadian Rhythm? Light, Darkness, and Your Sleep Cycle

06 Apr, 2020 / by admin / in Lifestyle category

You want a seamless morning routine.

From the moment your head hits the pillow until you wake up, you want a home system that fits into the start of your day.

Perhaps you wake up to an alarm. But that’s a jarring start to your day, even for those of us who are morning people.

And, it’s an unnatural start to your day, morning person or not.

The best way to naturally start your day is by using the connection between lighting and circadian rhythm.

Lighting and Circadian Rhythm: How Are They Related?

We all have a biological cycle, called a circadian rhythm, which affects our sleep patterns through a series of factors. Some affected aspects of our natural cycle are explained below, and how you can make your morning routine fit with your sleep cycle, using the science of in-home technology.

Exposure

The more we are exposed to light, the more alert we become–to a certain extent.

Eventually, prolonged exposure to any form of light will not be enough to suppress melatonin release, a neurochemical which encourages sleepiness.

Our bodies need rest, even with light exposure, but certain forms of light disrupt our natural processes.

Artificial light, which we expose ourselves to most during our the most light-sensitive portion of our circadian rhythm in the evening, is suspected to interfere with our natural cycle.

Mostly, existing data concludes that too much artificial light makes it harder to fall asleep, rest well, and wake up the next morning.

If you haven’t experienced this, consider yourself one of the lucky few.

If you’re like most of us and have experienced this, you’re probably wondering if there’s a solution.

There is! Your answer to a good night’s sleep lies in…

Smart Home Technology Trends

Home automation ideas are cutting edge and are a great solution to today’s ever-customizable culture. Smart home automation incorporates technology into various aspects of your home.

Who doesn’t want a home built for their specific needs?

SmartHouse Integration can meet those needs. They offer top of the line service for smart home technology trends, including a solution for your sleep and morning wake up.

If You Want Some Shut Eye…

Look no further than SmartHouse Integration’s various solutions for solving your lighting and circadian rhythm problems.

We offer all sorts of services and products, including automatic shades which you can program to open and close at variable times.

Of course, there’s a gradual turning on of lights to the optimal brightness to send your body the right signals and have you performing at your best throughout the day.

By the day’s end, you’ll want lighting adjusted to the right warmth. With blue light filtered out so that you have no trouble falling asleep–and getting a good night’s rest.

You can customize all of these and more if you turn to SmartHome Integration. They’ll be sure to take care of all your smart home automation, simply and with great service.

You’ll have a good night’s sleep sooner than you think!

Want more articles like this one? Check out our blog!

Diving Into Some Of Today’s Top Home Automation Products

17 Mar, 2020 / by admin / in Trends category

When was the last time you switched on the kettle or the oven with your own hands? probably very recently but all that could be about to change. The future is here. Many home automation products are changing the way we live our lives for the better.

From the comfort of our smartphones or even our voice assistants, we can control our entire homes and now even our kitchens to make our lives that little bit easier.

Here are some of the smart home products you should look out for.

Smart Ovens

Did you know it’s now possible to set your oven from the palm of your hand? Ovens are now app-based appliances. You can amend the temperature, setting and get notified when your food is cooked.

Some more expensive smart ovens also include internal cameras so you don’t even have to enter the kitchen and poke your head in to check up on your food. Many machines can sit on the counter but if you want a full-size oven then you may need to have it professionally installed into your kitchen cabinet.

Smart Locks

In 10 years traditional locks will be a thing of the past. There is no need to worry about losing your keys any longer, now smart locks enable you to use your smartphone or fingerprint to access your front door or even the individual rooms in your house.

This means if you are ever away from your house and someone needs to get in you can temporarily grant them access from further afield.

If you combine a smart lock with a smart camera system you can also check who is entering your house and if you see it’s a neighbor or someone you trust, you can let them in, wherever you are in the world.

Smart Kettles

Do you get bored of having to continuously wait for your kettle to boil? Then don’t despair you can now boil your kettle when you know you are five minutes from home so that it’s ready and waiting for you when you get in.

You can use either an app your smartphone or if you have a smart home system integrated into your smart assistant and everything set up you can ask it to boil your kettle for you.

Smart Light Bulbs

Have you ever left the house and worried that you’ve left some of the lights on? You don’t need to look like a madman to all of your neighbors now as you lock-up and then have to unlock your front door to double-check you’ve turned everything off.

A simple tap on your smartphone app will ensure that all of your smart light bulbs are off. Equally, if you also have a smart camera system set up you can activate the lights in your home to make it look as if someone is home if you spot someone suspicious lurking.

Smart lighting that mimics sunlight is set to be one of the key smart home trends in 2020.

Home Automation Products Are The Future

From smart light bulbs to smart kettles that you can fill up remotely, smart home products will soon be present in everyone’s homes. It’s even possible to turn 500-year-old homes into smart homes

If you are interested in having your entire house wired up with the greatest and latest home automation products, hassle-free, then be sure to contact us today.

Facial Recognition is Emerging (SRQ Magazine Feature)

17 Mar, 2020 / by admin / in In The Press, Trends category

We recently had a tip included in the 2020 Spring Home Portfolio guide from SRQ Magazine. Check it out online here…

While voice control has had a steady growth in popularity, facial recognition is an emerging technology that goes one step further.

If you’re interested in implementing facial recognition into your home automation project, then let us know. We’d love to discuss whether this approach works for your lifestyle.

How to Optimize a Smart Home Thermostat for Comfort and Energy Savings

12 Feb, 2020 / by admin / in Lifestyle category

Don’t you hate those moments when you first come home and have to wait for your heat or AC to kick in? You’re paying for it, so why can’t you enjoy it the entire time you’re at home? A smart home thermostat might just be the solution you’re looking for.

From motion sensors to designating zones, optimizing a smart thermostat for your home will make a huge difference in your energy bill and daily comfort level.

A smart thermostat gives you the flexibility to reduce costs and always feel comfortable without wasting time messing with the settings.

Optimize your thermostat and see for yourself the difference it makes in your life.

Adjust on the Go With a Smart Home Thermostat

With a smart home thermostat, you don’t have to worry about adjusting every setting before you begin your day. You can adjust on the go, based on your own schedule and needs.

With an app that connects your remote thermostat to your phone, you can change the temperature any time you want from any location. No need to wait until you’re standing in front of the device!

Whether you’re rushing out the door in the morning or away on vacation, you don’t have to worry about wasting energy because you didn’t adjust your thermostat at home.

Create Programs Based on Your Lifestyle

Want an even more hands-off approach? A programmable thermostat allows you to create unique systems based on your schedule and preferences.

The thermostat sensor can track your habits and provide you with data to help you create the perfect program that makes sense for your lifestyle.

These thermostats have room occupancy sensors to adjust the temperature throughout your home. With this info, you won’t waste energy in a room you’re not in.

Designate Zones for Each Room in Your Home

You’re on your way to getting the most out of your whole home when you utilize every aspect of your smart home thermostat.

Creating zones for your floor plan is one of the easiest ways to cut back on energy costs and keep every part of your home comfortable.

You don’t even have to agree on a single temperature for the whole house. Based on your usage and each family member’s preference, you can set an individual temperature for each zone and make everyone happy.

Whether you have problem spots or are simply rarely in a certain part of your home, you don’t have to waste money on unnecessary heating or cooling!

Don’t Be Intimidated

Introducing a smart home thermostat can sound complicated but our services are designed to help you every step of the way.

From picking the right device to programming the settings, we’ll help your home become the most energy-efficient without losing any comfort.

Great Home Technology Trends to Look out for in 2020

16 Jan, 2020 / by admin / in Trends category

In 1999, the Disney Channel released a movie called Smart House.

The forward-thinking kids’ movie featured a home outfitted with futuristic technologies. This included an interactive home computer capable of making meals, cleaning up messes, and playing with the family dog.

20 years later as we head into 2020, the concept of a smart home is no longer just a plot point in a kid’s movie. Smart home technology is changing the way we live and interact with our families.

Keep reading to learn more about the newest home technology trends to watch out for in 2020 below.

Advanced Sensory Tech

Smart home tech innovations can only improve if scientists develop more advanced sensory technology.

Recently we’ve seen improvements in sensors for safety equipment associated with water heaters, HVAC systems, and electrical boxes. The sensors monitor the equipment to ensure all works properly and send out an alert to the homeowner when it doesn’t.

In 2020, homeowners can expect even better sensory tech that applies to more parts of their home. Imagine sensors installed in your walls to alert you if there’s a termite infestation starting or issues with the foundation.

The goal of advanced sensory tech is to monitor and prevent expensive and dangerous issues by catching them before they happen.

Security Systems

Integrating smart technology into security systems is another advancement consumers can look forward to in 2020.

Home security providers were one of the first industries to adopt smart technology. The expensive tech started out letting you know when something moved by your front door.

Now, smart home security systems can tell the difference between a human and an animal. This prevents the security system from setting off an alert unnecessarily.

Smart Lighting

Thanks to smart lighting technology, you’ve probably walked into a dark public restroom only to have the lights turn without a switch.

Smart sensors identify movement in the room and turn the lights on only when necessary, which helps to save money and energy.

In 2020, you can expect bigger advances in smart lighting. Things like lights that imitate sunlight to prevent seasonal affective disorder. Even lighting that mimics the movement of the sun throughout the day for people who spend a lot of time indoors.

Home Tech Innovations for Entertainment

The introduction of voice-command televisions and smart speakers revolutionized home entertainment.

The same goes for hidden TVs, advanced home theater systems, and other home tech innovations.

In 2020, you can expect virtual and augmented reality to enter your living space. Not only will this change your television watching experience, but also any gaming experiences.

Hidden high-resolution projectors that respond to voice command will also be available in the upcoming year.

Stay Up-To-Date with the Latest Home Technology Trends

The idea of a completely-smart home isn’t just a fictional plot point anymore.

We’ve seen tons of new home technology trends hit the market in 2019 with even more to arrive in 2020 and beyond.

Want to stay up-to-date on all of these tech trends?

Check out the SmartHouse Integration blog for the latest news in Smart Home technology and how it will affect your life. Head over today to get a glimpse of the technically advanced future in your grasp!