Homeowners are reaping the benefits of new home automation technologies

Until recently, the idea of home automation was relatively unfamiliar to most people. However, as products and technologies become more accessible, homeowners across the country are upgrading their homes.

So what is home automation? Simply put, home automation allows homeowners to control basic home systems and appliances from a remote access point – like a smartphone app or a centralized unit inside the home.

Just like some of the futuristic technology seen on television shows like The Jetsons or Star Trek, it’s now possible to control things like your home temperature, lighting and even security systems with the touch of a screen or the sound of your voice.

If the idea of a smart, automated home sounds too “techy” for your lifestyle, or you think these kinds of products probably cost an arm and a leg, think again. The future is now, and it’s completely accessible. Plus, there are a lot of hidden benefits to automating the home that you might not have considered.

6 Benefits to Home Automation

1. Security

Tap your finger to turn on the lights before you get home, or turn on when you aren’t home to ward off potential robbers.

Door locks are another automated home product that can increase your home security. Worried that the kids didn’t lock the doors before they ran off to play? Or that someone will discover your not-so-secret hiding place for the extra key? Take control of your home from a simple app. With some products, you can even get an alert every time someone enters your home.

2. Energy Efficiency

Increase your home’s energy efficiency by remotely powering off systems and appliances when they aren’t being used. In addition to the standard home automation products that give you active control, some products actively monitor systems and arm the homeowner with knowledge, insight, and guidance to achieve greater control and energy efficiency.

3. Savings

Home automation pays off. When you use home systems and appliances only when needed, the savings will show up in your utility bills. No more wasting money on lights left on when you aren’t home or spending money on gas to drive home because you forgot to lock the door.

4. Convenience

Do you hate relying on neighbors to watch your house when you’re gone? With home automation, convenient control of your home is at your fingertips. You don’t have to trust someone else with your most valued possession.

5. Comfort

Ever leave for work in the morning when it was a comfortable 68° outside only to come home to a sweltering house because the temperature shot up to 90°? Connected home products like Wi-Fi thermostats let you adjust your home temperature from the mobile app, so your family is always comfortable.

6. Peace of Mind

One of the hidden benefits that come with home automation is peace of mind. There will be no more worrying if you turned off the lights, locked the door or turned off the television. For people who have a lot on their plates, home automation is definitely worth the investment.

Upgrade to a smart thermostat and ditch the outdated model that is costing you money

Struggling to maintain a comfortable and consistent home temperature? System cycling too fast or too slow? Home thermostat reading doesn’t seem to match the actual room temperature?

An outdated model can not only make you uncomfortable; it can cause HVAC inefficiencies that can cost you money.

3 Perks of the Modern Wi-Fi Thermostat

1. Comfort

Off-brand digital or older mechanical home thermostats are less precise than modern units. These outdated models can cause your HVAC system to cycle too fast or too slow. Not only can this make your home uncomfortable, but it can also strain your system and your utility bill.

2. Features

If you find yourself struggling to read the controls on your old home thermostat, look for a newer smart thermostat model that has more features. A large, easy to read display and keypad lockout are two of many features found in modern smart thermostats.

3. Convenience

Ever wake up to a freezing house and wish you didn’t have to trek down a long hall to turn up the thermostat? Turned the thermostat setting up while on vacation to save money and had to return home after a day of traveling to a sweltering house? Dreamed of being able to control a home appliance with only your voice? The correct smart thermostat can help with all of these things.

Most smart thermostats have free mobile apps that serve as an intuitive remote control, allowing you to set, change and schedule your home thermostat temperature from your bed, your couch, across the room or the country.

When you do replace your home thermostat, remember to dispose of your previous unit properly, especially if is a mercury thermostat. Each state has specific laws and collection programs. You can find more information at thermostat-recycle.org.

Find the best smart thermostat for your home here.

Use this smart thermostat checklist to find your perfect match

You’ve read all the news stories about smart home products. And you’ve heard many of your friends brag about their connected gadgets. You know the benefits of home automation. So you’ve finally decided to take the plunge and update your traditional thermostat to a smart thermostat.

One of the easiest smart home entry-level devices is a smart thermostat. But how do you know which one is right for you? Use this simple thermostat checklist to help narrow down the smart thermostat selection to find your perfect match.

Budget

One of the first things people look at is the price. Some smart thermostats can run as high as $250, and that’s just for the device. Others charge monthly monitoring fees and not all have a free mobile app. Before you purchase, you can also check online to see if you qualify for a rebate from your utility provider.

Quality

After you’ve narrowed down the field with price, you’ll want assurance that you are purchasing a quality device. Look for thermostats that are Energy Aware Qualified®.

System Compatibility

Next, you’ll want to make sure that the thermostat you purchase is compatible with your thermostat wiring and the type of heating and cooling equipment in your home. One of the most important factors in determining compatibility is whether or not your system has or will require the common, or c-wire.

If you aren’t an engineer, or familiar with HVAC systems and how they work, wiring can be intimidating. Before making your selection, read more about the c-wire here to help you better understand what it is and how it works with your thermostat.

Ease of Install

Most homeowners prefer to install the thermostats themselves. Why waste an hour thumbing through a user manual when you can install and connect by using your phone?

You’ll also want to consider the thermostat design. Look for a thermostat that is designed to cover the existing thermostat footprint, which means no messy wall patches, repairs or painting.

Features and Functions

A 2010 study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory revealed that most people who have programmable thermostats don’t actually program them and use the manual settings instead. Why aren’t people programming their thermostats? Simple. Because they can’t figure it out.

Look for a thermostat with easy to understand navigation. Using the mobile app, you should be able to create custom temperature schedules for each day of the week.

Remote Access

It’s not a connected device if you can’t stay connected. Most smart thermostats have mobile apps, so you can change your settings and adjust your thermostat schedule from across the room or the country. It’s the perfect tool for the moms and dads too busy herding the family for the annual vacation to think about the thermostat settings. Or for the harried business traveler who is more worried about the big client presentation than home energy efficiency. There’s nothing worse than realizing that you forgot to adjust your thermostat when you arrive at the airport or have already driven halfway across the state.

As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider before you purchase your first smart thermostat. By following this thermostat checklist, you’re well on your way to choosing the perfect match.

Smart home upgrades aren’t always top-of-mind for many sellers in today’s real estate market. Many look to invest in home improvement projects that pay off in the short-term with the best bang for their buck. A fresh coat of paint. New plants for curb appeal. Modern appliances. But the best home improvements to invest in might not be these typical choices. If you’re looking to sell your house, you might want to consider adding smart home products.

Smart Home Upgrades

As smart home technology has become more mainstream, buyers expect these types of gadgets. Eighty-one percent of people would be more likely to buy a home if smart technology was already installed.* And new smart home upgrades aren’t just appealing to younger buyers. Interest in home automation gadgets crosses generations and income levels.

One of the easiest smart home upgrades is to add a smart thermostat. Easy to install and managed through mobile apps, Wi-Fi thermostats are also compatible with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Wink home platforms.

Another easy project is to add smart lighting, which can be as simple as screwing in a new Wi-Fi-enabled bulb.  Advanced lock technology can give the buyer the impression of heightened safety and security. All of these products can also help you to monitor a vacant home and give your real estate agent more selling points.

In a recent study, nearly one-third of 2015 homebuyer respondents plan on adding home automation gadgets to their new homes. But only 1 in 5 of those planning on selling in 2016 intend to add any smart home upgrades.** Don’t miss out on an opportunity to differentiate your home in this competitive real estate market.

*Coldwell Banker and CNET Smart Home Survey (August 2015)

**2016 Houzz & Home Study