You undoubtedly have heard about “smart” homes. In fact, you may have smart devices in your home and don’t even know it. For example, if you have a television that can be programmed remotely by your mobile phone or tablet, that’s “smart.” Same too if you can adjust your thermostat remotely or if you can turn your home alarm system on or off remotely.

Benefits of a Smart Technology

Having “smart” technologies in your home offers several benefits:

Increased Safety

Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can tell you where the danger is and automatically turn on lights and open shades when carbon monoxide or smoke are detected so you can safely evacuate your home. If you are not home, you can receive an alert on your smartphone or even on your Apple Watch.

Additionally, smart security cameras inside and outside your home, smart doorbells and smart security systems allow you to monitor your home remotely. Smart lighting can also increase safety by automatically turning on lights at night to create the perception someone is home.

Increased Comfort

Smart thermostats allow you to preset the temperature in your house when you are home or away and adjust them whether you are home or away. Smart lighting allows you to preset and adjust when to turn on, dim, or turn off lights. Smart shades, meanwhile, can be programmed to open and close at specified times.

Increased Convenience

Smart home devices make your life easier. A smart thermostat eliminates the need for you to constantly adjust the temperature in your home. As mentioned, lights, blinds and even your garage door can be pre-programmed to automatically operate. Want to run your washer or dryer in the middle of the night to save on energy costs? You can do that too.

Additionally, many of these devices can be tied to automation tools such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Xfinity Home and can be activated by voice.

Increased Cost Savings

Smart devices can save you money and energy. The ability to control the temperature and lighting, and the ability to run smart appliances at non-peak hours can all reduce energy costs.

The table below summarizes the various benefits of numerous “smart” alternatives.

Increased Safety Cost Savings Increased Comfort Increased Convenience
Smoke alarms X
Carbon monoxide detectors X
Thermostats X X X
Lighting controls x X X X
Shades X X X
Garage door openers X X
Indoor cameras X
Outdoor cameras X
Doorbell cameras X
Electronic door locks x X
Security systems X

Contact Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric for “Smart” Home Solutions

Ravinia Plumbing can help make your home “smart” with the installation of smart home technology. We can help you customize the smart home systems that are right for you, and then set them up. We’ve been in business since 1928, and we’ve made a name for ourselves as one of the most trusted and reliable plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical companies in Chicagoland. Contact Ravinia Plumbing to schedule an appointment.