10 ways to use a smart home automation system:
1. Remote Access
Not only can you use your smart phone or tablet to turn on/off lights, audio, TV, aircon, or check on the kids with the cctv, but you can do this while away or at the office with your smart home system.
2. Lighting
Save energy and money by dimming or turning off the lights while you’re away. Stayed longer than expected at your friends or family, no problem, increase security by remotely turning on lights, giving the appearance that someone is at home.
3. Air Conditioner
Cool or heat a room to the right temperature before you arrive at home. Forgotten to switch the aircon off when leaving home, save money and time, switch it off with your smart phone.
4. Door locks
Open for a friend that arrived before you get home remotely from your phone while you are still at the office. Let your kids in after school or get automatic text messages when they arrive home. Let the maid in with her own code at a certain preset time. For example if the maid comes in on Tuesdays from 8h00-14h00, then let their code only let them in from 7h30. Keep a log of their exact time in and out of your home.
5. Entertainment
A “Party” scene – create instant ambiance with the press of a button with lighting that illuminates key decorative elements and a customized playlist that starts up automatically. When you press play to watch a movie dim the lights gradually over 7 seconds. When you press pause, bring the lights up by 30%.
6. Cameras
Access a live feed from your cameras using your smart phone anywhere anytime. Check on your kids. Check on your pups to make sure he is not tearing up the couch.
7. Garage
Set a location on your smart watch that opens the garage door as you arrive in your driveway. Your Apple watch can identify you when you have it on to make sure it’s secure. If you have the Control4 systems you can use the Control4 app.
8. Home Alerts
Receive a text message, like when a liquor or medicine cabinet is opened.
9. Energy Saving
Set Energy saving schedules on your thermostat and turn your lights and appliances off remotely to save energy and money on your monthly bills.
10. Security
Built-in alerts which will notify you if the front door is left open for longer than five minutes. If there’s a security breach, program every light in the house to illuminate to 100%. Simultaneously, the front door automatically locks, the motorized shades open and every TV displays views from all surveillance cameras.
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