How to Save Money With Smart Thermostat

How to save money this winter with smart thermostat

How to Save Money This Winter With Smart Thermostat

As the winter months approach, it may be a good idea to consider a smart thermostat. When it comes to your home heating system, several basic steps can have a significant influence on your bottom line. While there are various actions you can take to save money, our Sacramento Whole Home Automation company explains that a smart thermostat is best. Below, we share how to save money with smart thermostat installation. 

Programming

Setting the thermostat back a few degrees while you are not at home is a great idea. This is because it is one of the greatest methods to save money on home heating.  Our friends over at Tureks Plumbing, Kitchen Remodel Company Appleton WI, said this is one of the most popular upgrades their customers utilize. Additionally, it may program a smart thermostat to follow a weekly schedule that you create. Also, if you wish to change your settings when you’re not at home, you may do it effortlessly using your smartphone. Then, some thermostats may even utilize data from your alarm system to learn about your heating patterns. Additionally, this allows you to control your home heating automatically without your intervention. If you’re interested in this, search whole home automation service near me

Real-Time Data and Geolocation Services

Based on your location, your smart thermostat may adjust in real time. Because your smart system is linked to the internet, it can use real-time data to swiftly adjust its settings based on your routine and current weather conditions. A smart thermostat with access to weather data can swiftly change. This is based on whether temperatures are hot or freezing cold, reducing bills.

You may also use Geo-Services to set up a smart rule. This is so that when the thermostat detects that you are leaving the house, it will automatically return to an energy-saving mode.

Pipes Should Be Protected Against Freezing

Frozen pipes are a winter risk that may be costly. Our Smart Home Automation and Wifi Sacramento explains that pipes in unheated regions of your home might freeze when temperatures dip. The frozen water might expand and fracture the pipe or damage the fittings. This allows water to leak and inflicting significant damage.

By installing wireless temperature sensors in your basement or other sensitive places, you can use a smart thermostat to avoid frozen pipes. When the temperature drops too low, your alarm panel can give you a warning. Specialized AV, the best whole automation company, explains that it may then move swiftly. This will supply an additional heat source, such as a space heater, or take other precautions to keep your pipes from freezing.

Contact Specialized AV Today For Security Systems

At Specialize AV, we specialize in Sacramento home automation. We can link a thermostat to your home security system as well as install a variety of home automation features. Contact us today for a no-obligation estimate on a smart security system with home automation capabilities.

Smart Home Automation

Smart Home Automation Basics

The Fundamentals of Smart Home Automation

Life is already hectic enough, and continuously needing to regulate technology manually prevents us from unwinding after a long day. At Specialized Audio & Video, Best Whole Home Automation company, we entirely understand your desire for home automation; smart home solutions are extremely efficient.

However, before diving into the realm of smart home automation, you must first comprehend it in order to effectively handle it. Our Smart Home Automation Sacramento experts have created a simple home automation tutorial to assist you in getting home automation done correctly for your home.

If you’ve been searching whole home automation near me, you’ve come to the right place! The following are the essential steps you must take to successfully set up smart home automation.

1. Purchase a Smart Device or Devices

First and foremost, you will want smart gadgets or equipment that will assist you in controlling the systems in your home. Additionally, Amazon’s Alexa, Google’s Google Assistant, and Apple’s HomeKit are among the most popular smart gadgets.

Importantly, the number and type of devices required are determined by the type of electronics you want to automate. Additionally, its determined by the range you want to regulate.

2. Put in smart units and a security system.

Secondly, the next stage is to install smart units or purchase smart gadgets. As follows, connecting smart gadgets to smart house units for lights, Sacramento security systems and systems, sensors, pet food dispensers, TVs, and other devices is beneficial.

As follows, we recommend get the units you wish to manage remotely. Then, verify your smart devices to determine which units they can control and what ranges they have. Additionally, try to remember to connect everything to your phone. The easier it is to access, the better.

We also propose getting smart locks and a smart security system to get timely notifications in the event of an emergency. At our company, we offer home security system installation. It will ensure a prompt reaction and might be the difference between safety and catastrophe.

3. Purchase a Hub or Controller

Because you will be working with several smart devices, buy a central hub or controller to integrate all of their capabilities and streamline your procedures. 

It will offer you intelligent and smooth control over your smart home units and will manage interfacing with the various gadgets so you don’t have to.

4. Create Automations

After you’ve set up your mechanics, it’s time to set up your automation and routines. Routines will include the operations you want your smart home automation to do on a regular basis without prompting, such as alarms, locking doors, sensors, regulating the thermostat, and so on.

Automations are the activities you want the smart home system to perform when given certain orders, such as making coffee, turning on the lights, turning on the TV, playing music by a specified artist, and so on.

5. Integrate the majority of your home’s functions

Finally, linking the majority of your house functions to your smart devices is the most effective approach to enjoying the full home automation experience. When you start using a few functionalities, you’ll quickly discover how convenient it is. Then, you will begin to gravitate toward smart home automation.

Contact Specialized AV Today

Ready to get your whole home automated? Contact Specialized Audio and Video today for whole home automation. Follow us on Facebook to learn more. 

Are Smart Homes Worth The Investment?

are smart homes worth the investment?

Smart Homes Worth The Investment?

The advancement and development of technology have made a big impact on how our world works. With smartphones, voice assistants, other smart home appliances have all piqued people’s interest. Additionally, smart home automation has become very popular and can be found in a lot of new builds in the Greater Sacramento area. Smart homes make life easier and more comfortable, which is why you can expect to see more and more smart homes come to life. So, are smart homes worth the investment? In this article, our Sacramento AV experts discuss whether or not smart homes are worth it.

What Motivates People to Invest in Smart Homes?

Smart homes are extremely useful because they make our lives easier. They provide greater security, safety, and comfort than a typical house. They’re also good for the environment, and they’ll save you money in the long run! With a smart home, you’re making an investment with a potential for profit. Your quality of life will improve dramatically, you’ll save money in the long run, and your home’s resale value will rise as a result.

You can improve your smart home experience by investing $1,000-$3,000 in a smart hub. Despite the fact that smart home systems primarily offer convenience, style, and security, a smart home is a worthwhile investment for a variety of reasons.

Comfortable & Convenient 

The greatest benefit of having a smart home is the comfort and convenience it offers. It raises the bar on efficiency. They also make us more easily accessible and safer. Changing the temperature of your home, controlling the lighting, playing music, or closing the blinds can all be done without getting up from your couch.

Levels of Control

A smart home offers impressive levels of control. You can manage all of your smart home devices with a single app or device. Isn’t that amazing? By the time you wake up in the morning, you can have the temperature of your shower set and your coffee brewing!

Time Saver

Smart homes save their owners a lot of time. The settings can be adjusted based on what activities you want to perform when and when not. You are not required to be physically present at all times in order to complete your work.

A Second Hand

Smart homes can step in when you’re away at work and need someone to come in for routine cleaning or repair work. If you have a smart home system, you can open the doors remotely to let the workers in.

Stay Alert

If something goes wrong, your smart home will send you a notification right away. If someone tries to rob your house, you will be alerted right away that someone is in your house without your permission. The intruder can be quickly apprehended if you notify the appropriate authorities right away.

Because of the increased security that smart homes provide, they’re a wise investment. In comparison to conventional homes, smart homes with installed cameras and other security camera systems are far safer. Having a smart home is also a good option for those who have elderly family members living in residence. They will be more self-sufficient and enjoy a better quality of life if they can use voice commands to control various devices and appliances.

Smart Appliances

Smart homes allow you to control other aspects of your house from a distance in addition to your appliances. If you have a smartphone, you can use voice commands to lock your doors, make phone calls, and perform a slew of other actions. You can also use this technology to automate tasks like watering your lawn and feeding your pet, so they happen on your schedule. Our friends at Tureks Plumbing, who specializes in home remodeling, say smart home appliances make everyday tasks so much easier. In fact, they’re worth trying out.

Energy Efficient

You’ll save a lot of money on your energy bills with a smart home. Using automation to control your home’s heating and cooling systems will save you money and energy. By learning your schedule and temperature preferences, a programmable smart thermostat can optimize your comfort levels.

Contact Specialized AV

To sum it all up, smart homes are more valuable as an investment because of their higher resale value. Home automation features like smart security, climate control, appliances, and entertainment are in high demand, making smart homes very popular. Smart homes are the perfect investment for anyone in the market to buy or upgrade a home. If you’d like to transform your home into a smart home, contact Specialized Audio and Video for an estimate on smart home installation services in the Greater Sacramento area. 

 

Why Home Network Is Important

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Why a Home Network Is Important to Have In Your Sacramento Home

A home network or wifi network is a collection of gadgets that link to the internet and each other. This is considered to be phones, tablets, computers, smart home technology, and gaming systems. This technology can communicate with each other while in the neighborhood of the house by linking. A home network can connect devices both wired and wirelessly. A wired network requires devices to be connected by cables, whereas a wireless network allows devices to communicate without the use of wires. The adoption of new technology has made a home network as valuable as other household utilities such as gas and television for many families. In this article, our Sacramento audio and video team explains why home network is important for any household.

Benefits of a Home Network

  • A home network allows you to connect to the internet from different devices and share music, photos, and data among networked devices.
  • It enables the streaming of movies, music, and other forms of entertainment across many devices.
  • Streaming gadgets, gaming systems, and clever televisions have enabled us to consume a vast variety of information.
  • It allows you to share resources such as printers and scanners. When connected to a home network, for example, many computers can print to a single printer.
  • Additionally, it simplifies the management of smart home devices such as thermostats, cameras, and security systems.
  • It gives you the ability to improve your smart home automation devices by smoothly linking them to an automated house.
  • Your enjoyment of entertainment, for example, is linked to a home network. Nobody wants to see a spinning wheel or a shuttering display while attempting to view their favorite show or movie, which is why a strong and healthy network is crucial.

How to Secure Home Network 

  • Hire a professional for home network installation.
  • Protect your home network with essential security tools like a firewall and a network password.
  • Manage cables and wires to assist preserve the basic functionality of cables and to protect devices from obstructed airflow.
  • Keep an eye on your network speed to see if there are any problems with your bandwidth.
  • Finally, keep your networking equipment protected from light, heat, moisture, and dust.

Contact Specialized AV

Now that you know why a home network is important to have, you can make the steps to have the best home network system. Unfortunately, if not protected, a home network can become a playground for harmful actions carried out by those with evil intent. As we rely more on home networks, it is critical to invest in the initial architecture and technology to assure the quickest speeds and greatest levels of security. Whether you want to get started with a strong network or you need to update your present network to keep it running smoothly, Specialized AV provides a variety of solutions for strong, high-quality network technology. Our Sacramento AV company proudly serves the Greater Sacramento area and beyond. Also, follow Specialized AV on Facebook to stay up to date on our latest projects.

Why Smart Home Automation Provides Peace of Mind

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Top Reasons Why Smart Homes Provide Peace of Mind

Ever left your home, wondering if you locked your door or closed your garage? You’re not the only one. So many of our customers love having a smart home just for that reason alone! Smart home automation allows you to check on your home when you’re not there. Ease your mind while you are away with smart home automation. In this article, our Sacramento audio and video experts share the top reasons why smart homes provide peace of mind.

Investing in Smart Home Automation

If this is your first experience with a smart home automation system, you will be shocked at how much it can accomplish. From sending real-time notifications to altering your thermostats, smart home technology has it all. Your smart home can be a huge help for busy families. Below are a few reasons why smart homes provide peace of mind to Sacramento homeowners. 

Here are a few of the most notable features of our home automation system:

Smart Home Security

Many people are using technology to protect their property. With smart locks, you can receive real-time information via text or email when people come and go to your home. You’ll also have the ability to generate individual user codes, which will allow you to keep track of who is coming and exiting at all times. This is a great option for teens, visitors, or anyone else you’d feel comfortable allowing access to your property. Our friends at Maid for Muddy Paws, a residential cleaning company in Magnolia, TX, say smart lock doors are perfect for their customers because they provide peace of mind after a visit. 

Home Automation

Lights, locks, thermostats, and sensors can all communicate with one another with relative ease. You can set your thermostat to a lower setting while you’re at work during the day, or you can receive a reminder if you forget to set your alarm after you leave the house in the morning.

Prevent Access 

Intruders can get access through a variety of entrance points, including doors, windows, and garage doors. If you forget to close a door, window, or garage door, your smart home security system will send you a notification. 

Security Camera Systems 

Video surveillance is used to keep track of things. Is it possible to keep an eye on your property while you’re away on vacation? You can watch live streaming videos in real-time. You’ll also receive video notifications if motion is detected, a door is opened, or an alarm is activated.  

When motion is detected, this high-powered motion sensor will capture an image and send it to you. Do you have any pets? No problem, we have a pet immunity function that prevents Max from setting off the sensors every time he travels to a new napping location. When you’re away from home, you can dim the lights, play some soft music, or just adjust the temperature on your thermostat.

Smart Thermostat

Manage your energy use while keeping your family comfortable with a Smart Thermometer that measures energy consumption around your home and optimizes for the most pleasant temperature. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a Minnesota company that offers HVAC services, highly recommend smart thermostats for anyone who lives in areas that get over 100 degrees in the summer. You’ll be able to save money on your heating and cooling bill. 

Water Management

If you’ve ever returned home to a burst pipe or a malfunctioning washing machine, you understand what a disaster it can be. Our smart home technology can notify you of sump pump failures, irrigation malfunctions, and other water-related issues, allowing you to prevent further damage.

Contact Specialized Audio and Video

As you can see, smart homes provide peace of mind. They make managing a busy household a lot easier. If you’re interested in smart home automation services in Sacramento, contact us today! We’re happy to answer all your questions. 

 

Misconceptions About Smart Home Automation

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Misconceptions About Smart Home Automation

Looking back, smart home automation has come a long way. Smart home automation will continue to grow, which just means more and more Sacramento homeowners will have smart homes. For those who are a little cautious about smart home technology, consider the misconceptions about smart home automation below.

Smart Home Automation 

Home automation systems allow homeowners to control lights, security cameras, entertainment systems, HVAC systems all from a smartphone or tablet. This advanced technology truly makes life so much easier. Many people have misconceptions about their efficacy, cost, how they function, and why they should be invested in. Our smart home automation installers share the truth in the following article. 

Myth #1 – Smart Home Automation Is Expensive & Time Consuming to Install

Contrary to common opinion, smart homes can be as affordable or as expensive as you want them to be. For example, if a person wants a custom-built design with only connected devices, the price would almost certainly be higher than anticipated.

However, updating in stages will cause the value to fluctuate. So, if you’re just getting started and want to dive into the world of home automation, a smart switch would be a great place to start. These switches, which can be operated by a smartphone, tablet, or voice command, allow you to manage individual lights, curtains, electrical appliances, and other devices, enhancing user experience and providing comfort on a daily basis.

Install additional devices as and when they suit the budget from here on out. When it comes to installation, home automation devices with sleek and compact designs are simple. They can be easily and efficiently incorporated into your home. Our friends at Tureks Plumbing, a company that offers home remodeling services, recommend getting smart home automation installed from the get-go (if you can). 

Myth #2 – Smart Home Users Must Be Tech Savy

Another common fallacy that prevents people from embracing smart technology is the belief that it would be too difficult to use. It should be noted that the vast majority of devices are either wireless or feature plug-and-play ease of use. Furthermore, if users choose to use voice commands, incorporating a smart speaker into the mix will work wonders.

Once your devices are connected to your home WiFi network, simple onscreen instructions must be followed to monitor appliances effectively. Even though this may seem to be a difficult job, it only takes a few clicks to turn your home into a smart one.

Myth #3 – Smart Devices Use a Lot of Power

Surprisingly, smart devices have the opposite effect. They are built with power consumption in mind and are energy efficient. They will adapt to your behaviors and desires without requiring you to input a predetermined schedule. As a result, they use less power than traditional devices by actively observing user insights and trends to save resources.

The actual energy savings will be determined by the type of system you choose and its automation capabilities. However, device suppliers say that the devices will help customers save between 10% and 15% on their heating and cooling bills. the source

Myth #4 – Smart Home Security Is Easily Breached

Another source of worry for many customers is the risk of stolen personal information or a data breach. Most businesses go to great lengths to ensure that smart devices are tamper-proof, maintaining protection and privacy. There are, however, a few steps you can take. Using a secure firewall on your router, for example, and installing encryption are effective ways to protect the information in the event that a hacker gains unauthorized access.

It is also a wise decision to thoroughly protect all devices equipped with cameras and vocal microphones. As in all aspects of home automation, there is no excuse not to feel absolutely secure inside your own home if proper planning is done. Our smart home devices at Specialized Audio and Video are fail-safe and provide you with all the security you need to keep yourself and your family members safe.

Myth #5: Building a Smart Home Isn’t a Good Investment.

This is commonly posed by those who are unwilling to spend money on home automation, but as previously mentioned, updating your home with smart technology is not always costly. Smart home solutions also provide concerned parents with an excellent way to keep an eye on their children while they are away from home.

Home automation, on the other hand, makes life more convenient and safer. Furthermore, any investment in a smart device yields an instant return on investment. There is typically an immediate advantage, whether it makes your life faster, better, or more available.

Furthermore, if you plan to sell your house, smart home technology, and home automation systems will increase both the desirability and the overall price. If not, you as a homeowner will benefit from using these devices on a regular basis.

Contact Specialized Audio and Video for a smart home estimate today! We service Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, and more. Our audio and video techs look forward to hearing from you soon.

Advantages of Smart Home Automation

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Smart Home Automation

With the rise of technology development, there seems to be a smart device for just about everything, from smartphones to home security cameras, lighting, audio, thermostats, etc. Let’s face it, having a smart device, or a smart home will make your life easier. In this article, we discuss some of the advantages of smart home automation

What is Smart Home Automation?

Smart home technology consists of devices, appliances, or systems that connect via network. From the touch of a button, this technology can be controlled independently or remotely by your smartphone or mobile device. With smart home automation, users can increase their home’s functionality like never before. For example, you can schedule your lights to come on automatically and set your thermostat to turn the A/C on before you return home from work. Smart home automation makes life more convenient and enjoyable!

Big Advantages of Having a Smart Home

1. Manage All of Your Home Devices From One Place

Most people choose to integrate home automation because of the convenience factor alone. Managing your home from one interface saves you time and money. It’s easy to manage, even for those who are not tech-savvy. Once the device is set up, all you have to do is download the app to your smartphone or tablet, and from there, you can tap into all your devices.

2. Flexibility for New Devices and Appliances

New smart home devices seem to come out every other day. Luckily, smart home automation allows users to easily integrate new technology. Whether you’re replacing older systems or adding new ones to your space, the process can be done seamlessly. 

3. Maximizing Home Security and Safety

In this day and age, security systems are a must-have for homeowners. With an increase in crime, protecting your home with a security system seems like a no-brainer. You’ll never have to wonder what’s going on while your away. 

There are thousands of home security systems you can choose from at Specialized AV. It just depends on your needs! You have the choice of 24/hour video surveillance, automated door locks, motion detectors, etc. The best part about home automation systems is that you can receive security alerts and view live footage on your smartphone from anywhere.

4. Remote Control of Home Functions

Being able to control your home from a distance is incredibly convenient. Suppose you’re on vacation and need to turn your inside lights on or preheat the oven while you’re at the grocery store. Smart home automation systems are like having your own personal assistant. You can adjust the thermostat or turn on the tv without having to physically be there.   

5. Increased Energy Efficiency

Many smart-home technologies have the ability to save your home energy. Energy-efficient products like a smart thermostat can learn your heating and cooling habits and suggest the best way to save energy. Home lighting controls can also help reduce your energy bills by turning lights on and off automatically when entering or leaving a room. 

6. Improved Appliance Functionality

Another benefit of smart home automation is that it helps you run your appliances better. As mentioned before, this technology is like having a personal assistant! For example, a smart oven will help you cook your meals without undercooking or overcooking them. Additionally, smart kitchen appliances can easily be monitored from your smartphone, so you’ll know exactly how much you’re saving on energy bills. Our friends at Tureks Plumbing, a kitchen remodeling company in Appleton, WI, agrees that smart home appliances are a true game-changer in any home.

7. Home Management Insights

With smart home automation, you’ll not only be able to manage your home from your smartphone, but you’ll also get insight into how your home operates. Find out how often your children watch TV, how often you do loads of laundry, etc. With this data, you can better understand your energy consumption habits and make adjustments however, you please.  

8. Resale Value

One benefit of smart home automation that homeowners often forget about its resale value. Since smart home technology is on the rise, more than ever before, you are more likely to get a higher resale value for your home. Who wouldn’t want a smart home? 

Professional Smart Home Services

Now that you know some of the benefits of smart home automation, you can decide if it’s worth the investment. If you have any questions about our professional, smart home automation services, Specialized AV is here to help. We’ve been serving the Sacramento valley, Bay Area, and beyond since 2003. Contact us today, and we’ll give you an estimate for your commercial or residential property.