Smart Home Technology

Smart home technology is one of the greatest inventions of the 21st century. The use of smartphones, apps, and home automation systems allows us to do some pretty amazing things we could only have imagined we would see in sci-fi movies and spy thrillers two decades ago. With smart home technology, you can protect your home from intruders, maximize energy savings, monitor your appliances and home systems, and more.

Just a few of the ways smart home technology allows you to control your home today include:  

• An app that makes sure you didn’t leave the garage door open
• Light bulbs that can be turned on or off or dimmed with a smartphone
• Alarm systems and cameras that can be monitored remotely from a mobile device

Technology truly is amazing, and in addition to saving you time and money while giving you peace of mind, smart home technology can automate a number of things you would hand off to the butler-if you had one. Here are our top suggestions for smart home technology to take advantage of today.

1. Installing an automated irrigation system

Installing an irrigation system is one of the easiest ways to automate your home. Without an irrigation system, you have no choice but to water plants in the mornings or evenings when work and family life allow, but with an irrigation system, you can cut down on time spent watering plants and flowers by automating watering sessions during optimal times of the day, even when you’re not at home.

Benefits of an automated sprinkler system

1. An irrigation system saves you time and effort.

With an irrigation system, you can control your schedule rather than allowing your landscaping to control it by setting timers that will automatically turn on and off when you need them to. If you have a large yard or an abundance of plants, flowers, trees, and custom landscaping, an irrigation system can drastically cut down on the amount of time you spend lugging a water hose around your property to keep your landscaping looking great.

2. An irrigation system helps protect your garden and landscaping.

Smart home technology can even help you save money on your utility bill while helping the environment? Say what?! You heard correctly. Automated irrigation systems help regulate the moisture content of your lawn, which can both protect the longevity and health of your sod and control erosion and other landscaping problems.

HOW CAN IRRIGATION AND LANDSCAPING HELP THE ENVIRONMENT?  →

3. An irrigation system does the guesswork, and the work, for you.

Automatic irrigation systems will not only take the guesswork out of knowing how often and how long to water your flowers, they will do the work for you while saving you money on your water bill. You can even adjust settings to account for new landscaping projects or areas of your yard that need more or less water.

2. Installing a Nest

Nest thermostats are another way to easily create a smart home system that can save you time and money. With the Nest thermostat, you can drastically lower your utility bill by setting custom schedules for your HVAC system.

How does a Nest thermostat lower utility bills?

When you’re away from home, the Nest can be set to turn off or turn down the heat or air, and shortly before you arrive home, you can set it to return to a comfortable setting so that you won’t notice the difference. Multiple Nests can also be installed throughout your home so that areas which are used less often can have a more energy efficient temperature than the most used areas of your home. For example, you can also adjust Nest settings throughout the home to optimize living spaces for pets and children throughout the day while turning off thermostats which aren’t needed.

Is a Nest thermostat worth it?

Within a few months, you can start seeing a significant amount of savings with the use of a Nest thermostat. Because it allows you to create custom time frames when your thermostat is in use, the Nest essentially allows you to use your HVAC system only when it’s necessary so that you’re not wasting energy when you’re not at home. If your home is several years old, or if your thermostat is more than 10 years old, a Nest is more than worth your initial investment.

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3. Installing a Ring security system and camera

One of the most beneficial perks smart home technology can offers is the ability to protect your home, family, and pets from intruders and thieves. There are several security systems on the market which offer homeowners and renters the ability to monitor their systems wirelessly from a mobile device or computer. Unlike security systems of the past, many also don’t require the use of a landline or expensive and bulky equipment which has to be hard-wired into your home.  

Should I get a Ring camera?

Ring, SimpliSafe, and other wireless security systems are beneficial for renters who may want to move their equipment at some point in the future, since installation, setup, and the moving of equipment is relatively easy. Homeowners and who want the added benefit of having security cameras will also enjoy a wireless security system.

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Is a SimpliSafe security system worth it?

By far one of the best reasons to invest in a Ring system or other wireless security system is the additional safety which comes with a wireless system. While traditional security systems can be disengaged with the cutting of wires and telephone lines, wireless security systems can function even without the use of a landline.

SIMPLISAFE SECURITY SYSTEMS  →

Is SimpliSafe better than a traditional security system?

Many wireless security systems like Simplisafe also offer additional battery life in the event that power is temporarily disabled. This is especially important, since power outages can prevent traditional security system operators from being notified of an emergency or from being able to contact you or the police. SimpliSafe, on the other hand, allows you to connect with an operator and emergency services as long as the system is still functioning on backup battery power, even in the event of a large or extended power outage.

4. Installing an automated light system

From landscape lighting that turns on after dusk to add warmth and elegance to your home or patio to security lighting that provides added security even when you’re on vacation or away from the home, automated lighting systems can be beneficial for numerous reasons. Like a smart home thermostat and an automated irrigation system, an automated light system can help you save time and energy by allowing you to create custom schedules for lighting, so you can make the most of your home’s features while maximizing energy savings.

HOW LANDSCAPE LIGHTING CAN ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME  →

How can I protect my home from burglars?

Security lighting deters burglars who are seeking a way to remain unseen by adding light to the areas of your home most likely to be targeted by an intruder. This includes windows, doors, and other entry areas, as well as highly landscaped areas that could otherwise be used as a hiding place. Security lighting can be tasteful and can even add ambiance to your home and outdoor areas.

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Benefits of creating a smart home

There are many benefits to creating a smart home, but there are the main advantages to consider when weighing the cost and return on investment.

1. Automated home systems add convenience.

The main purpose of automated home systems is to add convenience and save you time by allowing you to customize and schedule various functions such as heating and cooling, irrigation, lighting, and more. With the use of smart home technology that works with a mobile device or computer, you can even control many of these when you’re away from home, whether at the office, the grocery store, or at the beach.

2. Smart home features can improve home value and save you money.

Smart home technology that saves you time and money can essentially pay for itself. It’s not unheard of for homeowners, especially those with older homes and HVAC systems, to cut their utility bills in half with the addition of a Nest thermostat and energy-efficient home appliances. In addition, smart home technology is an investment which can pay for itself by adding increased value to your home. When it comes time to find a new home, home buyers will appreciate the convenience of these features you’ve added, and they’ll likely be willing to pay extra for them.

3. Smart home technology can protect your home from burglars or intruders.

Smart home technology can not only protect your home and your loved ones from intruders, it can also give you peace of mind. Even when you’re away from home, you can keep an eye on things with the use of security cameras and wireless security systems. Many security cameras even allow you to interact via a smartphone with visitors, postmen, and others. You may even be able to scare off an intruder by speaking through a camera. It wouldn’t be the first time!

READ MORE: Homeowner uses security camera to scare away intruders

Automated Irrigation System Installation | Memphis, TN

Ready to install your automated irrigation system or lighting system? Mid South Irrigation and Mid South Nightlights offer installation services in the Memphis metro area. Learn more about our projects and how to get started today.

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