Home Automation – SafeStreets Security Systems

How Do Smart Plugs Work?

Home Security Blogger — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 15:44:04 +0000

Have you ever imagined how nice it would be to turn on your coffee maker in the morning from the comforts of your bed? Or how about switching on the lamps in your living room while you’re driving home from work?

You don’t have to take a time machine into the future for these luxuries – they’re already here! You can now turn just about any appliance or device into a “smart” device with the help of smart plugs installed by the professionals at SafeStreets. Doing so can help you monitor your energy usage and even save money.

Don’t let the word “smart” in front of their name fool you – smart plug devices are incredibly easy to use, not to mention cost-effective. Keep reading to learn more about how smart plugs work and the benefits of having them installed in your home.

How Do Smart Plugs from SafeStreets Work?

As you know, regular appliances work by plugging their power cords into one of your home’s electrical sockets. To turn them into smart appliances, you simply need to plug the smart plug into the outlet and the appliance into the smart plug.

Smart plugs use Z-Wave technology modules that can connect with your smart devices or smartphone, allowing you to control your appliances from virtually anywhere where there’s a Wi-Fi connection. This is incredibly handy if you forgot to turn off the iron or lamps in your home before you left for work. You can just take out your smartphone, and turn off the appliances with the tap of a button.

Features of Smart Plugs from SafeStreets

If you’re already dreaming of starting your coffee maker before you even get out of bed for the day, give SafeStreets a call so we can set up an installation appointment for you.

But there’s more good news about these convenient devices! Here are some of the additional features you’ll receive when you install smart plugs throughout your home:

Work with Google Assistant. If you’re at home and don’t have your smartphone with you, you can simply use your Google virtual assistant and ask to have appliances or lights turned on and off.
Light dimmer. You can even use smart plugs to dim the lights even if your light doesn’t have a dimmer.
Space-Efficient Design: Smart plugs don’t take up any more room on your outlets than regular plugs do. You can plug your smart plug into the top outlet and still use the bottom outlet for another device.
Universally Compatible. Smart plugs are compatible with all types of light bulbs, including incandescent, LED, CFL and halogen.
Schedule Appliances to Turn On. You can set your lights or appliances to turn on and off at a certain time each day. This can include having the lights turn on at 8 p.m. when it gets dark outside.

Contact SafeStreets for Installation of Smart Plugs

Whether you want to turn your lights on during your drive home or check that you turned the iron off before you left for work, smart plugs add a level of convenience we’re sure you’re going to enjoy. To learn more about smart plugs or to schedule an appointment for installation, don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals at SafeStreets today.

What Are the Different Types of Light Bulbs for Your Home?

Home Security Blogger — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 11:00:27 +0000

When it comes to the types of light bulbs to choose from for your home, there are a lot of options on the market. From incandescent light bulbs to CFLs to LEDs, each type of bulb has its own features and benefits. So which one is right for the light fixtures in your home? Here’s a quick look at the different types of light bulbs available and what might work best for you.

Different Light Bulb Options for Your Home

If you are considering the purchase of new light bulbs for your home, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First and foremost, make sure your light bulbs are compatible with any fixtures throughout your house. This will ensure an easy installation process. Second, consider how long each bulb type lasts before having to replace it. Some last longer than others, so if anything, try to keep extras on hand.

Let’s look at the different features to consider when purchasing lighting fixtures or light bulbs:

Color Temperature

An important detail to consider is the color of light that light bulbs emit. These colors are measured in Kelvin (K) Color Temperature Scale. The Kelvin scales range from a low warm white all the way to cool daylight. The color temperature emitted from light bulbs has different purposes, and finding the right color for a specific room can greatly improve the ambiance of the room. Colors to choose from include soft white, warm white, bright white, and cool daylight.

Lumens

The amount of light you are getting from a bulb is measured in lumens. A higher number of lumens means the light is brighter; a lower number of lumens means it’s dimmer. Generally, a bedroom will need around 10-20 lumens per square foot. A kitchen, dining room, or bathroom will need around 70-80 lumens. Nowadays, people are selecting light bulbs by lumens instead of watts.

Wattage

The energy or electricity that is used by the light bulb per hour is the wattage. A wattage rating is assigned to all light bulbs; for example, 60W or 100w. The higher the number of wattages, the more energy is used, thus the higher cost it takes to power the light bulb.

Size

Occasionally, light bulbs are also measured by the light bulb’s maximum length in inches or sometimes listed as short or long. The size of light bulbs comes in the max diameters of the bulb’s shell. The diameter is measured at ⅛ of an inch. For example, an 8 light bulb is 1 inch, and a 38 light bulb is 4.75 inches.

Shape

There are over 25 different light bulb shapes; however, there are around seven shapes widely used by homeowners. The shape code listed on the light bulb box is as follows:

Standard Household – A
Candle – C
Globe – G
Mini-Reflector – MR
Parabolic Aluminized Reflector – PAR
Reflector – R
Tubular – T

Light Bulb Bases

There are a variety of different light bulb bases. Most bulbs have threaded or screw bases for installation, while others come with twist and lock bases that need to be fitted and turned until it locks into place. There are also specialty bases, bi-pin bases, fluorescent bases, and compact fluorescent plug-in lamp bases. To put it simply, the two most common types of light bulb bases are screw base and pin base.

What Are the 5 Types of Light Bulbs Used In Homes?

The right light bulb can make a world of difference in your home. There are several different light bulb types to choose from depending on the specifications of the fixture. Knowing which one is best will depend on the fixture, room, or socket. Here are several of the most common types of light bulbs:

Incandescent Light Bulbs

Standard Incandescent light bulbs are very common and easy to find. They are made in colors, wattages, shapes, and sizes. Traditional incandescent bulbs are used for table lamps, bathroom lighting, night lights, flashlights, ceiling lights, decorative lights, and more. With an incandescent bulb, electricity heats a wire filament until it glows. Incandescent light bulbs are very inefficient when it comes to energy use.

Halogen Light Bulbs

Halogen light bulbs work similarly to incandescent light bulbs, but they last longer. They are made to withstand a higher temperature. You’ll usually see halogen bulbs being used as work lights, headlamps, or outdoor spotlights and motion sensors.

Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Fluorescent bulbs are highly efficient, using around 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs. You’ll recognize these bulbs commonly used in kitchens, offices, classrooms, stores, hallways, and cafeterias. These bulbs contain a small amount of mercury gas and must be stored and handled with care. Do not break these bulbs so the mercury is not released.

CFL Light Bulbs

CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs are small versions of fluorescent lights, and they can replace incandescent and halogen light bulbs. They are very energy efficient and compact. There are a few downsides to CFL bulbs such as a long warm-up time, limited color, dimming limitations, and they contain a minimal amount of mercury. CFLs must be handled carefully to avoid breakage and must be disposed of properly.

LED Light Bulbs

LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs are becoming more popular because of how efficient they are, often contributing to lower electricity bills. They produce bright light if needed and come in a variety of color temperatures. Also, LED bulbs do not contain mercury and have a much longer lifespan.

Smart LED Light Bulbs

In addition to all the benefits of LED light bulbs, they can contribute to your smart home automation. Here at SafeStreets, homeowners can upgrade their light bulbs to our Z-wave light bulb. Z-wave light bulbs can help lead to cost savings, and they can also help homeowners feel more secure in their home as each light can automatically turn on and off. Replace your current light bulbs with Smart LED Light Bulbs from SafeStreets to help create better security and home automation.

Automate With SafeStreets’ Smart Lights and Smart Plugs

We hope you’ve found this information helpful in choosing the types of light bulbs for your home. Your home’s system should fit the needs of your household. If you’re looking for a great way to help save money and energy in your home, then going greener with SafeStreets’ smart LED light bulbs is a great solution.

We offer a variety of home automation options, including smart LED light bulbs. In addition, connect your lights and small appliances to our Z-wave smart plugs which provide you with the ability to turn your appliances on and off remotely. Our automation experts will also help make sure your smart LED light bulbs are installed correctly and working to your specifications. Get a free quote today on your home automation system!

What Is A Comfortable Temperature Inside My House?

Home Security Blogger — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 04:41:57 +0000

Finding a nice temperature is key when it comes to the comfort of your home. No one wants to be too hot or too cold, so what is the perfect temperature for your household? It depends on many factors, so even if you find the right house temperature you may still need to make some adjustments. Let’s explore the different factors and discover the perfect solution to maintaining a comfortable temp for your home.

What Is A Normal House Temperature?

A normal house temp can depend on many factors. It depends on the outdoor climate and humidity. It depends on each individual room and how many appliances or windows. It can even depend on each person’s personal preference! Here are a few, general house temperature guidelines:

For general comfort: 68-72 degrees
For energy savings: 68 degrees
For sleeping: 60-67 degrees

But what really determines a comfortable temperature? It turns out that there are many personal factors like our metabolism, body fat percentage, age, health condition, and other biological characteristics that can all affect how you feel warmth or cold in a room. This means one thing: one way of fussing with the thermostat may not work for everyone.

What Is An Unhealthy Room Temperature?

For babies, pets, and the elderly, or for those who suffer from respiratory, lung, or heart disease, anything below 68 degrees and anything above 74 degrees for a prolonged period of time can cause serious health concerns.

How Do I Check My Indoor Temperature?

The easiest and most practical way to check your indoor temperature is with an analog or digital thermometer. A thermometer is still a very reliable tool to measure room temperature. Place the thermometer as close to the center of the room as possible for the most accurate reading.

Can A Smartphone Be Used As a Thermometer?

The short answer is no, smartphones cannot be used as room temperature thermometers. Smartphones have battery temperature sensors, but they do not have air temperature sensors.

ADT Smart Thermostat

What is the most convenient option? As a homeowner, you can upgrade your old thermostat to an ADT Smart Thermostat. In this case, you often find the best possible cost savings and additional comfort in the temperature of your home. Set up a thermostat schedule that helps you save energy and lower your utility bills. Receive custom smart alerts whenever your home temperature is too hot or too cold. Control your smart thermostat from virtually anywhere using the app.

Stay Comfortable With SafeStreets

Most people want their house temperature to be comfortable. You may need to adjust your thermostat settings depending on the season, depending on if anyone is home, or depending on a variety of factors. To make sure your house is always comfortable, the most convenient option is home automation. ADT Smart Thermostats integrate with other parts of your home including your HVAC systems. Not only do these wifi thermostats allow you to schedule your settings, but they also integrate with the ADT mobile app for quick and easy changes on the go. Get in touch with a SafeStreets professional, and we will help you choose the right smart thermostat for your home. Our automation experts will also make sure your smart thermostat is installed correctly and working to your specifications. Get a free quote today!

Common Smart Home Pros and Cons

Home Security Blogger — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 23:23:43 +0000

What is smart home technology? Having a smart home means you can control a number of appliances and devices from the convenience of a smart device. Basically, it’s an easy way to keep tabs on your property. Is the latest home automation technology worth it? Let’s explore some pros and cons of having a smart home in order to help you make a decision about whether it’s right for your household.

Smart Home Pros

When it comes to automating, controlling, and protecting your home, there are plenty of benefits to home technology. Here are some of the many smart home pros:

Convenience
Full control of smart appliances from a mobile device
Customizable
Beneficial for elder care and disability care
Saves time
Danger detection
Tax and insurance benefits
Safety and security features

Smart Home Cons

When deciding if a smart home is right for you, there are important points to consider when exploring home technology pros and cons:

Privacy concerns
Needs reliable internet connection
Technological difficulties
Initial investment
Learning curve

Do it right the first time by talking to a SafeStreets Smart Security Pro. Our experts will address all of your concerns and work with you to customize a home security system to fit your home and your needs. No system is too small or too large for our security system installation.

Smart Home Automation Features

Other home automation pros include all the latest in smart home technology and features. Whether you want a video doorbell camera, smart thermostat, or even a smart door lock, everything you need is controlled in one place with SafeStreets. Let’s look at what security features to look for in a home automation system:

Doorbell: Always know who is on your front doorstep with a video doorbell camera. Along with checking on visitors, you can unlock or lock your doors all at the touch of a button using your home automation system.
Door Locks: Never worry about locking yourself out or losing your house key. You can unlock or lock your door from anywhere using your smartphone.
Plugs: Smart plugs make it so you can connect your lights and small appliances to an automation system which gives you the ability to turn your appliances on and off remotely.
Lights: Create custom automation to turn your smart LED light bulbs on and off. You can also deter burglars while you are away from home by scheduling your outdoor and indoor lights to turn on and off as needed.
Thermostat: Set a thermostat schedule that helps you save on energy costs. Receive custom smart alerts whenever your home temperature is too hot or too cold. Control your smart thermostat from virtually anywhere.
ADT Mobile App: ADT Control® gives you the ability to remotely monitor your home through the ADT Control® web and mobile app from any internet-connected device. Stay connected to home security professionals who can dispatch services when you need them. Get help when you need it from fast response monitoring agents located in six interconnected command centers across North America. ADT monitoring services keep their eyes on your home 24/7.

Turn Your House Into A Smart Home with SafeStreets Home Automation

The conveniences and advantages of smart home technology are worth the investment. We hope this article has helped you understand home automation pros and why smart homes are a viable option for your residence. Explore the pros and cons of a smart home with SafeStreets!

SafeStreets Smart Security Pros will help you set up your home automation and control it remotely. Get in touch with us to get started so you can customize your home!

Get a free quote today!

Why a Smart Home Is a Smart Move in this Busy Modern Age

Home Security Blogger — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 20:53:57 +0000

I’ve got news for you: Life isn’t going to get any easier. You’d think with all the technology we have today that our lives would be slowing down, not speeding up. But the opposite seems to be true, as if the more tech we have, the more is demanded of us. From our jobs to our families to what I call the “admin” of daily life, it’s just a lot to keep up with. So wherever we can cut some corners and streamline our lives, we probably should!

A smart home can be a smart move for someone with a too-busy life who wants to get back a little time. Here are just a few ways a smart home can help.

Cut costs and go green
With a home security system that’s also a home automation system, a homeowner can reduce utility bills and sometimes home insurance rates. There’s smart home technology that “knows” the most efficient time to operate your home appliances for lower energy costs, and your smart home can turn lights on or off at the right times as well as control the temperature in your house based on when you’re home or on your way home. All of that lowers your energy bills and helps you go green as a consumer. As for the home insurance rates, protecting your home with home security lowers the insurance company’s risks, and many are willing to reward you for that.

Improve efficiencies
Do you sometimes feel like you’re juggling too many balls in the air—and you don’t even really know how to juggle? Welcome to adulting. And with all that’s asked of us in this modern age, who wouldn’t like to be more efficient! A smart home can help. You can take better care of your pets when you’re gone by automating the thermostat and using remote video to keep an eye on them. You can keep tabs on the kids when they get home first. You can make sure doors and windows are locked from afar. And you can reduce some of your task saturation when you hand over some of those tasks to your smart home.

Beef up security and safety
A smart home is also a smart move when you use it to protect your family and your property. The right home automation system will give you security as well as remote access so you can lock or unlock, arm or disarm from anywhere. Plus you’re able to monitor video and even see who’s at the front door—while you’re sitting at your desk at work or behind the wheel of car during your commute. Then there’s the lighting you can automate to turn on or off to make it look like someone’s home. A smart home can also mean smart lighting so sidewalks and entryways are lit up when you’re getting home, reducing the chances of a trip in the dark.

As technology gets smarter, our homes should as well. And then maybe that can free up some brain space for us humans, so we can take a breath and learn how to juggle everything modern life is throwing at us.

Is Your Smart Home Smarter than a Fifth Grader?

redolive — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 19:23:41 +0000

As our phones get bigger and smarter and the technologies we use every day get more sophisticated, so too can our homes. With the Internet of Things now upon us, we’re poised to go from smart homes to smarterhomes in 2019 as home automation systems become commonplace and off-the-shelf products offer the convenience of smart home technology.

Here’s a quick look at just some of the tasks you can hand over to automation and smart home technology:

Home security

This one you’re probably already familiar with, but it gets better and better every year. Today’s home security systems offer video to let you see who’s at the front door, smart locks you can operate from anywhere, and even home automation features that let you program heating, air conditioning and lighting.

Lighting

Speaking of lighting, your home automation system can be set to turn lights on or off. You can now also buy lighting systems that let you control the brightness but also the color. You can even match the color of the light in a picture on your phone. This system can also turn lights on slowly to help you wake up in the morning.

Thermostats

Your home automation system can be used to control your thermostat or you can buy a “learning” thermostat that adapts to your lifestyle.

Household chores

Would you like to hand over some of your household chores to technology? You easily can. You’ll find devices that can handle some of the most mundane tasks for you, including window washing, vacuuming and floor mopping.

”As our phones get bigger and smarter and the technologies we use every day get more sophisticated, so too can our homes.

In the kitchen

We’ve heard all kinds of chatter about smart appliances already, like refrigerators that can track your groceries for you and ovens you can turn on remotely on your way home from work. But the one I’m ready for is the coffeemaker that knows when I wake up and brews my coffee just in time!

In the yard

You can lighten your load inside with smart home technology and automated devices, but you can also hand over some of the outside jobs too. Technology today offers automated lawn mowers and sprinklers, pool cleaners, and even a gutter cleaning device. (That’s the one at the top of my list! I do not like ladders!)

In the bedroom

Even your mattress can now help you sleep better, using biometric sensors and your smart phone. even a gutter cleaning device. (That’s the one at the top of my list! I do not like ladders!)

And for the not yet smart?

For those appliances that aren’t yet “smart,” you can get an outlet that lets you control whatever is plugged into it from your smart phone.

Is Your Home Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?

Home Security Blogger — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 00:38:37 +0000

Here’s a quick look at just some of the tasks you can hand over to automation and smart home technology:

Home security: This one you’re probably already familiar with, but it gets better and better every year. Today’s home security systems offer video to let you see who’s at the front door, smart locks you can operate from anywhere, and even home automation features that let you program heating, air conditioning and lighting.

Lighting: Speaking of lighting, your home automation system can be set to turn lights on or off. You can now also buy lighting systems that let you control the brightness but also the color. You can even match the color of the light in a picture on your phone. This system can also turn lights on slowly to help you wake up in the morning.

Thermostats: Your home automation system can be used to control your thermostat or you can buy a “learning” thermostat that adapts to your lifestyle.

Household chores: Would you like to hand over some of your household chores to technology? You easily can. You’ll find devices that can handle some of the most mundane tasks for you, including window washing, vacuuming and floor mopping.

In the kitchen: We’ve heard all kinds of chatter about smart appliances already, like refrigerators that can track your groceries for you and ovens you can turn on remotely on your way home from work. But the one I’m ready for is the coffeemaker that knows when I wake up and brews my coffee just in time!

In the yard: You can lighten your load inside with smart home technology and automated devices, but you can also hand over some of the outside jobs too. Technology today offers automated lawn mowers and sprinklers, pool cleaners, and even a gutter cleaning device. (That’s the one at the top of my list! I do not like ladders!)

In the bedroom: Even your mattress can now help you sleep better, using biometric sensors and your smart phone.

And for the not yet smart? For those appliances that aren’t yet “smart,” you can get an outlet that lets you control whatever is plugged into it from your smart phone.

Experts say we are on the verge of the Internet of Things revolution, and that it will change our lives as fundamentally as the Internet did 20 years ago. As a homeowner, you won’t have to wait for the benefits of this technology, because you can easily start making your home smarter than a fifth grader with all the home security features and home devices already available to you!

Is Your Brain Overloaded? Home Automation Takes on Task Saturation!

Home Security Blogger — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 22:47:43 +0000

My husband recently introduced me to a new term: task saturation. Task saturation happens when your brain has so much information coming at it that it can’t absorb any more. I was complaining about being so forgetful lately and he suggested that my brain is overloaded. It sure is!

I’m not alone. Many of us suffer from task saturation because we have high-pressure jobs with looming deadlines, constant communications via email and text, financial stresses as we try to make ends meet, and more…in addition to simply raising our kids, making our meals, taking care of our homes, and getting through each day reasonably sane.

That’s where home automation can help. It can remove a few of the tasks from our lists and free up our brains to handle other information.

Free up brain space when you automate some tasks
Forget about setting the thermostat or regulating the air conditioner. Your home automation system can take care of that. In the winter, you can set it to warm up the house right before you get home but save money by keeping the house cooler during the day when it’s empty. And the opposite is true during the summer. If you have pets, your home automation system can be set to keep the temperature correct for their needs without using too much energy—and without your having to worry if the dog is okay on a really hot day.

Your home automation system can also turn lights on and off, so you don’t have to come home to a dark house on a cold winter’s night—and if your kids get home first, they’ll appreciate the welcoming look of a warm, well-lit house.

The big benefit here is you can simply stop thinking about heating and cooling and lighting. You’re welcome, brain!

Home automation also protects your home—despite your forgetfulness
Your home automation can also free your brain from worrying about home security. You no longer have to nag the kids to remember to lock up, because you can lock and unlock doors, and even arm or disarm your security system, remotely using your phone. Or maybe you forgot to double check something because you were rushing out the door to work and your brain was full of thoughts about that big meeting later in the day. It’s okay. If you did forget, you can take care of it later from your office or while on the road.

We don’t function well when we suffer from task saturation, so we should be trying to get out of situations that cause it if we can. But at least a home automation system can offer a little bit of relief on the home front.

9 Ways Your Home Automation System Can Keep Kids Safe When They’re Home Alone

Home Security Blogger — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 18:18:54 +0000

Following the high-profile abduction cases that led to pictures of missing children on milk cartons and much more diligence on the part of parents, studies show that far fewer kids are home alone these days: The number of grade-school American children who spend time at home alone has plunged by almost 40% since 1997.

Yet there are still those situations when kids will be unattended, at least for a short while, as much as parents would like to avoid it. Or the kids will be old enough to be unsupervised, but haven’t quite proved they are trustworthy before that day comes.

In either case, your home security system can help. Below are nine ways you can use your home security or home automation system to keep your kids safe and your sanity intact when your children are home alone:

You can get alerts when a code used to unlock the front door, so you’ll know when your child has arrived home. If you’ve ever sat there waiting for a child to return a text message to you, letting you know they got home safely, you’ll know how nice this can be!
Window and door sensors can alert you when a window or door is opened, so you can check in with your child.
A video camera at the front door can show you (or your child) who is knocking.
If you’ve said no video games, you can monitor the room that has that tempting distraction with a video camera to make sure rules are followed.
A security video camera can also be used to monitor the yard (which is also helpful for those families who must leave a mischievous pet home alone).
If your child is too young or your teenager too forgetful for properly monitoring the heating or air conditioning, you can use your home automation system to regulate the thermostat.
Your home automation system can also be used to turn lights on automatically, either to make sure the house is lit when your child gets home on a dark winter afternoon, or to make sure your house is lit when you get home at the end of the day—because teenagers simply won’t think about it.
As a parent with a child home alone, you can also get peace of mind knowing your home security system offers fire, carbon monoxide and flood monitoring.
And if your kids need to leave the house, you can lock doors remotely should they forget.

Views about how much latitude children should have and at what age have changed drastically over the past 70 years, especially in the past 20 as we have turned into helicopter parents. (You can find a fascinating breakdown of changing parental attitudes over the decades by reading the results of this Slate study.)

My own kids are all grown and gone now and in their own apartments, and I still worry about them and wait for replies to texts so I know they’re okay. I guess some things never change, but at least technology makes it easier to keep an eye on them even when we’re not around.

Are You One of the Many Going Green in 2018? Home Automation Can Help

Home Security Blogger — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 19:21:02 +0000

Although Americans tend to say they are environmentally conscious more than they act like it, there is definitely a trend toward a greener America. From re-usable grocery bags to organic foods to hybrid cars, the signs that we’re sitting up and paying attention to the consequences of our actions are all around us. Even fast-food giant and mega brand McDonald’s is going green. When that happens, we know something is afoot!

If you’ve been contemplating ways to green up your life, maybe as part of your New Year’s resolutions, and you’re shopping for a new home security system, you’re about to have a win-win situation. That’s because a home automation system can help you to be more green and consume fewer resources (while reducing your utility bills, which is a nice add-on). Here’s how:

Home automation can green up your thermostat
Heating an empty home in the winter or cooling the same in the summer are both huge energy drains. But no one wants to walk into an icebox at the end of the day in January, or an oven at the end of the day in July. With a home automation system, you can have smart control over your home’s temperature, and use your energy wisely.

Your house can stay moderately warm or cool while empty, but then your furnace or AC can kick in before you get home, so you walk into a comfort zone, not a hot or cold one. If you have pets at home, or kids who get home from school before you get home from work, you can adjust the temperature accordingly—and automatically.

Home automation can cut your electric bill
Coming home to a dark house at the end of a long day can be a dreary start to the evening, and sap your energy even more than your work and commute already did. But you don’t want to leave lights on all day just so you can drive up to a cheerful sight once it’s dark out. That’s wasteful.

Enter the home automation system that lets you program your lights to turn off and on at scheduled times, so you can have the lights off while gone but come home to a cheerful, well-lit abode. And if you have kids who leave lights on when they leave, because that’s what kids do, you can turn lights off remotely.

A home automation system won’t include solar panels or wind energy or make your washing machine more energy efficient, but every little bit really does count. Imagine what a difference we could make if all 324 million Americans cut their energy usage by just a fraction: huge!

Finally, if you’re looking for other ways to be a better citizen in the year ahead, be sure to check out these 101 tips on going zero waste. Many are ridiculously easy to do. And again, every little bit counts!