Top 10 Home Automation Features for a Smart Home

Imagine a home that can sense your presence and adjust its temperature, lighting, and security settings without you lifting a finger. This home plays your favorite music as you walk in the door and turns off the lights when you leave. It even alerts you if there's a problem, such as a break-in or a fire.

This isn't just a pipe dream—it could be your reality! Smart home devices and technology are becoming more affordable and accessible. So if you're considering upgrading your home, a smart home might be the way to go.

In this article, we'll discuss:

• What home automation and smart homes are.
• The best features of home automation.
• How smart home automation features make your life easier.

Let's start off by learning what home automation is and how it works.

What is home automation?

Home automation is the use of technology to coordinate and control your home's devices and appliances. This is done from a smart control system that might include a home hub, voice assistant, smartphone, or touchscreen keypad. All of these connected devices use some form of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Z-Wave.

Once you've set up a hub, you can integrate smart automation devices, including smart lighting, thermostats, and door locks throughout your home. We call this setup a smart home.

Many smart home devices function automatically to maintain your home. For instance, a smart thermostat monitors your indoor temperature and adjusts it as needed to maintain a preset climate.

For some of us, this may sound like something out of the sci-fi universe, but this technology is quickly becoming mainstream, as there's a constant influx of new developments and features.

Automation features for your smart home

Let's take a look at the most popular automation features on today's market and how these can seamlessly integrate into your home and make your life easier.

1. Voice control

Voice control lets you use simple voice commands and phrases to manage your home's devices and appliances.

This creates a truly convenient, hands-free experience. For example, instead of reaching for a remote control or opening a smartphone app, you can simply say, "Change the channel," or "Shut off all the lights," and voila—it's done!

Many home automation systems also allow you to preset voice commands to control several smart home features simultaneously. For instance, you can set your smart home to shut off lights, secure your smart locks, and arm your security alarm whenever you say "Goodnight."

2. Security systems

A smart home security system, which includes smart security cameras, smart door locks, and motion sensors, is a great way to protect your home around the clock.

There are many security scenarios where smart home technology can really help and give you peace of mind.

For example, say someone comes to your front door while you're at work. With the doorbell camera from Vivint, you'll receive real-time notifications on your smartphone or tablet. You'll then be able to see who's there and talk with them. If you sense danger, you can even trigger an emergency response.

3. Lighting automation

Lighting automation with smart lightbulbs takes a lot of the guesswork out of this simple task.

With smart lights, you can use voice commands to turn your lights off and on, set routines to turn all of your lights off and on at certain times, and check on your lights from anywhere—even work.

This automation feature is also great for energy efficiency. Simply set up your lights according to a schedule and never leave a light on for a second more than you need.

4. Thermostat control

Smart thermostats help you save on energy costs. Simply set up a schedule that turns your temperature up or down depending on whether you're home. According to Consumer Reports, energy-saving smart thermostats have saved customers an average of 8% on their utility bills.

Then there's the convenience factor. Set up each room in your home to a different setting or schedule to keep all your family members comfortable. Control any setting of your smart thermostat with simple voice commands or from a mobile device if you're out.

5. Smart appliances

Many smart appliances, such as ovens, refrigerators, and washers and dryers, can integrate with automation technology.

This can make many day-to-day tasks easier. For example, set your oven to preheat or your washing machine to start a load right before you get home. You can even view the inside of your smart refrigerator to see what you need while you're at the store.

6. Energy monitoring

Energy consumption and energy efficiency are both hot topics lately—and smart home devices make it easy and painless to monitor and control your energy consumption.

These smart gadgets monitor real-time data on your energy consumption. They also give you all the tools and information you need for smart energy management.

From smart thermostats to lighting control and appliances, you'll be able to reduce household expenses and promote true sustainability.

7. Automated window treatments

Smart blinds and curtains are other new ways to automate your home. You can open and close your home's window treatments with a simple voice command.

Set your window treatments to open and close according to your schedule or the time of day. For example, you can set them to open when your alarm goes off in the morning and close when you turn your lights off for bed.

Many homeowners have even found that this smart tech adds to their home's security. Since you can automate your home's blinds and curtains, it can give it the appearance of being occupied even when you're away, discouraging would-be burglars.

8. Home entertainment

Automation can enhance your entertainment experience, whether watching a movie or listening to music. Your entire home entertainment system can be integrated into your smart home to create a seamless entertainment experience.

Create custom automation that turns your TV on, closes your window blinds, and turns off your lights in response to custom voice commands. It's a great way to take your home theater setup to the next level.

9. Smart home assistants

Virtual assistants like Google Assistant are central hubs for your smart gadgets.

With the help of these smart home assistants and smart speakers, you can control other devices, manage household tasks, and provide information within a smart home ecosystem.

And with these smart home assistants set up strategically throughout your home, you can use voice commands from anywhere.

10. Home surveillance

Smart cameras, video doorbells, and security systems are great ways to monitor your home and keep it secure.

A key benefit of smart home surveillance is remote access; you can monitor and secure your home from anywhere using your mobile device. If your surveillance system detects motion, you'll get a notification and be able to assess whether it's a threat.

This is one area where Vivint really shines with state-of-the-art doorbell cameras, outdoor cameras, and spotlight cameras.

What is the best feature of home automation?

Security is the main perk of home automation devices.

While all of the other features we've discussed are cool, smart security systems will also keep your home, family, and property safe. There's nothing that compares with the peace of mind that a smart security system can bring to your life.

And here at Vivint, we prioritize your safety with smart security devices like smart door locks, door and motion sensors, security cameras, and more.

Additional smart home features for beginners

If you're new to home automation, starting simple can help build confidence while laying the groundwork for a fully connected home. These beginner-friendly smart home features are easy to use and provide immediate benefits:

• Smart plugs. These let you control traditional appliances, like coffee makers or lamps, through your smartphone or home automation system. They're a cost-effective way to automate without replacing your existing devices.
• Smart home hubs. The Vivint Smart Hub centralizes control of all your smart devices. It makes managing multiple systems, like lighting, locks, thermostats, and more, straightforward and seamless.
• Smart speakers. Devices like Google Nest integrate voice assistants such as Siri or Google Assistant. With voice control, you can manage lights, ask questions, or play music hands-free.

These smart home products are ideal for homeowners who want the benefits of automation without a steep learning curve.

Best home automation devices for security

Home security is one of the most important reasons homeowners invest in smart technology. The right smart home devices can help you stay in control and aware, whether you're home or away—consider these options:

• Vivint outdoor camera. This security camera uses advanced analytics to detect real threats and send real-time notifications. It also actively deters potential intruders with lights and sounds.
• Smart locks. A smart door lock, like the Kwikset Smart Lock, provides remote access, user-specific codes, and auto-lock features, keeping your front door secure and accessible.
• Motion and glass break sensors. These sensors can detect unexpected movement or broken glass and send alerts immediately, helping prevent break-ins.
• Vivint doorbell camera. Whether you're expecting a package or concerned about a stranger at the door, this doorbell camera offers live video, two-way talk, and real-time mobile alerts.

Pairing these devices with a complete Vivint smart home system offers maximum protection and peace of mind.

See how Vivint can transform your home

Smart home automation system features create a home ecosystem that gives you ultimate convenience and security.

And that is what Vivint is all about.

Learn how Vivint smart technology and systems can transform your home into a smart home. From smart security devices like security cameras and garage door openers to smart thermostats, our smart home professionals will help you build a custom smart home system. And with professional installation, you won't have to deal with any DIY confusion or installation mishaps.

Find out how Vivint can make your home more comfortable and convenient. Call us at 855.822.1220 for a free consultation today.