Smart Home 101: Your Home Automation Questions Answered

If you're considering adding smart home automation to your home, you probably have a few questions.

Luckily, we've got answers. Read on to learn more about home automation, including which smart devices you can automate, how much it costs, and which smart home automation system is the best.

What does home automation mean?

In a nutshell, home automation allows you to access and control various devices around your home remotely. This is usually done via a smartphone app or voice assistants; for example, adjusting your thermostat from another room via your Amazon Echo or closing your garage door via your smartphone. 

Home automation also lets you automate certain functions, like locking your door automatically after a certain amount of time has passed or turning your lights on or off at a specific time. 

How do I fully automate my home? 

You can automate many functions around your home. Typically, a fully automated smart home would include voice assistants for voice-activated control as well as a smart app for remote control. 

Most fully-automated homes include the following smart devices and functions: 

• Security systems
• Security cameras
• Door locks
• Garage doors
• Lighting
• Thermostats

Home automation may also include automating other things in your home like sprinklers, blinds, and appliances. For example, you could have your coffee maker automatically turn on at 7:00 each morning so it's ready when you wake up.

How much does it cost to automate my home? 

Home automation usually has two costs associated with it. The first would be the cost of the smart devices themselves, which vary depending on things like features and brands. The second cost would be the cost of monitoring.

Monitored smart homes include 24/7 monitoring of your security system and fire alarms. Many people consider this an essential cost of home automation because the monitoring company will contact the proper emergency responders for you in the event of an emergency, such as a fire or break-in. This monthly cost varies. For a comprehensive system like Vivint, prices start around $30 a month. 

What is the best home automation system? 

The best home automation system should include the following: 

• Device integration. You want your devices to all work together seamlessly. 
• Professional installation. A professionally-installed system not only ensures your devices work together, but makes sure they are installed correctly and in the most aesthetically appealing way. 
• Monitoring. 24/7 monitoring ensures your home is protected around the clock, whether you’re home or away. 

Why Vivint systems are best

When it comes to home automation, homeowners have many different options. You can piece-meal separate smart devices for your home, DIY an entire system yourself, or go with a highly rated, professionally installed, and monitored system like Vivint.

What is it about Vivint that makes it stand out? Plenty. Take a look.

Innovative smart home devices

Home automation starts with your devices. Vivint devices not only allow you to automate certain functions around the house, but they also include a slew of impressive features. Each of these devices can be controlled by the Vivint app, an easy-to-use, intuitive application for your smartphone.

Some of the most popular devices include:

• Smart thermostats. Control your home's thermostat no matter where you are via your app. In addition, the Vivint Smart Thermostat also auto-adjusts to keep you comfortable when you're home and help you save money on energy costs while you're away.
• Lighting. Not only can you automate lights around your home, but you can also create room groups, such as "downstairs lights" or "bedrooms" to turn them all on or off at the same time.
• Smart locks. Never worry about you or your kids getting locked out again. With a Vivint smart lock, you can create unique codes or just open and lock your doors with your Smart Home app. Plus, you can set up further automation so that when the deadbolt turns, your security system will disarm, your lights turn on, and the temperature adjusts automatically.
• Voice assistants. With an Amazon Echo or Google Home, you can also control many of the devices around your home with your voice. Turning off your lights before bed is as easy as saying, "Alexa, turn off my lights."
• Smart home security. A Vivint security system includes door and window sensors, glass break sensors, and motion detectors to keep your home protected.
• Security cameras. Whether you want to keep an eye on the inside or outside of your home, Vivint has state-of-the-art cameras that provide you the clearest views, day or night. The Outdoor Camera Pro and Doorbell Camera Pro also feature Smart Sentry, which proactively protects your property and packages by spotting lurkers and warning them they've been seen.

Professional installation

DIY can be fun. But when it comes to smart home technology, it can get complicated really quickly. Vivint systems include professional installation, so your smart home devices work together seamlessly from day one. What's more, your Smart Home Pro will show you exactly how your system works so you get the most out of every feature.

24/7 monitoring

When it comes to the safety of your home and family, Vivint has you covered with monitoring 365 days a year, 7 days a week, and 24 hours a day. So if your smoke alarm goes off in the middle of the night, the monitoring center will contact the fire department so you can focus on what matters the most–getting your family to safety.

See what home automation can do with Vivint

A fully automated smart home brings a whole new level of convenience, comfort, and security to your home. Contact our Smart Home Pros today at 800.646.1469 for a free quote today.