Home Automation Guide Part 3: Automated Window Shades, Ceiling Fans & Thermostats

When it comes to home automation systems, you may know about or are familiar with keyless door locks and automated lighting options, but did you know that things like window shades, thermostats and ceiling fans can be automated as well?

Automated Window Shades

If you’re like many homeowners in the Lowcountry, you know how much of a hassle some window shades can be at times, especially on hard to reach windows. Through use of Z-wave enabled window shades, you can remotely control the ambiance, privacy and security of your home, all through a home automation service like Total Connect 2.0 right on your smartphone, tablet or PC.

Window shades can be programmed to open and close at specific times of the day to block out the sun and keep your home cool and keep energy costs down in the summertime. This is also useful for reducing glare on your home theater system, help protect furniture, wood floors and carpet and any paintings or other wall art from harmful sunrays.

Also, the programming you set your shades to can be synced up with your home security system so they can be opened/closed when you arm/disarm your system.

Ceiling Fans

Working together with your automated lighting systems, Z-wave enabled ceiling fans operate in much the same way. You can program them to turn on/off during parts of the day and even automatically adjust them when you arm/disarm your security system.

Thermostats

Always be able to check and set the temperature of your home with Z-wave enabled thermostats. You can program custom temperatures for when you are home, away or on vacation to optimize your energy consumption and save money on your energy bills.

Just like window shades, you can sync up your thermostat to your home alarm system so when you arm/disarm your system, your thermostat will adjust your HVAC system according to your preferred home/away/vacation settings.

With the help of these home automation devices and services, we know that it will make your life easier and give you the peace of mind you deserve.