Programmable thermostats aren't new, but your ability to control your environment is far greater than it used to be. There are internet-connected thermostats that allow you to control the temperature from wherever you are, even if you are at work or out shopping. Before you leave work you can have the air-conditioned turn on, so by the time you get home, it is cool and refreshing. Additionally, these same systems allow you to cool only those rooms that you regularly use. Using a phone app, or the control panel on your thermostat, you can shut off temperature control for guest or storage rooms. This control saves you the cost of the air-conditioner, and you don't have to walk back and check to see if the damper to the room is open or closed.
Control Your Blinds
Automatic blinds are a very helpful tool for the cooling and lighting of your custom home. With automatic blinds, you can pre-set them to open or close during certain times of the day. You can also set them to move to a particular angle, so they remain open and allow light in, but also prevent the light from dominating or overheating the room. Also, with a remote control, you can open or close blinds to allow better reading light or prevent glare on the TV, without having to get up and move them around.
Utilize Video Cameras
Cameras are great for knowing who is at your front door but they can also be helpful in keeping an eye on your kids. Cameras placed in playrooms or watching the backyard can help parents keep tabs on their children, If you plan for these before the construction of your custom home, the wiring can be out of the way and inconspicuous. Cameras can also be connected wirelessly, but wired connections are more reliable and not dependent on the wireless signal.
Luxury Viewing
How would you like to watch your favorite shows and movies in your home theater? Home theaters are very affordable today, and you can even install theater seating. A home theater doesn't mean you have to add a special room to your custom home. The large screen can be placed behind a moveable panel, or you could have a large, moveable screen TV drop down from the ceiling.
So, imagine you are on your way home from a hard day of work, and you want to relax with your family to wind down. As you drive home your custom home could be cooling down, and your TV could already be on with your favorite sports game by the time you get there. You walk into your a clearly lighted home, and you settle in for a nice relaxing night. This scenario is possible with today's technology.
If you would like to see how you can integrate today's smart technology into your custom home, call us for a consultation. Empire Custom Homes has built over 500 houses to their owner's exact instructions and specifications. See how we can help you realize your true dream home.