Benefits of Home Automation During the Holidays

Tis the season! Before you pack up the kids and head over the river and through the woods it's important to make sure you're leaving your home secure and out of the eyes of thieves. Almost 400,000 break-ins occur in the US during November and December, according to the FBI. The last thing you want to worry about during the holidays are burglars. Fortunately, home automation is a great tool to keep your home safe and sound while you're away enjoying the holiday season.

Alarm.com and RTI offer home automation solutions that can simplify your life and ease your mind while you're traveling. For example, experts say one of the best ways to ward off intruders is by leaving lights on. Home automation allows you to take it up a notch by controlling a variety of lights in your home. While leaving a front porch light on may be helpful, burglars may notice if the light is left on during the day as well. Automated light systems allow you control lighting to mimic your usual activity and patterns.

Another great benefit of home automation is the ability to get notifications when there is any activity in or around your home such as doors opening or someone pulling into the driveway. Even when you're away, home automation allows you to still feel constantly connected to your home.

Not going out of town this holiday season, but instead having the family come to you? Home automation can make having company over for the holidays a breeze. Houseguests can come and go as they please with temporary entry codes on smart doors and locks. They can even be programmed to expire when your guests head home. Automate your lights inside and out to come on at dusk and off at midnight. Also, don't worry about pulling down shades and blinds in the evening. Control them all with the touch of a button so you don't have to miss a beat. Keep guests entertained with festive holiday playlists that you can control right from your smartphone.

In today's fast-paced world it's important to slow down and enjoy time with friends and family. Home automation is a great addition to any living space, but also a huge added safety feature and tool for keeping guests comfortable.