Ready to take your summer to the next level? Discover the hottest smart home automation ideas that will transform your seasonal experience today!

<p>Summertime is almost here, and with it comes the promise of fun, sun, and, unfortunately, the usual seasonal chores. But what if your smart home could help you break free from the mundane and embrace the true spirit of summer? You can with smart home automation!</p>
<p>With automated energy-efficient climate control, lawn control, pool maintenance, and more, you&rsquo;ll be able to reclaim summer fun and leave the mundane chores behind!</p>
<h2>1. Cool All Day Long</h2>
<p><img alt="Woman using smart tablet and voice commands to lower temperature and see the energy usage on her device" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q2_2023/CI_Summer-Smart-Automation-Ideas_1.gif" title="CI_Summer-Smart-Automation-Ideas_1.gif" width="700" /></p>
<p>Sunny summer days come with scorching temperatures, and keeping cool is challenging. But with a smart thermostat, you can set specific temperature levels, remotely adjust the settings, create schedules, and set &ldquo;Home&rdquo; or &ldquo;Away&rdquo; scenes so you can conserve energy!</p>
<p>You&rsquo;ll also get customized recommendations on how to keep the temperature to your ideal settings while also saving on energy costs. And you can set specific scenes, like for your child&rsquo;s bedroom, so the AC only turns on when it detects movement!</p>
<p><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> Don&rsquo;t forget to add smart blinds to help block out the sun and keep the interior cooler without turning on the AC! Our team can help set up and coordinate, so your thermostat and blinds work together!</p>
<h2>2. Watering the Lawn</h2>
<p><img alt="Beautiful home with lush, green yard" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q2_2023/CI_Summer-Smart-Automation-Ideas_2.jpg" title="CI_Summer-Smart-Automation-Ideas_2.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>As we know, summer means having the constant chore of maintaining the yard. But you can automate this too! Instead of physically messing with the sprinkler system, you can use a smart irrigation system to water the lawn automatically. Just set the system and forget about it &mdash; it&rsquo;ll irrigate your lawn for the specific time or interval you select, which will help you save on water!</p>
<p>You can also find smart lawnmowers to trim your yard for you; no more hours spent on keeping the grass height at a specific time or paying someone else to do it!</p>
<h2>3. Security While Away</h2>
<p><img alt="Closeup of someone locking their home&rsquo;s smart locks with their smartphone" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q2_2023/CI_Summer-Smart-Automation-Ideas_3.gif" title="CI_Summer-Smart-Automation-Ideas_3.gif" width="700" /></p>
<p>With summer comes vacations, which means leaving your home for extended periods. But with a smart security system, you don&rsquo;t have to worry about leaving your home vulnerable; you can keep an eye on things from wherever you are! A smart security system offers you real-time video surveillance, instant alerts, and more! You can:</p>
<ul>
<li>Set up the lights and shades on a schedule to create the appearance that someone is home.</li>
<li>Answer the door remotely through a video doorbell or set up a scene to trigger the lights or dogs barking if it detects unauthorized movement.</li>
<li>Incorporate smart locks to let the dog walker in with a specialized code. Or check that all the doors are locked from anywhere you are!</li>
<li>Add a geofence to help keep track of the kids, pets, or unauthorized movement in the dedicated zone.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> Let us know what you require from your smart security system, and we&rsquo;ll do the rest!</p>
<h2>4. Lighting</h2>
<p>Smart lighting is always a good idea&mdash; there is so much you can do with it. With your interior lights, you can set up scenes to turn on the lights for specific actions like the front door opening, the sun going down, entering a different room, and so on. For your exterior lights, you can create an ambiance for your backyard space with color schemes and adjustable RGB light strips to make summer parties more fun!</p>
<p><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> The occupancy sensors will help keep the lights off in empty rooms to save on energy costs &mdash; no more following behind the kids to keep switching off the lights!</p>
<h2>5. Automatic Pool/Hot Tub Equipment</h2>
<p><img alt="Smart pool cleaner" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q2_2023/CI_Summer-Smart-Automation-Ideas_4.jpg" title="CI_Summer-Smart-Automation-Ideas_4.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>If you have a pool or a hot tub (both?), you know they require tons of upkeep, especially with the pump timer. But did you know that you can automate that, too? With a smart timer, you can control the pump from any smart device, so you don&rsquo;t have to access the equipment physically!</p>
<p>Plus, you can add a smart pool cleaner to skim or vacuum, even if someone is using the pool &mdash; it&rsquo;s like a robot vacuum for the pool, one you can even put in vacation mode! As for your hot tub, you can also set up themes to warm your hot tub and start the bubbles, so everything awaits you just as you get home!</p>
<h2>Bonus: Music Distribution</h2>
<p>What&rsquo;s summer fun without tunes? Exactly &mdash; no fun at all! With smart music distribution, you can add the joy of your favorite playlists to every room of the house and outside, too! You&rsquo;ll be able to listen to the same music seamlessly from one location to the next with zero lag or interference, or you can create separate playlists for each zone!</p>
<p>And the best part is that you can set the volume individually for each space, which is especially helpful during those summer parties!</p>
<p><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> Let us know if you&rsquo;d like to hide your audio system, and we&rsquo;ll develop solutions for a seamless home design!</p>
<h2>Ready for Summer!</h2>
<p><img alt="Group of friends lounging by the pool" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q2_2023/CI_Summer-Smart-Automation-Ideas_5.jpg" title="CI_Summer-Smart-Automation-Ideas_5.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p>Are you ready to say goodbye to most of your summer chores? Upgrading your home with smart automation will keep the good times rolling all summer long. So, if you&rsquo;re ready to start, our team at Saber is ready and waiting! Once you <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.sabersecurityinc.com/contacts/" target="_blank">give us a call</a></span>, we&rsquo;ll set up your consultation appointment and review the scope of what you want your smart home to do!</p>
<p>So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of smart home living and make this summer your best one yet!</p>

Supercharge Your Summer with these 5 Smart Home Automation Ideas [+1 Bonus!]

Get ready to take your movie-watching outside this summer. Discover everything you'll need to watch movies in your own backyard home theater today!

<p>Have you ever enjoyed watching a movie outside with your family and friends? If not, you&rsquo;re tootally missing out! With an outdoor home theater, you can enjoy summer nights like never before</p>
<p></p>
<p>There&rsquo;s nothing like trying something new and making memories, so why not start now with your own outdoor theater?.</p>
<p></p>
<h2>Projectors</h2>
<p></p>
<p>Though you could take your TV outside for a movie night, it won't have the same "wooow" factor as a projector. So finding the perfect projector should be your first step in planning your backyard movie night. The important factor to remember is that there is no one-size-fits-all projector for every use.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Instead, consider where and how you'll be using your projector. Is this simply for your backyard, or do you want something to take camping with you? It'll be best to choose one that is small enough to take outside and set on a table, but not so little that it won't provide enough light to illuminate your screen. Some portable projectors also include a built-in battery, but a long garden extension cord could also do the job.</p>
<p><img alt="projector projecting video on screen" height="400" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q2_2022/CI_creating-a-outdoor-home-theater_1.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<h2>Media Player</h2>
<p></p>
<p>Another thing to think about is the source material. What will you be watching? Or, more importantly, how will you watch it? The days of bringing a DVD or Blu-ray player out to the yard along with the projector are virtually gone. Sure, you could do it, but there are way more convenient solutions.</p>
<p></p>
<p>You can find projectors with built-in streaming apps or you can use streaming sticks or your laptop. Whatever you choose, make sure you have a good HDMI cable or reliable and strong WiFi, so you can view your movie with no lagging.</p>
<p></p>
<h2>Speakers</h2>
<p></p>
<p>Some video projectors have a built-in amplifier and speaker, but the output level is designed for small rooms, such as conference rooms and classrooms. However, if you have a large yard or any kind of background noise, it may be difficult to hear. But with outdoor speakers connected to your home projector, you can have incredible sound to match your huge screen!</p>
<p></p>
<p>Using the projector's analog audio output to connect any speaker with an analog input is the simplest approach to upgrading the sound. Many Bluetooth speakers and most soundbars and, practically any speaker system include an analog input. You can even make use of a built-in home audio system that you can control for your smart hub. Although a sound system optimized for outdoor use or built-in home audio are the way to go for superior garden movie audio, you can use whatever works best for your environment.</p>
<p><img alt="people watching movie outdoors with speaker" height="400" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q2_2022/CI_creating-a-outdoor-home-theater_2.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<h2>Seating</h2>
<p></p>
<p>Unless you want to sit on the ground, you'll need comfy seating to really bring the movie experience outside. This is where you can decide to get creative or choose better-suited furniture like outdoor chairs, sofas, benches, stools, and even sectionals. Want to have the option to lay down and watch? Then, an outdoor rug with some pillows and blankets added is a good choice.</p>
<p><img alt="people sitting on patio watching movie" height="400" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q2_2022/CI_creating-a-outdoor-home-theater_3.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<h2>Lighting</h2>
<p></p>
<p>When you build a movie-night paradise in your backyard, don't forget about lighting. While darkness will be necessary for seeing the films and adding a little ambiance. Plus, your guests will need a small amount of lighting to securely navigate the area. Tiki torches are easy lighting options, but you can also upgrade to landscape lighting like path, well, and even step lights that serve both your movie experience and general backyard lighting.</p>
<p><img alt="people watching movie under lights in pool" height="400" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q2_2022/CI_creating-a-outdoor-home-theater_4.jpg" width="700" /></p>
<p></p>
<p>You're almost ready to go now that you've learned the essentials of creating your own backyard movie theater! Now it&rsquo;s time to decide what you need. And at Saber, we&rsquo;ll help you design and set up the ultimate outdoor theater experience! Check out some of our products and if you have any questions, we are glad to help, just give us a <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.sabersecurityinc.com/contacts/" target="_blank">call or visit</a> </span>us today!</p>

Backyard Movie Night: What you Need for Your Outdoor Theater 

You don’t need chestnuts roasting on an open fire to stay cozy this season. Get a smart thermostat in your home instead!

<p>Smart thermostats are popular in WiFi-connected homes, allowing you to adjust the temperature of your home from your smartphone or other digital device and, more importantly, to save money on utility costs. The demand for smart thermostats is growing due to their WiFi connectivity, allowing homeowners the ability to adjust the temperature from anywhere in the world with their smart device, and more importantly, generating substantial cost savings on their utility bills. Below we go into more detail on the primary benefits of using a smart thermostat:</p>
<h2>1. Lower Energy Usage and Costs</h2>
<p><img alt="woman is making a contactless payment using her smartphone" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_electronics/ci-smart-thermostat-utility-bill.jpg" title="iStock Credit: demaerre" width="700" /></p>
<p>With smart thermostats, when you&rsquo;re out of the house or on vacation, you can set your air conditioning and heater to your desired temperatures. Manufacturers of smart thermostats make claims of 10% to 20% savings on energy bills, and that can really add up in the long run. When you track your energy usage you can easily see where money can be saved. Smart thermostats are inherently environmentally friendly and some even give you &ldquo;badges&rdquo; to reach new levels of energy efficiency. Several smart thermostats also have the ability to add remote temperature sensors, allowing you to heat/cool specific areas of the home.</p>
<h2>2. Control Your Thermostat Remotely</h2>
<p><img alt="woman uses app on smartphone to control smart thermostat at home" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_electronics/ci-smart-thermostat-header.jpg" title="iStock Credit: monkeybusinessimages" width="700" /></p>
<p>Smart thermostats allow you to use an app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer to set the temperature for your home remotely, all through an easy-to-use interface. This means, when you&rsquo;re out of the house or on vacation, you can set your air conditioning and heater to your desired temperatures. In the app, you can also create schedules so that at certain times throughout the day, the temperature will change according to your wishes. You can even set vacation modes for longer trips. Another feature of smart thermostats is the ability to receive alerts for when your temperature goes above or below a certain point.</p>
<h2>3. Smart Thermostats Learn Your Home and Your Routines</h2>
<p><img alt="woman checks on smart home apps on her smartphone" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_electronics/ci-smart-thermostat-routine.jpg" title="iStock Credit: gorodenkoff" width="700" /></p>
<p>Using movement sensors, smart thermostats can detect when you are in and out of the home and create a general schedule based on your lifestyle. When you&rsquo;re gone from the home, energy usage will slow, and then pick up again when you return. Some smart thermostats can also measure the outdoor weather and adjust the indoor environment accordingly. They can also work with other smart home devices, such as smart humidifiers or air purifiers, exchanging information for a stronger integrated system. Voice-controlled systems such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home can connect to your smart thermostat, allowing you to adjust the temperature with the sound of your voice.</p>
<p>Smart thermostats are easy to install, using the wiring already there for the home&rsquo;s heating and cooling system. Similar to other smart home devices, smart thermostats give you insights into your home in comprehensible ways and are designed to be easy to use.</p>
<h2>Call or Visit Us</h2>
<p>Your heating and cooling system should not be overlooked when growing your smart home. If you&rsquo;re ready to enable the extra layer of convenience, comfort, and cost savings into your home, Saber provides many options to cater to your lifestyle. <a href="https://www.sabersecurityinc.com/contacts/" target="_blank">Contact our experts at Saber</a> to learn more about our products and services.</p>

3 Underrated Benefits of a Smart Thermostat

Just like a pumpkin spice latte, advanced lighting control can brighten up your mood this fall.

<p>Mood is everything. Mood can be the difference between a room that sparkles and shines and one that is too lit, or one that is just the perfect amount of aromatic atmosphere and one that is so dark everybody is tripping over themselves.</p>
<p>A great way to control mood is through lighting &ndash; and advanced home lighting solutions make this easier than ever! And, with Halloween on everybody&rsquo;s mind, mood becomes even more important. To help celebrate the season &mdash; and also educate you on the greatness that is home-lighting control &ndash; we put together this list that will help all of our customers deck out their homes for Halloween, and the many seasons to come!</p>
<h2><strong></strong><strong>Scheduling Scary</strong></h2>
<p>By day, your house is brightly lit, the shades are up, and the lights off. But as the darkness of night starts to draw near, your system automatically adjusts your lighting and shades to the schedule you set. Your guests sit there, a gasp, as they find themselves draped in the perfectly controlled and lit Halloween setting, they now find themselves in.</p>
<p><img alt="A man sets the lighting through an app on his phone." src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_electronics/prosource-fall-lighting-intro.jpg" title="gorodenkoff" width="700" /></p>
<p>Even better, having it set to go by itself can also be used to scare, as well. You could schedule blinds to go up and down during a Halloween party, or use an app to control the lights and turn them on and off as people enter and exit certain rooms. Flickering lights are sure to add some spooky atmosphere to any shindig you throw, and you&rsquo;ll be able to do it all from the palm of your hand!&nbsp; That&rsquo;s some high-tech Halloween scaring, right there.</p>
<p>You are probably wondering how one takes their current lighting and shading system and makes it set for such scares, though. That&rsquo;s what we&rsquo;re here for! Give us a call today, and we&rsquo;ll walk you through all of your integration options for lighting and shading.</p>
<h2><strong></strong><strong>Dementor Dimmers</strong></h2>
<p>There&rsquo;s nothing Halloween-y or scary about regular, plain, boring, light switches. But dimmers? Now, those have potential for sure.</p>
<p>Dimmers come in a whole array of styles and possible switches, giving you something that will match whatever you are looking for to fit your home. They also save you money compared to traditional light switches.</p>
<p>But what about setting up some scares? Yeah, they can help there, too.&nbsp;With dimmers, your house can go from brightly lit to eerily haunted with just a quick slide, giving you total control over the lighting in your house. It is your house after all, so shouldn&rsquo;t it look how you want it to?</p>
<p><img alt="A fireplace covered with fall decor." src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_electronics/prosource-fall-lighting-outro.jpg" title="Ron and Patty Thomas" width="700" /></p>
<p>Of course, this is just the beginning of what lighting control can offer you and your home. Give us a call today and we&rsquo;d be more than glad to walk you through all of the awesome features of advanced home lighting and shading, and why one of our solutions would be perfect not just for Halloween, but for the whole year!</p>

How Advanced Home Lighting Control Can Set the Mood for Fall

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Supercharge Your Summer with these 5 Smart Home Automation Ideas [+1 Bonus!]

Backyard Movie Night: What you Need for Your Outdoor Theater

3 Underrated Benefits of a Smart Thermostat

How Advanced Home Lighting Control Can Set the Mood for Fall

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