Like most people, you probably use some form of automation already in different aspects of your life. From checking your email at work to opening the garage door when you arrive home in the evening. This type of automation allows people to remotely access various devices in their homes using a mobile phone or similar device.

Once they’ve made the switch, most homeowners say that it’s improved their lives considerably. In fact, there are several ways that home automation can improve your home – and your lifestyle.

Home automation is incredibly convenient. With the touch of a button on your smartphone, you can access different devices in your home. You can turn on lights, change the temperature, and even water your lawn from any location in the world. You’ll never need to ask a neighbor to check on your house because you can do it yourself, no matter where you are.

A smart thermostat is one of the most popular automated home devices. It’s similar to a programmable thermostat, but you can change the temperature setting remotely. If you decide to come home early from work, for example, you can change the temperature so your home is comfortable by the time you arrive.

Automated homes are also safe because you always have access to your electronics, even when you’re away. If you forget to turn the oven off before you leave for the evening, you can use your mobile device to do the job for you.

Most people see a significant decrease in energy bills when they automate their homes. You aren’t wasting electricity, even if you accidentally leave the lights on. After all, you can easily turn them off from your smartphone.

Because these devices are automated, they’re also energy efficient. You can set the lights and the thermostat so they’re only using power when you’re home.

An automated home also gives you peace of mind. By having remote access to your lights, electronics, HVAC system, sprinkler system, and other devices, you’ll ensure that small problems don’t become larger ones. You can handle minor issues from anywhere in the world, keeping them from becoming major issues.

Contact Bryant Electric Service today and find out more about how you can improve your home with automation.

Most families have a fire plan, a tornado plan, and even a “what to do when you’re locked out of the house plan.” What many families don’t have is a practiced electrical safety plan. You may have told your children a million times not to put their fingers in wall sockets, but have you told them a million times not to fly a kite under power lines?

Here are five key safety tips that your children should not only know, but memorize, when it comes to electricity:

Kids love to climb trees, but trees under power lines may be too dangerous to climb. Teach your kids to always look up before climbing trees. If power lines are running through or near the branches, it is not a safe to climb that tree.

Teach children to never fly kites or carry helium balloons on long strings under or near power lines. Electricity is always looking for a route to the ground; kites and balloons make the perfect conduits.

In some neighborhoods, power lines are buried in the ground. It can be difficult to tell where these lines are located. Teach your children not to dig in the ground in any areas you have not told them are safe.

Transformers are often large, green, metal boxes sitting on the ground. Teach your children that these are not mountains to be climbed or treasures to explore. Tell your children that if they notice one of these boxes open, they should alert an adult immediately.

When lightning strikes, it’s time to head inside. Children should know to go indoors when storms are approaching, but especially when thunder sounds and lightning strikes.

Don’t tell your children these things just once! Make sure that an electrical safety plan is part of your overall emergency preparedness plan. When your children know what to do and not to do around electricity, accidents are less likely to occur.