The second biggest user of energy in your home—right after your heating and cooling system—is lighting. The electricity bill can go way up if you leave lights on, not to mention you are wasting resources and contributing to light pollution. Whatever your motivation is for cutting back on your energy, The Integrated Home can help with home lighting control. Here are three main ways to save energy in your Charlotte, NC home. 

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1. Install Dimmers

Installing dimmers is a great first step to making a difference. Every time you dim the lights you save energy. According to the lighting manufacturer Lutron, dimming the lights by 25 percent can save you up to 20% on energy. You'll shave some cost off your monthly utility bill and make your bulbs last longer. We have dimmers that are compatible with all kinds of different lights, like LEDs, halogens, and fluorescents. Certain models automatically save you 15% on energy. Of course the best time to dim the lights is during peak daylight hours, when the sun is high. Make most of the natural daylight and save your artificial lights for later in the evening. You can set your dimmers to lower lighting at certain times of day, or manually adjust them with your mobile device or a switch on the wall. Our wall plates will look stylish and will be easy to access so you can simply save with the swipe of your finger.

2. Add Occupancy/Vacancy Sensors

Occupancy sensors help you make saving energy a priority without all the extra work. This technology ensures that lights won't be left on due to forgetfulness. If you leave a room, it will know it and turn off the lights accordingly. Depending on the type of sensor you use, it can detect slight movements, like typing on a computer, or just major movements so your dog doesn’t keep turning the lights on

They can save you 20% on energy and last a long time. Daylight sensors, similarly, detect light and automatically make adjustments. If it's a bright, sunny day, the lights dim to a low level. If it's overcast outside, the light will stay bright.

Have you cut your cable cord yet? While many families still pay for a monthly cable service, many are opting out for video streaming subscription services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu and more. Each one has its own unique content and different options for streaming quality. So how do you choose which video streaming device you use to play all the content you love on your home theater system? Read this guide to get a sense of what each one has to offer. We have Kaleidescape, Roku and VUDU for you to choose from.

SEE ALSO: How to Get the Most out of Your Home Theater

 1. Kaleidescape

Kaleidescape is a movie server that houses 4K and HD content for you to rent or purchase. However, instead of streaming the movie (which involves playing content over an Internet connection) you download it first and then play it. Streaming content will never be as good as playing a digital file or disc because it relies on the stability of the Internet connection to perform well, and the truth is that isn’t always up to par. Plus, when you play content locally, your TV or projector already has all of the information it needs to produce the picture so there’s no reason why it shouldn’t show you everything it should. Another benefit of using Kaleidescape is that you can keep your movie collection on a digital platform instead of using up precious space in your house. That way you can browse through you most beloved films as well as new ones all on the same platform.

2. Roku

Spring and summer are great times to catch up on your favorite TV shows, sports games and movies. We have spring break to look forward to, as well as summer vacations and parties. A great way to entertain friends and family in your Charlotte, NC home as well as enjoy your outdoor spaces is to add a TV or home theater system to your backyard. Initially, outdoor audio video may sound more involved and complicated than it is, but you can trust us to install the right system that works for your family and lasts years into the future. Keep reading to learn more.

SEE ALSO: Light Up Your Porch, Pool, or Patio with Professional Landscape Lighting

Outdoor TVs

A typical TV would never survive outside. The sun, wind and rain would destroy the device. However, audio video installation companies have exclusive relationships with dealers that provide weather-resistant audio/video. Our partners Seura and Sunbrite have TVs that can withstand extreme hot and cold temperatures, moisture and an ultra-bright sun. Take for example Seura’s Storm Ultra Bright Television. Created for super sunny areas on your deck or by the pool, this TV plays crystal clear images in vivid color in the brightest sun. It has a triple lock seal to protect the device from all kinds of contaminants and rain, and can also operate in negative 30 degrees Fahrenheit. We know it never gets that cold in Charlotte, but it does show how these TVs can survive abnormal temperatures. Since it comes in a variety of sizes and can be mounted onto virtually any surface, you get to decide how big you want this incredible TV to be and where you want it to go. Imagine yourself catching a football game while you’re in the hot tub or enjoying a cocktail on your outdoor patio while watching a movie.

Outdoor Projectors and Screens

We have covered a lot of details about how to use automation in your Charlotte, NC home, but what about your car? How does your vehicle fit into your electronic lifestyle? Many auto manufacturers are adding the newest automation technology to their cars, which is great for smart home owners—especially if you use Control4. Here are a few things you can do by integrating your ride into your smart home system. 

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Push to Start

You’ve seen the option to use a push button to start your vehicle, but what if you could take this to the next level and start your car from inside your house? With Control4, we can integrate your smart car into your system so all you have to do is touch a button on your mobile device and start the car early before you step foot out the door. This is especially helpful on those extra cold days when you want to warm up the car before you venture outside. It may not get below zero in Charlotte, but there are those times when you tend to run to your car to avoid the chills.

You can even set a daily schedule for the car to start 10 minutes before you leave for work. But if you don’t want to use up the extra gas, you could set the task to occur only when the temperature drops below 30 degrees. So you get to decide how cold is just too cold for you!

It can be fairly time-consuming and difficult to install lighting in your backyard. It’s not as easy as plugging in a light inside your Charlotte, NC home. Outdoor lighting needs to withstand different types of weather and also blend in to your foliage so that cords don’t become an eyesore. A professional will ensure your landscape lighting is top quality and safe to use throughout the year. Working with an expert like The Integrated Home ensures your home stays nice and bright for outdoor soirees, pool parties, and relaxing evenings by the lake. 

SEE ALSO: How a Control4 Lighting Installation Adds Color to Your Charlotte Home

Lighting Ideas

To create outdoor lighting that is both stylish and functional, install lights on the house and in the yard to provide ample light for you to see at night, and then pick a few decorative light fixtures to hang under a pergola as feature pieces. Sconces installed on the house walls could provide functional light, while stringing mason jars with lights inside give a whimsical feel to the patio.

Place path lights along your walkways so you and your guests can safely and easily navigate the backyard. You can also add these path lights to your driveway so people can drive up easily as well. Entrance lights at the front door provide safety and security as they let the neighborhood know someone is home. We can also tie in motion sensors to the lighting system so that flood lights alert you to any movement around the house.

Accent lighting will highlight special areas of your property, like a fountain or garden. It can be installed on the ground level and pointed up, or installed up high and directed down to imitate moonlight.