What Is Smart Home Automation

August 16th, 2022



With the rapid advances in technology we have gone from a telephone on the wall with a cord to to having a tiny computers with the world at our fingers. It is only natural that the next step is to manage all the devices in our (blog.city)) homes from that tiny computer. Smart home automation refers to any systems that connect into a common network. Your home is a system. So when all the parts of your home technology work together, it is considered a “connected home”. An example would be your home security, thermostat, lights, locks, and appliances are all connected into one common system. This system is controlled from your smartphone. As technology continues to grow, home automation will continue to make life easier and more enjoyable.

Five Benefits Of Installing Smart Home Automation

Many Chico homeowners may think of smart home automation as an expensive toy, only for the wealthy, or for homeowners to show off. But the reality is there are some very practical and important advantages to smart home automation. They include:

1. Convenience:

Imagine being able to control your home from one place. The convenience is huge. All you need to do is learn to use the app on your smartphone and you can manage all functions and devices throughout your home? Forgot to close the garage door? Done. On vacation? Turn lights on and off so it appears you are home. Checking up on the kids after they get home from school? Yes, you can do that too.

2. Maximizes Home Security:

When you add security and surveillance features to your smart home you are not only making it nearly impossible for criminals, you can also save money. Most homeowners insurance companies will provide a discount for home security. Home security systems can include smart locks, motion detectors, cameras. With Smart home technology you get real time notification of any security alerts no matter where you are.

3. Controlling Home Functions:

Today’s smart home allow you to control all of your home functions at the tip of your fingers. Unexpected hot day? Adjust your air conditioner before you leave work and come home to a nice cool house. Have to hit the store before going home? You can have the oven start to preheat and ready when you get in the door.  

4. Increased Energy Efficiency:

Gone are the days of dad grumbling about the electric bill as he goes to turn down the thermostat. With the use of smart home technology you can make your home more energy efficient and save hundreds on your electric bill. You can program your lights to turn off or on automatically when someone leaves a room. Your thermostat can learn your schedule and temperature preferences and adjust accordingly. You can even program motorized shades to go down automatically when the sun hits the window.

5. Flexible:

Unlike your smartphone or tablet that seems to be obsolete everytime you turn around, smart homes are flexible. As time goes by you will be replacing your appliances, or purchase newer technology for your indoors or outdoors. With smart home technology you will be able to integrate your new purchases into your smart home seamlessly.

If you are ready to turn your Chico home into a smart home, you have a lot of great options. The best strategy to make sure you get all the latest and greatest features is to work with a professional. They can help design a system that works beautifully and offers all the features you could ever need.

 

What Our Customers Say

"I had the Alibi system installed several years ago. It has functioned flawlessly. The image quality is exellent both night and day and in all weather conditions. I particularly like the replay (which can be set at various speeds) and zoom functions of the system. Tech support from Crimefreeliving has been excellent. I have received quick responses to questions, and timely home visits — as when I changed IP carriers and my Alibi system needed to be reset. I have recommended Crimefreeliving to several friends."

Rich

"As a small business owner here in Chico we definitely saw the need for video surveillance. After expressing our needs and concerns Tim did an excellent job getting us set up with the set up with the appropriate equipment. He really took the time to address our concerns in a very friendly, professional and knowledgeable manner. I highly recommend Tim for all of your business and residential video surveillance needs."

Ron H., Owner/Auto Doctor

"I have to say I love having my security cameras at my home. Tim Truby did a wonderful job of installing the five cameras. He is very neat and cleaned everything up after the installation. He explained to me how to operate the monitor, my phone and IPad. However, I have had to call Tim because I'm not tech savvy and forget what he has told me. He usually just helps me over the phone and then all is well. I'm 80 years old and enjoy the comfort of knowing I have these security cameras."

Gloria

"Tim Truby designed and installed a 32 camera system for us here at the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District. We had received several other quotes from security system vendors, but Tim’s quote was the least expensive. Tim also installed the system quickly and has always been available when we needed him. We are very happy with our security camera system and we can highly recommend Tim Truby for all of your surveillance system needs."

D. Weseman, Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District

Crime Free Living updated our old video system with a new 16 Channel HD Alibi Video Security System. The old system had been added onto by different installers which resulted in a cabling mess. There were cables that worked and cables that went nowhere. It was a mess. Tim sorted it all out and installed cameras that are very clear. He also installed a monitor for our cashiers to watch hidden areas, a monitor to watch the entry door, and a monitor that allows employees to watch the outside parking and gas pump area. All work was done on time and very professional! Will always recommend Tim and Crime Free Living.

S. AM PM Chico Arco Station

"I had Tim install an Alibi Video Security System at my residence and a couple business locations. The remote view option is invaluable to absentee owners or anyone who travels a lot. The clarity and quality of the cameras have allowed for viewing employee theft. The evidence provided from the HD video cameras was fantastic! Tim was professional and provided extra value from his law enforcement background."

J. Folsom Arco Station

"Tim, I want to thank you again for doing such a fantastic job on installing a wireless IP security camera system at our dream home. The extra time that you took to hide wires, and install a clean, professional system is much appreciated. I still can’t believe the clarity, quality, and ease of use of this new system. I wished that I would have met you before our original inferior system was installed by another company. Now, whether I am at home, or monitoring the system from around the world, I know that my home and family are safe and sound."

John M.

"In April of 2017, my husband and I made a phone call to Crime Free Living that turned out to be a smart and wise decision. Amazingly, in just a few hours, Tim installed four Dome Security Cameras, weatherproof enclosures, and hooked up into our home a 23" Full HD Widescreen Security Monitor. Even more than his professional expertise was the time spent with us in making sure that this system was working correctly and properly installed on our phones so that anywhere in our travels we can monitor our new home in Magalia."

Tieka and Don S.

"I have been using Crime Free Living for the last couple years ar work and at home and I really recommend this product. Tim is a very good service provider. If he can't figure it out, he's got good tech support with the system that he offers."

Gary D.

"I have known Tim for over 10 years. To date, Time with Crime Free Living has installed two separate surveillance systems for my company. With each system, Tim has listened to my needs and custom dsigned surveillance systems for my specific needs and within my budget. The equipment used is always state of the art, the workmanship is top notch, and Tim is the example of trustworthy. I would recommend him for any job."

Steve D., Down Range Indoor Training Center

images Certifications & Training

With 16 years of experience in law enforcement, Tim Truby, CEO, is fully certified in video surveillance and training.

  • Certified Advanced Crime Prevention Specialist
  • Academy Instructor Certification
  • California POST Certification in Specialized Surveillance Equipment
  • California POST Certification in Basic Crime Prevention
    • Advanced Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
    • Certified Alibi Security Dealer
    • Enhanced Risk and Threat Assessment (FEMA)
    • Incident Command System (100 & 200)
    • Certified Cognitech Video Forensic Investigator
    • Neighborhood Watch Toolkit Trainer
    • Computer Crimes/Investigations
    • Domestic Crisis for Crisis Negotiators
    Call (530) 327-7268