Let Us Help You Keep Your Celebrations Jolly!

The holiday season is upon us! With gatherings, festive decorations, and cozy family moments just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to set your home up for comfort, convenience, and a little extra holiday cheer. And with smart home technology, prepping your space is easier than ever! From mood-setting lighting to smart kitchen assistants, your home can practically run itself, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy the season. 

Here’s how smart home features can help you host holiday parties that are brighter and stress-free.

Make the Most of Motorized Shading from Day to Day

Automatic blinds bring convenience and sophistication to your home by offering an innovative and seamless way to manage light, privacy, and energy efficiency. These modern window treatments add style and enhance the functionality of your living spaces in diverse ways. Here's how automatic blinds can positively impact your daily routine - keep reading below for more!

Becoming Grid Independent with Savant Power

In 2023, the New York Times reported a startling fact regarding the power that sustains us. From 2010 to 2021, there were almost 990 weather-related power outages in the U.S. The previous 11 years saw less than half that number. Why?

Extreme weather and an aging power grid are the sources of the increasing power outages witnessed nationwide. Intense heat waves and cold spells have people adjusting their thermostats, putting pressure and increasing demands on a power grid designed for far less extremes. Storms are becoming more intense, and wildfires are becoming more severe. 

We face a changing world and climate that an aging power grid can't keep up with. According to The Wilson Quarterly, 75% of power transmission lines and transformers are at least 25 years old, with many constructed in the 1960s.

The result is blackouts and storms that lay claim to some of the worst natural disasters in history. One example is the storm that ravaged Texas on February 11, 2021. By its end, the death toll reached 246, with two-thirds related to hypothermia.  

As outages become more severe, people turn to backup power, such as generators, to help them get through. Despite the increasing need, fewer than 6% of homes in the U.S. have a standby generator. 

Today, however, many homeowners are looking for more than backup power. They're searching for ways to cut their carbon emissions, minimize their dependence on the grid, and reduce their electric bills. 

And that's where Savant Power comes in.

Redefining Ease, Beauty, and Entertainment

While homeowners throughout Seattle, WA, enjoy what many would call a luxurious lifestyle, some have yet to adopt the technology that transforms the everyday into the extraordinary. It’s called home automation, and it provides unprecedented ease of living, enhanced beauty, and unrivaled home entertainment.

So, why the hesitation? For some, there is growing uncertainty in technology due to its repeated unkept promise that it will make life easier. In many ways, of course, it has. In other ways, however, it seems to have muddied the waters, requiring more time to accomplish less. Today, smartphone owners use about ten apps every day. If you’ve tip-toed into the sea of smart devices, you may have an app to control each one, from lights to security cameras, door locks, and music devices. 

Dealing with different apps and devices quickly turns from ease and fascination to frustration. Fortunately, there is a better way. And it’s called a home automation system.

AI Is Transforming the Smart Home Terrain

Smart tech refers to interconnected systems and devices, enabling them to communicate with each other and a home automation platform. This communication allows you to manage your home from anywhere in the world, create the ideal environment for life's many activities, and control your entire house from a user-friendly platform.

Whether adjusting the climate, shades, or lighting, it's accomplished with the tap of a button. From the same touchscreen or remote, you can check out your security cameras, make sure the doors are locked, select an audio or video source, and enjoy it in one or every room. 

But today's technology isn't just smart, it's intelligent.

As artificial intelligence (AI) infuses our landscape, it's slowly but persistently becoming a part of the smart home arena. Now, your home not only responds to your every command but also thinks for itself and learns your preferences. When programmed with daily schedules, it reacts to your needs before you even ask.

Let's explore the world through the eyes of the intelligent home in Seattle, WA.

Manage Your Home’s Lighting with Intuitive, Natural, and Elegant Grace

When you consider the term “lighting control,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For many, it’s the ubiquitous light switch. Did you know that it’s been in existence for about 140 years? Using them to illuminate your home is a little like driving a Ford Model T. It works, but technology has moved inexorably forward, and we’re now managing our lights in ways Thomas Edison never dreamed of. 

Here, we’ll explore the world of lighting as seen through the eyes of automated technology. In this world, intuitive, user-friendly interfaces, such as touchscreens, keypads, and your voice, instantly transform one or every light in your home. Have you never thought of your voice as an intuitive interface? It doesn’t get much more natural or intuitive than that.

Discover How Home Automation Creates a Healthy Environment

Living in a luxury home in Portland, OR, is a dream for many people. Thanks to the beautiful scenery, limitless recreation, and vibrant city life, it beckons to those looking for a way of life encapsulating the best of both worlds: luxury amidst natural surroundings. 

Personal wellness is one of the growing amenities and top priorities seen in this luxury real estate market. Amenities such as spa-like spaces, natural lighting, whole-home audio, and outdoor retreats are big draws. Today, well-being is the new luxury.

Are you ready to elevate your everyday life with the gift of a healthier, more relaxing environment? Or perhaps you’re a builder looking to support clients looking for a wellness retreat of their own. Let smart home automation lead the way.

Discover the Powerful Home Automation Platform Making Technology Easier to Use

Living in a Savant-powered smart home transforms daily routines into effortless experiences. Picture adjusting the lighting, temperature, and media settings with a simple voice command, a button tap on your smartphone, or a prescheduled automation. 

Morning routines become smoother thanks to living spaces that help you prepare for the day ahead. Integrated security features offer peace of mind with real-time alerts and remote access, and energy-conscious technologies adapt to your lifestyle, reducing consumption and associated costs. 

This level of whole-home automation adds convenience and comfort and creates a home that anticipates and responds to your needs, all thanks to Savant control systems. Below, we answer a few questions our clients have asked us in the past and examine what’s possible with a professionally designed and installed smart home system.

Learn How to Fix Common Networking Issues in Smart Homes

Enjoying a well-connected home should be a seamless experience, but too often, Boise-area homeowners grapple with less-than-ideal network performance. Slow internet speeds are a frequent sore point, causing more than just minor irritations. Imagine settling in for a movie night only to face constant buffering or trying to connect with colleagues over a video call when working from home, but it just won't stop lagging. These issues often stem from overloaded networks, subpar connections, or ISPs that don't quite deliver on their promises of high-speed access.

Adding to the dilemma are the erratic internet disruptions that come without warning. Intermittent connectivity disrupts streaming and browsing, and the experience can feel like a never-ending battle with modems, routers, and signal interference. These challenges underscore the importance of understanding and optimizing your home network setup.

In this article, we explore common networking issues and offer a few suggestions for keeping your smart home, and your life, running smoothly. Keep reading!

Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient with Smart Lighting 

Normally, lighting accounts for 15-25% of your energy bill, depending on your home's size and usage patterns. While it's not the biggest energy drain (that would be your HVAC at 40%), it's the area where it's easiest to reduce waste with a few lifestyle changes. For example, moving to LED bulbs could reduce your energy use by 50%.

That's where a lighting control system comes in. By providing intuitive and automated controls, you'll ensure you're only using lights when needed. Incorporating motorized shades to manage natural lighting will also cut down on HVAC costs. Check out some unique ways lighting control reduces the energy bills in your Portland, OR, home.

Here’s What to Look for When Choosing an AV Installation Company

With rainy days nearly one-third of the year, Seattle is one of the best locations to hunker down inside, get cozy, and watch a movie from the comfort of home!

Consider spending time at home as an opportunity for a peaceful getaway from the outside world, so why not make it the ideal entertainment spot? An HTSA-certified home entertainment installer like Garrett Integrated Systems can handle every detail of your AV installation, whether it’s a system upgrade or you’re building a new setup from scratch. 

From bringing your favorite songs to any room with music distribution to creating an immersive home theater room to transport you directly into a riveting scene of a blockbuster film, we’re here for you.

Below, we discuss the benefits of working with a team like ours for all your AV and integrated technology needs. So keep reading!

Learn the Ins and Outs of Professional Landscape Lighting

It’s the most wonderful time of year—the days are long, and the weather is warm, which is ideal for spending more time on the patio, in the pool, or in the garden. While you’re out there enjoying yourself alone or with the family, why not brighten things up once the sun goes down by installing landscape lighting?  

Adding lighting fixtures to seating areas, along walkways, and around the house enhances the beauty of your property while improving its functionality and security. Keep reading to explore how adding outdoor lighting and automated control to your Portland-area property makes it possible to entertain friends and family once the sun goes down.

Your Guide to Perfect Outdoor Sound in Boise, ID 

Now is the perfect time to enhance your Boise backyard with the ideal outdoor speaker system. It's an important step towards turning your outdoor gatherings from good to unforgettable when the beautiful summer weather hits. At Garrett Integrated Systems, we're all too familiar with the excitement that bubbles up when you picture your next BBQ or chill evening under the stars, all set to the perfect soundtrack. 

But, oh, how quickly that excitement can turn into a head-scratcher or, worse, disappointment if the sound system doesn't hit the right notes. We've seen it happen—from systems that can't stand up to Boise's weather to setups that end up more complicated than a Sunday crossword. This guide's here to help you dodge those common hiccups, ensuring your leap into outdoor audio is smooth sailing and good vibes.

Seattle Homebuilders Stand Out by Offering Personalized Automated Shading

The Seattle area offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication, and homeowners want one thing to make their properties stand out: personalization. Owners and new home builders alike are focusing on creating spaces that reflect individual styles and preferences, making every living space a true reflection of its inhabitants. 

One not-to-be-overlooked smart home solution that can add charm, convenience, and energy savings is automated custom window treatments. This fully customizable shading technology becomes an essential element in achieving the desired level of uniqueness and functionality Seattle residents want.

Keep reading to learn more about them!

Boise's Elite Homes Benefit from This Smart Home Solution

Smart, sustainable living solutions are the pinnacle of modern living. Among these, energy storage systems are emerging as a forward-thinking technological sophistication offering comfort, security, and environmental stewardship in Boise and beyond.

Below, we dive into why you may want to consider adding this quintessential energy management tool. 

The Role of Eco-Friendly Lighting in Portland Homes

Home lighting moves the body and soul. Of course, it brightens spaces so we can safely navigate from room to room, but it can also lift our spirits and set the desired ambiance for any occasion.

With home lighting automation, a Portland homeowner can improve their property's look and feel while committing to sustainability and green living. This ethos is deeply ingrained in the city's culture, and automated lighting solutions make significant strides toward energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Keep reading to learn more!

Being eco-friendly is also finance-friendly!

Choosing to embrace energy management services has become quite popular in recent years for families in Seattle, WA. But this is not just about going green; it is a strategic move that promises long-term financial prosperity while still providing a luxurious lifestyle. Energy management technologies play a pivotal role in not only optimizing energy usage but also in driving significant cost reductions.

But how exactly does this technology help you reduce your energy bills? Keep reading this blog to find out!

Smart Technology Offers Effortless and Beautiful Illumination

When you think of controlling your lights, what comes to mind? For many people, flipping light switches in every room is the chosen method. In fact, it’s the way we’ve been controlling our lights for over 100 years. There is, however, a much better way. 

Today’s lighting control system transforms light switches into elegant custom-engraved keypads, touchscreens, and your voice. Gone are the soft white or bright white lights. In their place are lights that mirror the changing color of the sun and a palette of pastel and saturated hues. 

Are you ready to experience the incredible environment these lighting systems offer? Let’s explore this latest technology and how it’s changing the way we illuminate our homes in Boise, ID. 

Find out how you can add a touch of elegance to your home with these window treatments!

There are two main things that modern households value more than anything: beauty and functionality. A living space that can provide both of these features is usually a place that everyone in the family loves to be in, as they typically offer the ultimate comfort as well. One key smart solution that helps you achieve the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics is automated roller shades. These cutting-edge window coverings not only elevate the visual appeal of spaces but also offer unparalleled convenience by helping you manage your home’s light and even temperature.

Want to know more about what makes these smart shades one of the most sought-after choices for luxury homes in Portland, OR? Keep reading below!

Discover the Benefits of This Must-Have Tech Solution!

What’s the best smart home device a luxury homeowner can invest in? While many people believe solutions such as smart lighting and high-end entertainment systems are the best things you could add to your smart home (and they are certainly great), you should never underestimate the power of motorized shades. Integrating automated window treatments is a sure way of enhancing energy efficiency, creating a comfortable environment at home, and adding a stylish touch to your spaces, making them not only a technology of functionality but also beauty. 

Join us in today’s blog as we explore why investing in motorized shades is the smartest choice you can make for your luxury home in Boise, ID.