When you think of home automation, audio visual components such as television and sound might be the first things that come to mind. But automation can offer so much more, saving you time, money, and energy with features that add comfort and convenience to your day. Learn about six little-known features that come with automating your home:

1. Lighting Control

Control lighting throughout your home with automated shading, lights, and more. You can set a timer for certain lights to turn on or off. Adjust shades and lighting to just the right level to create the perfect ambiance. Control the lighting in any room with the simple push of a button on your smart phone or tablet. Even when you’re away from home, you can turn off lights you may have left on, flip on the porch light for an evening guest, or turn on certain lights to give the appearance that you are home.

2. Added Security

Automating your home adds several layers of security. Automated lighting can deter intruders. Security cameras and 24/7 monitoring allow you to keep an eye on your home from anywhere. You can also control your home remotely using your smart phone, so you never have to worry about forgetting to lock up or close the garage door. Home security systems protect your property and give you added peace of mind with access-code entry, monitoring, direct connection to local law enforcement in the event of a break in, and more.

3. Temperature Adjustment

Not only can you adjust the temperature with the push of a button. Energy-saving home automation systems allow you to adjust the temperature in different rooms. You can use timers or manual adjustment to lower energy bills by using less heating and cooling when you are away.

4. Remote Entry

Say you’re out of town, but your neighbor is coming over to feed the pets. You can grant access to guests with remote entry, then lock the door behind them when they leave. You can also use this feature for letting your kids in after school. Grant access to guests while keeping unwanted visitors out, all without having to run home to unlock the door.

5. Saves Time

Automated features and mobile control save you time by preventing unnecessary trips back to the house, by adjusting shades, lighting, temperature, irrigation systems, and more for you, and by giving you control of your home from virtually anywhere.

6. Saves Money

Energy-saving home automation technologies save money on your energy bills. Energy-saving home automation may also add resale value to your home. Many buyers value automated features in a home for added convenience, greener living, and a higher standard of living.