How Can You Turn Your Home Into a Smart Energy Command Center?

Summer energy bills often feel unavoidable, but your current home automation system may not do enough to help. Legacy platforms were built for convenience, not efficiency, which means they miss chances to reduce costs while keeping you comfortable.

The latest releases from Control4’s 4X platform and Savant’s power management system take a more proactive approach to energy efficiency and management. Control X4 enhances how you interact with your home by adding personalization, smarter routines, and modern integrations. Savant Power provides circuit-level monitoring and advanced energy load management. 

Together, these upgrades create more intuitive homes and cut unnecessary energy use.

You Can Still Take Advantage of the 30% Rebate!

For homeowners who have been considering solar, 2025 has turned into a deadline. The Federal Residential Clean Energy Credit, more commonly known as the solar tax credit, currently covers a significant percentage of the cost of installing solar panels and batteries. That kind of savings can cut thousands of dollars off the cost of going solar. But time is running out! 

Congress has passed a budget bill that will eliminate the residential credit entirely after this year. That means systems must be installed before December 31, 2025 to qualify for the full benefit. Waiting could mean missing the single most effective financial incentive for solar adoption. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know before the deadline arrives.

Don’t let grid shutdowns catch you off guard!

California summers bring heat, high energy demand, and an increased risk of wildfires. During red flag events—those periods of extreme weather where fire danger is high—utilities may shut off power without much warning to help prevent fires. These planned outages can last hours or even days, leaving your home without access to critical systems like air conditioning, refrigeration, lighting, and security.

The best way to maintain comfort and continuity during these events is with a professionally installed generator system and automatic transfer switch. This setup ensures your essential systems stay powered, even when the grid goes down. 

If you’ve ever experienced one of these surprise outages, or want to make sure you’re not caught off guard next time, this guide will walk you through what to expect, what’s at risk, and how the right power solution can keep your space safe and functional. Let’s dive in!

Turn Your Outdoors Into the Perfect Nighttime Retreat

Every outdoor area has the potential to be more than meets the eye. One day, it can be the ideal setting to host a fancy dinner party. Another day, it can be the best playground your kids have ever seen. And some other times, it can become the perfect peaceful sanctuary to drink your morning coffee surrounded by carefully chosen plants. These spaces are extensions of your home, designed for living, not just admiring from the window.

But darkness can kill the magic. When the sun sets, your investments in outdoor technology, furniture, and exotic plants just vanish. The pergola you spent months planning becomes invisible, the stone pathway turns into a tripping hazard, and your landscape design disappears until morning. Luckily, the right outdoor lighting brings it all back. 

In today’s blog, we’ll explore a few essential types of outdoor lighting every home should consider and how they can make your spaces more beautiful and enjoyable. Let’s dive in!