What's a great way to add an extra level of convenience to your busy lifestyle, while saving time, money and energy in the process? Make your home "smarter" with smart home technology.

A smart home uses highly advanced technology to provide comfort, security, energy efficiency and convenience at all times, regardless of whether anyone is home. By automating many aspects of daily living through remote technology, a smart home can give you the ability to control electronics and appliances from a smartphone, tablet or laptop.

Items typically automated in a smart home include:

• Appliances
• Lighting
• Heating and air conditioning
• Entertainment and multimedia systems
• Computers
• Windows and doors
• Security systems

But that's just the basics: Domestic activities, such as pet feeding, lawn and houseplant watering and using robots to complete a chore or task can also be automated.

Since the concept of a smart home is still relatively new, many existing homes do not include "built-in" smart appliances and systems. The good news is, even if your home is not already equipped with this technology, integrating one smart product at a time can be a cost-effective approach to creating a smarter home. The bonus? These products can also help you make your home greener and more energy efficient.

A few ways you can use smart home technology to conserve energy include:

• Adjusting the temperature of the thermostat to an energy-saving setting when the house is unoccupied and restoring the normal setting shortly before returning
• Creating alerts for appliance maintenance (regular maintenance ensures increased operational efficiency and energy savings)
• Controlling various indoor and outdoor lighting systems, including motion sensors and detectors
• Operating smart grid-ready appliances—such as a dishwasher, oven or washer and dryer—during off-peak hours to lower utility rates
• Using solar panels to operate heating and cooling or other appliances in the home and monitor energy use

Ready to get started? Learn more information about smart homes and home tech solutions at cedia.org, the International Association for Custom Electronic Design & Installation professionals.