Let me be brutally honest—I can’t stand my smart home. My recent trip to Denver for CEDIA 2024 really made me realize how much I depend on it. Without my usual comforts at hand, I felt completely out of place. Staying in a hotel felt like stepping back in time—no automation, no seamless routines. You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.
The Remote That Controls My World
At home, it’s not just a single, powerful remote that rules my life. With just a tap, I can adjust the lights, TV, shades, and thermostat. In Denver? I found myself juggling multiple remotes, each doing just one thing. The TV remote worked only for the TV, the thermostat had its own confusing interface, and adjusting the shades? Forget it. At home, managing everything effortlessly is second nature, but dealing with a hotel room full of outdated controls felt like going back to the Stone Age.
The Nightlight I Never Knew I Needed
I never thought lighting could spoil me. My smart home’s bathroom lights are set to sensors, guiding me with just enough illumination at night. In Denver, I was either fumbling in darkness or blasted by full-on fluorescent lights. You know that moment when you’re ready for bed and realize you have to walk to the door to turn off the light? Yeah, that’s hotel life. At home, I don’t even think about it—everything’s perfectly timed to my habits.
Shades That Know My Routine
Waking up at home is a peaceful experience. My shades rise gradually, letting in just the right amount of light to ease me into the day. In Denver, I was jolted awake by an alarm or left scrambling with curtains that either flooded the room with light or shut it out completely. There’s something about waking up naturally that I’ve come to rely on, and hotel rooms just don’t have it.
Thermostat Struggles
My smart thermostat at home is set to know exactly what I need. It adjusts throughout the day to keep everything just right. In Denver? It was either freezing cold or sweltering hot, and I found myself battling the thermostat like I was cracking a code. There’s nothing like adjusting the temperature from bed, and when that’s taken away, you really feel the loss.
Headphones: Great for Travel, But No Substitute
Sure, noise-canceling headphones are a travel essential. They block out plane noise and make trips more bearable. But they’re no match for my home’s listening room. At home, I’m surrounded by immersive sound that fills the room. No matter how good my headphones are, they can’t recreate the full surround sound experience that makes me feel truly at home.
Fresh Air and Pure Water—The Invisible Comforts
One thing I never thought I’d miss? The fresh air and purified water my smart home provides. Thanks to RePure, both the air and water quality at home are constantly monitored. At home, the air is kept at the perfect humidity, and my water is free of harmful contaminants. In the hotel? The dry air and questionable tap water made me realize how much I take this invisible comfort for granted.
The Mystery Knock
At home, I’ve got my front door camera, so I can see exactly who’s there no matter where I am. In a hotel room? Every knock on the door is a mystery. Is it housekeeping, a friend, or someone I don’t want to see? At home, I don’t have to guess—I just check my phone and I’m in the know. It’s one of those small conveniences that keeps me feeling secure, and you really miss it when it’s gone.
Lighting, Shading, and Security—My Peace of Mind
The one thing I didn’t have to worry about while away? My home’s security. Thanks to my smart Lutron lighting and shading system, my home stayed safe. My lights and shades are on a schedule, making it look like someone’s always there. Hotels can’t match that peace of mind. Even when I’m far away, my smart home still protects itself.
No Place Like Home
Yeah, I can’t stand my smart home—or rather, I can’t stand being away from it. I’ve realized how much comfort, convenience, and peace of mind I take for granted every day. Whether it’s the perfectly timed lighting or the ease of controlling everything from one place, nothing compares to being home. As much as I enjoy traveling, I’m always counting down the days until I can get back to the place that knows me best—my smart home.
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Contact
Bravo AV 80 Morristown Rd.
Bernardsville, NJ 07924
Tel. (908) 953-0555
Tom Curnin, the owner of Bravo AV, is a CEDIA Professional Designer, a certified THX Level 1 home theater professional, and a member of the Home Acoustic Alliance trained to Level II. You can contact Tom directly at (908) 953-0555 or through email at Tom@BravoAV.com.
Last updated September 16, 2024
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