July 1, 2025
Cool, Calm & Collected: Smart Home Automation Must-Haves for Summer Living in NYC
Spring is nearing an end — and summer is right around the corner.
For many who live in the New York City area, that means preparing for another season of unpredictable weather accompanied by heat waves, high humidity, rainy days and the occasional evening thunderstorm.
And let’s not forget about the sudden spike in tourists that flood the streets in July and August.
Whether it’s the noise, crowds or weather keeping you indoors this summer, NYC homeowners deserve to live in a home that prioritizes comfort over chaos — one that’s tailored to you and your family’s needs.
After all, your home should be an escape from the outside world.
A place you never want to leave (even when you have to).
I’m talking about a home that can be managed through an app on your phone — right at your fingertips. The type of home that knows your personal preferences and ensures they’re met throughout the day.
If that’s the type of environment you’re looking for, then look no further than smart home automation.
You’ve seen people boast about it on social media — but it’s now easier than ever to make it your reality.
For those who don’t know, smart home automation is the use of modern technology to control, automate and monitor various systems and devices in your home remotely or through programmed schedules.
In other words, smart home automation is modern living at its finest.
And it’s every NYC homeowner's secret to surviving (and thriving) the summer months.
Just imagine walking into your apartment after a long day in the sweltering heat — only to be greeted by perfectly cool air, dimmed lighting and your favorite playlist already streaming through the speakers.
No fumbling with thermostats, light switches or remotes.
Just pure, instant comfort — automated to your preference.
Or, imagine waking up to yet another cloudy, rainy mess outside. While most homeowners would dread another day spent inside, smart home automation can make any gloomy day feel like a luxury retreat.
That's the magic of smart home automation. And that’s the type of magic we offer over here at PSE.
Let's start with the obvious game-changer: the smart thermostat.
No more walking into a sweltering apartment after a long commute on the subway. No more waking up in the middle of the morning because you’re too hot (or too cold). And no more messing with the thermostat.
Your smart thermostat sticks to your pre-determined schedule — and learns your preferences over time.
Plus, with energy costs skyrocketing in the city, these devices can save you serious money by optimizing cooling schedules and avoiding unnecessary energy waste when you're out catching a Mets game.
Traditional ceiling fans are so last century, aren’t they?
Smart ceiling fans bring a whole new level of sophistication to summer cooling in NYC apartments, and give homeowners full control over what their fans are doing and when — all at the touch of a finger.
No more fiddling around with (and one day losing) a remote. And certainly no more pull chains.
Whether you live in a newly-renovated townhome or an older building that lacks central air, a smart ceiling fan provides an elegant, modern and highly-efficient cooling solution without requiring major renovations.
Blinds are great — but having to open and close them repeatedly throughout the day can be tedious.
With smart blinds, you don’t need to run laps around your house when you need a little natural light in your life. And you certainly don’t need to worry about forgetting to close them when you leave for work.
Whether you’re in bed, at work, on the subway or on vacation — everything can be controlled remotely.
You can even program the blinds in your room to gradually open as the sun rises or prior to your alarm clock going off. Instead of having your blinds wake you up, you can have them wake up with you!
Summer in New York City means more time spent outdoors (or at least out of the house).
Weekend trips to the Hamptons or Catskills, rooftop parties with your friends, long evening strolls through Central Park with your dog, catching a Yankees or Mets game — NYC truly is the city that never sleeps.
With that said, leaving your home unattended can leave some people feeling anxious.
Security cameras give you peace of mind while you're living your best summer life — whether you're checking in from Jones Beach or keeping an eye out for an Amazon delivery from your office in Midtown.
Whether you’re hosting a surprise party or intimate movie night, the lighting needs to be perfect.
After all, you don’t want to be the one who misses the surprised guest’s reaction because you were on light switch duty — or the one who invites a date over for a movie marathon without dimmed lights.
Of course, smart lighting can save you from all of that.
And it’s not just about convenience (though never having to stumble around in the dark looking for a light switch is pretty great). It's about creating the perfect atmosphere for every moment of your summer.
Let's be honest — the air quality in NYC isn't exactly what you'd call "pristine."
Between construction dust, subway fumes, industrial emissions and the general hustle and bustle of 8 million people living in close quarters, the air we breathe indoors matters more now than ever before.
That’s why we recommend installing smart air quality monitors and purifiers in every NYC home.
And that’s especially true during those sweltering summer months when New York City residents are keeping windows closed and relying on AC. The last thing you want is to be breathing stale, polluted air!
Water damage in NYC? That's not just an inconvenience — it's a potential disaster!
Whether you live in a pre-war building with questionable plumbing or a brand-new high-rise, water leaks happen anywhere, anytime. And summer's frequent rainstorms and heavy AC usage only add to the risk.
That’s where smart water sensors and leak detectors come in to save the day.
No more coming home from a long weekend getaway to find your hardwood floors warped and ruined — or your downstairs neighbor threatening to sue because a pipe is leaking through their ceiling again.
Smart plugs might seem like the most basic item on this list, but they’re the real MVP here.
Think about it: how many "basic" devices do you have around your house? The vintage floor lamp you got from the flea market. Your coffee maker. That oscillating fan that's been keeping you cool since 2019.
Smart plugs transform all of these everyday items into smart devices.
Most smart plugs also track energy usage, giving you insights into which devices are secretly driving up your electricity bill — whether it’s that old rusty fridge in the garage or the curling iron in your bathroom.
Are you getting your home ready for another summer season in New York City? Do you want this summer to be your most relaxing and comfortable summer yet? Are you intrigued by smart home technology?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then you’ve come to the right place.
Welcome to PSE Audio-Visual — where we make smart home living a reality.
Our expert team takes great pride in transforming homes across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx into intelligent, responsive living spaces that not only cater to your family, but adapt to their lifestyle.
Ready to beat the heat and embrace the convenience this summer?
Contact us at (347) 460-4590 and book your smart home consultation to see what we can do for you!