Unsure about automation? Here’s a primer to help you get started on your quest for easy living.
AUTOMATION USED TO CONJURE thoughts of a house gone wild, where technology ruled the roost and the decor resembled a science lab. Fortunately, this stereotype has been shattered, thanks to improvements in the technology and consumers’ growing affinity for home electronics. The bottom line is, automation can add real value to your home, and it’s a fairly simple process to have a system installed. Here are 8 helpful bits of information for anyone thinking about or in the process of automating their home.
1. Automation Boosts Efficiency. This refers to both efficiency of the systems in your house and the efficiency of your household. Because an automation system is able to control multiple devices, you can, with one touch of a button, set back the thermostats and turn off the lights, for example. You’ll get out of the house faster and save electricity.
2. Automation is Convenient. You’ll be able to monitor and manage all types of electronic devices (lights, thermostats, A/V equipment, motorized shades, security system, etc.) from the screen of a smartphone or tablet. The convenience alone is enough to inspire many people to automate.
3. Automation Delivers Comfort. Through its ability to actively monitor and manage various electronic elements, an automation system ensures maximum comfort. The entire environment—from the setting of the lights and thermostats to the activation of music—is at your command.
4. Automation Provides Peace of Mind. A home automation system helps prevent potentially bad things from happening by enabling you to monitor parts of your house conveniently from tablets, smartphones, and other devices. You can check up on the house even when you’re miles away.
5. Shop for Gear. If you’re handy—or just want to window shop—many big-box retailers now offer automation systems designed to be installed by homeowners. A DIY system is the most affordable type of automation system.
6. Roll it into your Cable, Satellite, Phone, Internet Bill. From the same company you buy cable, satellite and/or phone and Internet service, you may be also able to bundle in a basic home automation system.
7. Start with Security. Many security systems come with basic automation features built in. Home protection is always important. If you can also automate the lights and thermostats, it’s a bonus.
8. Customization. It’s a beautiful thing when an automation system can be adapted to fit your lifestyle, not the other way around. A custom electronics (CE) professional is able to tailor a system exactly to your needs.
EH Staff • 11/22/2015 • electronichouse.com