FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a “smart home”?
What are the benefits of home automation?
The first and foremost reason to buy a home automation system is for comfort and security. The other benefits that the homeowner gets to enjoy are the convenience, remote access, savings, and peace of mind. A few home automation systems have become more accessible and advanced, that the homeowners across the country are upgrading their homes.
Which devices are most commonly controlled in a smart home?
There are a variety of devices and appliances that get connected and controlled in a smart home setup. The most common ones fall into four categories, and they are lighting, climate control, entertainment, and security.
Are smart homes affordable?
Yes, smart homes are affordable. However, there was a time when smart homes were considered a luxury. Setting up your smart home is easier than ever but choosing the right smart home system to unify your devices and get them talking together is the biggest challenge that a homeowner faces today. Know how you can benefit from turning your house into a smart home; this helps zero-in on the right product.
Does home automation increase home value?
When is the best time to install home automation?
How can I save energy with home automation?
What home automation systems are available today and what products do they work with?
A variety of smart home devices and systems are currently available on the market. Each of these come with a unique set of features and different specifications. You may get confused about what to choose with so many options. Make sure that the gadgets you add are compatible with each other or just go ahead and get yourself a smart hub that will bridge any gaps.
The market today has smart home devices from popular brands like Wink, SmartThings, Google Home, Amazon Echo, etc. Wink Hub 2 supports BLE, Z-Wave, and Zigbee. Additionally, it integrates with Philips Hue, Amazon Alexa, Canary, Lutron, Canary, and iHome. Samsung SmartThings also supports several protocols. These products work with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave standards, and Zigbee. Amazon Echo integrates with Philips Hue, ecobee, Insteon, Honeywell, Nest, and Belkin WeMo. Google Home is the latest hub offering fewer product integrations when compared to Amazon Echo and Samsung SmartThings.
Is home automation worth it?
Home automation is mostly a good investment as it helps in saving money and time. The following benefits will help you understand why home automation devices and systems are worth the investment.
- Security: Home automation delivers security and safety, helping you to lead a stress-free life style. This is true because once you start using these home automation devices you will realize that you can relax as an alert will be sent if anything strange occurs in your house. Whether burglars or unwanted guests, these automation devices will alert you when these individuals approach your house.
- Financial Savings: Some home automation systems save you money on water bills and utilities. For instance, a smart thermostat and sprinkler system guarantee that your electricity bills do not shoot up in the summer.
- Comfort: Home automation is a good investment as it prevents you from rushing around in the morning and getting all stressed when trying to get the lights turned off before you leave home and also when trying to get the thermostat set. These devices are so comforting because if you forget to turn off the coffee pot, these devices will monitor the situation and automatically turn it off for you.
Do I have to make my whole house smart?
Making your whole house smart is NOT necessary. You first have to prioritize all your options and then decide whether to invest in a full-scale home automation network or in separate smart gadgets.
If you want a automate your whole house, there are tons of home automation solutions you can choose from and these include appliances, climate control devices, access control and security elements, entertainment technology, lighting controls, and energy management tools to name a few. Also, you need not buy all the smart home devices you need at one shot. To help you stay within a planned budget, you can plan your purchases in different stages.
No matter how you plan to buy the home automation systems or devices, always make sure that you choose your devices carefully because not all devices are compatible. You need to verify that the devices or systems you want to buy actually work together.
How reliable is a home automation system?
Basic home automation systems will transmit a command out and just believe that it is actioned. However, more complex home automation systems will first send a command and then wait for a response. A variety of actions can be executed if a response is not approaching. Home automation systems are reliable but if you go in for the more complex devices and systems then the cost also becomes higher along with the need for a skilled specialist for the installation process.
What is available in the high-end security market?
Security alarms, CCTVs help in protecting the owner’s property from thieves. Technology has taken security to the next level – family can set up monitoring devices connected to the home automation system. This helps the property owners to take control and oversee the facilities when the intruder tries to enter the owner’s property even when they are away from home.
Does smart home technology work in business?
Smart home technology is absolutely a very good option for business. There is a list of smart devices that can be integrated with home automation system. It helps to control conference systems, a range of smart TVs, security, lights, surveillance, audio, etc from a single console.
Will you have to punch holes in my home to install your audio video system or smart home technology?
Hard-wiring is a good and reliable option for home automation system – we ensure to avoid drilling in holes but in some instances when there is a need to make holes we would ask you in the first place.