Questions to ask when considering Home Automation

build but when you now consider the prospect of adding an automation system, things can feel even more overwhelming. Complex automation systems are now easier and more achievable then ever before with a Control4 specialist. Depending on what you determine you would like your system to do, you want to clearly define how you will benefit from the purchase. Here are a few things you might ask yourself as you consider an automation system.

What do you want your system to do for you?
With a home automation system, your primary consideration is deciding what part of your life you want to enhance and simplify. They are designed to provide comfort, convenience, and efficiency to all aspects of your home including your home theater, multi-room music, lighting, heating and cooling, and security systems.

Commercial automation systems are designed similarly but on a larger scale. The wiring and networking system is where this becomes truly complex and hiring the right company that specializes in full installation is crucial. Here your primary considerations might be safety and efficiency which will focus more on security, lighting and heating.

Where is the best place to start?
The brilliance of automation systems is that it is modular and completely customizable. You do not need your whole home or building to be fully automated for you to enjoy the benefits and convenience of automation technology. You can start small and over time add additional features. A common area to start is your home theater or boardroom where you can control all the audio video components and lights with a single remote. This same concept can then be applied to all areas of your space when you are ready.

Will your current equipment or security system need to be replaced? How about in the future?
Automating your home theatre or boardroom does not require the purchase of all new equipment. Control4 has technology that is designed to integrate into your current systems but depending on how old your security system or electronics are upgrades may be necessary. Even as technology evolves over the coming years, Control4’s products will always accommodate your current components.

Will Home Automation Technology Be Difficult to Understand?
In this day in age, the technology is so advanced that even a child can use it. No doctorate or MBA required to use automation to its full potential. The control mechanisms are all in the form of intuitive and easy-to-use keypads, touch screens, remotes, and screen menus. There are also navigation applications for Android, IOS and Web browsers. Many tutorials and videos are available. You will be shown how to use the system by your expert who are also available to help through support packages.

Will Automation cost more money?
Automation systems are designed to reduce energy consumption. This is accomplished by giving you more control over your lighting and temperature control devices. No matter how hard we try, we are human and waste energy by leaving lights on in unoccupied rooms and leaving the thermostat up when we leave.  Automation can reduce this waste by activating the lights and thermostat only when you need them and turning things off when you do not. Overtime the system will have paid for itself.

Will you be able to access your system from any where, at any time on any device?
Automation systems have numerous features that can give you peace of mind. Whether you are across the street or across the country, you can access your home automation system through a Web browser. You can view any camera or video intercom set up in your home. This option also allows you confirm or modify any pre-selected settings. For example, you might have arranged for some one to come in and clean while away on vacation but forgot to give them a password, you can easily let them into your home remotely. At the office, someone forgot their password to get in, with the push of a button you can let them in and disarm the alarm for them.

Who do I talk to once I am ready to move ahead?

Automation Specialists are the ones your want to talk to. They will listen and understand you needs and come up with a customized plan for you based on your budget. You want to find a company that takes care of it all for you without using subcontractors. Do some research, talk to a few, and get some references. This should help with the process and make your decision easier.

Automation Systems are becoming increasingly popular from the smallest thing such as Voice Control to the more complex as total home control. These systems are now becoming more affordable due to the modular aspect of it. Start as small or go as large as you want. But remember to always plan ahead, as you may want to add onto the system at a later date and talk to Automation Specialists who can help every step on the way!

Categorised in: Home Automation

This post was written by Mark.K