Everything you need to know about successful home automation

Enabling your home with smart automation is not just trendy, it is becoming practical now that we have available to us a wide selection of devices that are connected to the Internet of Things (IoT). Everything seems to be connected in some way, adding to the potential convenience and comfort that we can have at home. From home lighting, music and A/V systems, vacuum cleaner robots, refrigerators and pretty much anything that you can plug into a specially designed wall outlet can be automated. Are these things only for the financially elite or better yet, only possible in the movies?

What is smart home automation? Smart Home Automation includes connecting devices and systems such as:

• Lighting
• Entertainment Systems
• Security Systems
• HVAC
• Motorized Window Treatments

Everything automated connects to a central control system that can be set up to operate seamlessly in a way that makes life more comfortable and convenient. Most devices can connect to the internet, making off-site control a reality and a new norm.

What do I need to set up a smart home?

To begin, one will need to seek out an integrator that can consult on the types of technologies that would best impact your home, based on your needs. Some of the questions that will be asked of you by the automation consultants would be:

• What goals would you like achieved with home automation?
• What systems would benefit you most by automating them?
• Do you want to start simple and expand later?
• Would you like control over your smart home remotely with you tablet or smartphone?

The answers to these questions and others are important because not only do they align the services provided by your technology partner with your needs, but they also dictate the amount of investment that will go into this project. Say for example that you are getting into smart home automation with a fixed budget and you decide that the essential elements desired are automated lighting and security/surveillance. However, you would like to expand in the future to an automated entertainment system. In this case, you would invest upfront in the technology you need that fits within your budget, then ensure that the system is scalable to additional automation in the future.

Final Thoughts

As the world becomes more and more connected, and our devices become smarter and smarter, so will our homes. The practicality of maintaining a smart home not only benefits us while we live there but improves the resale value. Unlike the “Selfie Toaster,” “Furby” and ”Fondue,” smart automation in the home is not going away. In 2013 the Smart Home market was worth $5.77 billion, and it is forecasted to become a $12.81 billion market by 2020, so you can move forward with your smart home project with confidence! Contact Us for Commercial & Smart Home Services in SE TX at (281) 204-8300 or Central TX at (512) 387-8221. Reach out today to see how our smart home services and commercial automation can improve life in your Austin, Round Rock, Lakeway, Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, or Katy home or business.