In the 1950s, the phrase ‘atomic kitchen’ was used to describe bold and futuristic designs inspired by science and the early space race. In addition, new technologies, such as mass-produced chrome and pastel plastic countertop appliances, made housework much quicker and easier. Still, it would take another half a century to make our homes truly smart. The advances of technology and ever-improving Internet connectivity make the Australian smart home market grow really fast. Whether you’ve just bought a lot to build on, or you’re remodelling an apartment, consider these smart home technology tips.
The idea of smart
If you’re unsure what a smart home actually means, here it is. Imagine a home automation system, integrated by an expert installer, which lets you control virtually anything by just using a smartphone or tablet. The interface lets you access your home lighting, heating, air conditioning and ventilation, security system as well as all the entertainment sets like TVs and home audio systems. Basically, you turn your Android or iOS operated device into a universal remote and control centre for all things electric and electronic in your home.
Think ahead, plan smart
No matter if you’re upgrading a house or an apartment, the most important thing is to decide the level of automation you want. Controlling only the lighting and the HVAC system will be more affordable than integrating the security system altogether with CCTV cameras. Every sub-system you integrate, such as remotely controlled blinds and shutters or the home theatre, will cost you extra. Talk to your chosen installer and discuss what devices you already own and which ones you want to include in the smart system. This will ensure that you’re both on the same page when it comes to the blueprints and discussing the potential price.
Device is the brain, router the heart
Aside from having a capable mobile device acting as a remote control, a good Wi-Fi router will be able to override any problems that may shoot up in the wireless environment of your smart home system. A strong, high-quality Wi-Fi signal across your property will ensure that all the smart home devices communicate among themselves with minimum drop-out or signal loss. On a more basic level, it means that a quick tap to turn on your light or a slide across the screen to change its brightness won’t reset your automated lighting setting.
Check the existing wiring
Especially if your home was built decades ago, electricians recommend rewiring it for smart system upgrades. New materials, lines, switches, outlets and connectors as well as separate circuits will make your smart home system safer and more convenient, as well as improve the resale value of your home. The same applies if you’re building your house from scratch – don’t try to wire or rewire your home yourself. Not only it’s illegal in Australia, but you’re putting a lot at risk. Customer-focused electrical contractors such as this Sydney electrician will be able to rewire your home to fully accommodate all the smart technology you want to integrate.
Select the right appliances
Some brands of smart home devices work better than others, so make sure you do your research. If you’re working towards a fully automated home, remember that it’s the smart controller unit that does all the work, so not all the product you choose need to be smart. You can save a lot by following this logic. For example, you don’t always need smart light bulbs with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, a speaker option and a 16 million hue palette. In most cases, old fashioned ‘slow’ lighting coupled with automated control will provide more than you need.
One or two brands max
Although it might be worth trying for aesthetics’ sake, you don’t necessarily need to keep all your media devices within the same brand. You may want to keep the Sony TV and find a good deal on a Samsung Blu-ray player. Still keeping within one brand makes sense for devices which communicate with each other through their proprietary networking standards. For example, if you want to enjoy the seamless audio quality of Sonos speakers, you’ll have to invest in a Sonos audio system. If you want to make sure your mismatched entertainment brands work together, choose a Play-Fi or AllPlay wireless standard.
Smart home automation means that your heating or AC goes on right on time, your lighting goes off when you don’t need it and you get the best experience out of your entertainment system, wherever you are. But it also means that you are able to purchase a beautiful period home, and bring it to a maximum comfort and energy-saving standard with minimum alterations of its charm and style.
Living in a smart house used to only exist in sci-fi movies.
If your needs are relatively simple, there are affordable options that can bring about convenience, however, if you want to go all out you can create a fully connected and modern space.
Voice Technology Voice assistants“Hey Alexa, play my workout playlist.” While voice assistants have been around since the early 2010s, it has taken us a while to get comfortable talking to devices.
Home SecurityVideo doorbells, cameras, and alarm systemsWe have all heard stories about porch pirates stealing packages.
Take it a step further, users can create map paths for the drone to follow.
Sustainable Smart Home Tech Solar panels Using solar panels for on-site energy generation has become a popular alternative to traditional electricity, especially in cities that get a lot of sun year-round like Miami, FL.
This has especially been the case ever since we started relying more on smart devices.
And we’re not only talking about devices such as smart thermostats and smart TVs, we’re talking about smart technology that’s been specifically designed to keep your home safe.
That said, let’s take a look at how did digital revolution make its way into security world.Remote monitoringNot so long ago, you had to use cameras which require you to be inside the home in order to check your camera’s live feed.
Not only this, but new home remote monitoring system can be used to fake occupancy and make your home a less likely target for burglars.
This can be done by turning your lights on and off or even by playing an audio that makes it sound as if someone was inside the home.Home automation systemsSecurity is something you, as a homeowner, simply have to invest in.
Therefore, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t think about employing CBus installers and having them set up a home automation system for you.
