Home Automation - what you need to know before renovating

The renovation process is an ideal time to consider home automation options to make your house work for you. Convenience, security, comfort and energy efficiency are all improved when you effortlessly control and automate your home, with as much or as little technology as you wish. Typically, technologies that are included in a smart home are lighting; heating and cooling; entertainment systems and appliances.

Home automation and smart homes are not a new concept. In-fact some systems have been around for over 20 years. Until recently, home automation products have been predominantly wired systems, meaning they were often costly for the average household, or they didn’t have the right cabling installed during the building stage.

Wired technology still has a role to play in home automation, especially for the luxury and bespoke level, but both industry and homeowners are realising the value of more affordable wireless and even Bluetooth technology that’s accessible and easy to have installed and perfect for retrofitting.

PDL by Schneider Electric’s advice to those renovating is to consider your electrical and smart home desires early in the process. Talk to your electrician or professional about your plans, especially in critical areas like kitchens and living areas. The right electrical plan and smart home design can make all the difference to the end result  

Smart Home Features

No matter what level of automation you choose, you and your family will enjoy a whole range of exciting benefits.

Lighting control

Lighting has the power to transform a room, showcase your interiors and create the perfect ambience. Use smart lighting and group controls to manage various lighting layers (ambient, task, accent and decorative lighting) with one touch.

Scene control
Smart home technology can be used to create scenes using group controls. Whether it is entertaining guests (lights dimmed, music on, heating low) or turning in for the night (all technology off, doors and windows locked, blinds closed), pre-set scenes are an easy way to simplify your routine.

Voice control
Integration with voice recognition systems such as Amazon Echo, Google Home or Apple HomePod adds another dimension to smart home control. As well as being able to use voice commands to operate smart home functions, a voice-integrated smart home can offer assistance for elderly and disabled people to meet their unique situations and abilities. It can help with limited mobility, sensory disabilities, even intellectual disabilities and can help increase ease of use for day to day functions to maintain an independent lifestyle.

Energy Efficiency
Consider schedules for operation of underfloor heating, hot water cylinders, heated towel rails and bathroom fans. These can be programmed to turn on/off at certain times for energy and cost efficiencies

Integration to security & surveillance

Door locking and unlocking & security cameras can be integrated with smart home controls

Heating & air conditioning
Temperature is also key to the ambience of a room – heat pumps, air conditioning and electric/gas fireplaces can also be integrated with smart home controls.

When it comes to smart homes, technology is moving fast, and the options are becoming more affordable. The only real limit to what you can do is your imagination.

 

Get in touch with Refresh to discuss your home renovation project

If you would like to discuss options and ideas for your renovation project, please use the enquiry form on this page to provide us with your contact details. We will get in touch with you at a time that suits you to discuss your project. If you would like to provide us with more information about your project, we have a more comprehensive enquiry form on our "Get in touch" page too.
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*All information is believed to be true at time of publishing and is subject to change