Home automation, smart home technology and the connected home are all terms that have been thrown around a lot in the last year and if you are still wondering what it all means check out this video below. Rob May of Sounds Good Audio & Video Solutions explains what it means and how it can work in your home.
1. The Basics
- Home Automation involves taking all the elements in your house and controlling them centrally from an iDevice, Android or in wall touch panel.
2. The Heart of Home Automation: The System Controller
- Elements in your home i.e. music, heating, lighting get connected to the system controller
- Prices range from: $1500-$3500
- A good contractor will help you pick the right one for your home.
- Adding elements to the system controller as modules costs between $500 – $10,000, depending on size of the house and system.
- A good contractor will hide all cables and hardware away for you inside cabinetry, a basement or furnace room.
- The controller should be installed inside a metal equipment rack where it can be easily moved and ventilated.
3. The Living Room
- Typically home automation starts here
- People can control their television, cable, DVD player, Apple TV, etc. from a universal remote, iDevice, etc.
4. Lighting
- One of the most popular elements of home automation
- Turn lights throughout your home on and off remotely
- Potential for energy savings i.e. tricking the system to work at a maximum of 60 per cent when you turn the lights on and off
- Set timers so lights come on at specific hours
- Retrofit is simple: You can swap your old light switches for home automation ones
5. Whole Home Music
- Add keypads and speakers into the rooms where you want to hear music and at the click of a button you can have your favourite tunes playing throughout the house or in one room.
6. Costs
- Wiring: $500-$3000
- Labour for final install is typically $1000-$5000
- Budget at least $5000 to get started in smart homes but think closer to $15,000 to really make an impact.
