5 Tips to Make Your Current Home a Smart Home
Posted by Eileen Komanecky on Fri, Sep 30, 2011 @ 01:15 PM
I was speaking to a friend last week who said, "If I were building a new home from scratch, I'd definitely install lots of smart home technology. My house is 9 years old...it's too late now." Naturally, I felt compelled to clear up this "too late" misperception.
As anyone who has ever built a home knows, it is not always possible to think of everything and get it all right the first time. Sometimes homeowners are just not aware of all their options. Often, the new home budget does not allow for satifying every item on the "wish list." Whatever the reason, whether your home was built 5 or 75 years ago, there are great options available which can enable you to add smart home features to your current home.
1. Replace selected light switches with smart switches - Think about the lights that you would love to have control over - no matter where you may be. Maybe it's your outside lights, the mudroom and/or kitchen lights. Consider replacing just those light switches with smart light switches. You can start out with just a few, see how you like it, and add more at a later date. I'm pretty sure that once you start experiencing the benefits of lighting control, you'll want more.
2. Install automated shades - Motorized shades are an elegant solution to managing the sunlight that comes into your home, as well as providing the privacy and added security you desire. There are a host motorized shades options available that can enhance your home experience.
3. Replace current thermostats with smart thermostats - Changing
out your old thermostats with smart thermostats is a simple way to start living a greener life (and save green on your heating and air conditioning bill while you're at it).
4. Replace old door lock with a smart lock - Wouldn't it be nice to get an automatic text or email letting you know your child has gotten home safely from school? Replacing your door lock with a smart lock can provide a huge degree of peace of mind. Instead of using keys, family members (and others of your choice) each enter in his/her personal code to gain access. You can also remotely open the lock using your cell phone or other Internet connection.
5. Install Energy Monitoring - In order to really make smart changes in how we use energy in our homes, we first need to understand our usage. A monthly bill from the utility company simply does not provide the information we need. With an energy monitoring system, you will know your energy usage in real time. Having real-time feedback of your energy consumption allows you to make smart decisions on how and when you use the energy in your home.
So maybe this all sounds great, but also a little overwhelming. How are you supposed to figure out the best ways to make your home smarter and actually start enjoying the benefits? A professional, experienced electronics systems contractor (ESC) will listen to your needs and wants, educate you about your available options, and provide the best solutions for you. Further, a qualified ESC has the expertise to know when it is appropriate to utilize a wireless solution, or when retofitting wiring is preferable.
Bottom Line: Adding professionally designed and installed smart home systems to your current home is a great way for you enhance the comfort and peace of mind that your home has to offer.