Smart Technology in the Modern Home

Smart technology can put the entire workings o a ome at t e owner’ fingerti creating new opportunities to entertain, monitor, and maintain your home. Integration of home tech now goes well beyond Network and Wi-Fi systems, to include Intrusion Detection, Fire, Smoke, Carbon Monoxide Detection, Water Leak/Flow Detection, Video Surveillance, Video Doorbells/Intercoms, Garage Doors, Climate, Lighting Control, Intelligent Light Fixtures, Shades, TVs, Music, Media Rooms or Theaters, Irrigation, Pool/Spa, EV Charging, Solar, Battery Backup, Generators, Voice Control, Handheld Remotes, Touch Screens, Mobile Devices, and more. When done right, it all works seamlessly, and most homeowners will forget all these various subsystems exist and just enjoy being in their home.

Aesthetics

Blending your tech into your home design should be part of your overall project through advanced planning, design philosophy, and product selection. Four basic techniques for hiding technology are: concealing, camouflage, con oli ation, remote location T ’ can be disguised when not in use by displaying realistic artwork that adjust for varying light conditions, or can be physically hidden behind artwork, movable panels and mirrors. Keypads and switches can become a beautiful e ign eature y u ing ariou fini e an material Temperature sensors the size of a small coin can be used where a traditional thermostat would go, and the thermostat can be installed in a mechanical area.

Lighting: Setting the Mood and Creating Safety

Lig ting effect e ery experience in your home and can be enhanced through combinations of natural light, intelligent and tuna le lig ting fi ture , win ow treatment , an lig ting control y tem A traine an certifie Smart Home Specialist can help with every aspect of your lighting project ensuring an exquisite outcome.

Technology Is Not Flawless or Bulletproof

Just think about your mobile device—how often do you need to reboot, update, call tech support? Smart Home systems need regular servicing, reboots, software updates, repairs and eventually physical replacement. ro uct li ecycle ten to all along t e t ree, fi e, ten year range n fi e year , ome y ical com onent may start to become out of date, and even experience failures. After 10 years, the lifetime of many components i u an re uire ignificant y tem u ate an replacements. Remember many of these items are running 24/7/365. Ensuring your Smart Home provider is capable and willing to support your system over the long run is critical. Step one involves learning a few quick troubleshooting techniques with your Smart Home provider. Ask if they have ongoing and preventative service and support plans to get the most out of your Smart Home technology.

erti cation raining hird arty Accreditation

Ensuring your Smart Home Specialist has the proper training an certification rom manu acture , artner , third party organization like the Home Technology A ociation TA tt // tacertifie org/ i an important step to a successful project.

Thanks to Scott Ruzich of Epic Smart Homes for writing this article. You can contact Scott at 877.627.2215, info@ epicsmarthomes.com or www.epicsmarthomes.com.