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Do you still think only the rich can afford a smart home? The motion sensing lights, voice controlled TV’s, lights, appliances and thermostats you can control from your phone, all of these sci-fi like conveniences aren’t just the rich man’s dream anymore. Technology has grown rapidly to make smart homes and connected devices affordable, and all different people are increasingly embracing the idea of home automation. So if you too have been hoping to dive into home automation for a while now, know that you certainly can, and quite affordably too. There are just a few caveats you need to be aware of, just to make sure you get the best results from your money an effort.
No you don’t have to be a computer engineer or electronic mastermind. You just have to do a little basic research, to get a decent idea of all the different technologies there are, how they work and what they need. For instance, if you are going to have devices that can be controlled by your phone, you should know that they will need a Wi-Fi hub. So if you don’t already have one, you must account for the expense of that too. Similarly, you could choose to have a hardwired or wireless security system so read up on the differences between the two. A simple online search from a few good sources should tell you everything you need to know to get started.
There are far too many options available out there when it comes to home automation, and you really don’t need all of them. Just walking into a shop and picking things up without a plan will run up a bill too huge, without doing you much good. Instead, lay out a plan based on your needs. Think about what you need most. A quality security system may be a pressing requirement in your neighborhood. If you’re lucky to be in a safe neighborhood, a smart thermostat may be what you need, to keep you comfortable and save on electricity at the same time. Or you may desire smart-plugs or lights that can be controlled from your phone. Think about what you really want and make a mental (or physical) list. Only then should you begin shopping.
Since modern home automation technologies don’t require you to strip off your walls and rewire your home, you don’t have to plan a major automation project all at once. You can choose to start as small as you want, even just one smart plug at a time. For as 0, you could well be on your way to a smart home. Add new gadgets and technologies as you go. You don’t have to shell out hundreds of dollars at once to get yourself a smart home. Get a smart light first, add a thermostat later. Soon you can for automatic blinds or motion sensing lights for outdoor safety.
While it is a good idea to spread out your shopping and not buy all automation solutions at once, it is wise to make sure you buy things that are compatible. Most wireless home automation solutions need a Wi-Fi hub. Every gadget you buy after that, must be compatible with that hub. This isn’t a tough job as most hubs support a wide assortment of devices. Just be sure to look it up once and make sure you buy devices that are compatible.
While a great deal of modern home automation devices are easy to DIY, there may be some that require professional installation. If the label says so, it is wiser to call a licensed professional than to attempt doing it yourself.
While technology is getting increasingly affordable, there are still some cheap knock-offs you must avoid. Look for quality products that are safety certified and sold by respectable brands. A cheap product doesn’t just perform badly but can be a threat to your family’s safety. Every dollar spent on quality home automation is also an investment that will augments the value of your property. There is also the matter of energy efficiency. An average on utility bills. Quality home automation accessories will actually help you save energy and cut down on the bills. So invest in the good stuff to get the most bang for your buck.
In addition to quality, it is crucial to also look for customer support. Only buy products that come with authorized customer support so that you know just whom to call when something goes wrong with one of your devices. Look for products that have an authorized dealer and servicer in your area and make sure you have their number. Ask about their customer service policy before buying and be completely sure that they will indeed turn up to help you when you need them.
[b]Wrapping Up[b]
As technology advances to make home automation affordable and easy, the increased number of choices also puts you in a state of confusion as to where to begin and what to buy. The above steps and caveats should help you steer in the right direction and make your home automation project easier and more fun.
