Smart Home Automation Installation
Smart home automation installation can be extremely beneficial for any home, new or old. Energy efficiency, remote control, and increased security are just a few of the benefits smart home technology can provide.
However, there are a few factors to consider when exploring home automation installation.
Who should install your Automated Smart Home System?
Designing and installing the perfect smart home design can sometimes feel overwhelming. Identifying the right company or whether you should do it yourself is often the biggest worry. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of both.
Should I hire an expert?
Hiring the right professional home automation installation expert is an important decision to avoid any possible system hacking or security breaches in the home automation system.
Are they qualified to install Smart Home Technology?
Many smart home specialists have accreditations and licenses for a wide variety of automation categories, such as electronic network security, alarm security, and more. These licenses require both experience and testing, ensuring they can handle just about anything thrown at them. The specialist you choose can also be critical to your smart home system's quality, setup, and overall effectiveness.
Do they carry Insurance?
There is exposure to installation issues when installing a home automation system, especially if smart switches or lights are desired. Reputable smart home installers have multiple types of insurance to give you—and them—peace of mind. While many states require general liability insurance and workers comp, a qualified home automation installer is more likely to be professionally bonded should any issues arise.
Can I Install Smart Home Automation myself?
Adding a few smart plugs and outlets or hooking up cameras are usually pretty straightforward projects. However, if you are building a whole-house smart home system, this may ultimately be a bit above your expertise level. These smart home systems may have many interacting parts that require significant experience for a successful install.
Will I need to run electrical wiring?
You will also need to consider if any of your smart devices will require electrical wiring. High voltage installation is something you should never take lightly. One improper wire connection could be a costly and potentially deadly mistake for you or your family. If unsure, talk with a professional about your smart home wiring goals for their input. In the end, you may want to leave this part of the job for an electrical expert.
Will my smart home devices use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Z-wave technology?
Smart home devices use different methods for wireless communication, but most often, they take advantage of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Such devices use Wi-Fi to interface with a central wireless router that is connected to the Internet. Wi-Fi allows for transmitting a large amount of data fast.
Another very popular protocol is Z-Wave. Z-wave provides a low-power, relatively long-distance communication for hundreds or even thousands of devices. Z-wave also uses symmetric encryption for security, and can even control smart devices without the need for Wi-Fi in some cases.
Will your smart home automation system be secure?
Smart devices are popular targets for hackers due to their overall lack of built-in security. There aren't universally accepted IoT security standards, meaning manufacturers are not required to build devices to meet minimum security thresholds. Installing smart devices on your own can increase your exposure to smart device hacking if you aren't familiar with the proper security measures that need to be implemented.
In addition to the lack of industry standards, many owners don't update factory passwords. In this case, hackers can scan the Internet for connected devices, attempt to log in via a list of commonly used default passwords, and install malware to compromise the device.
The process of building a Smart Home Automation System
Designing a home automation system can be just as important as the smart home devices being installed. It is important to have a plan with the end result being both convenient and beneficial to you. Here are a couple of things to consider when creating your plan.
What would I like to control with my home automation system?
Are you looking for the convenience of turning lights off remotely on demand or by schedule? Would you like the ability to lock or unlock a door from anywhere? Determining what you would like to control with your smart home technology will be an important factor in your home automation system building process.
What benefit will my home automation system provide me?
Installing smart lights or a smart thermostat has proven to be a worthwhile investment for energy-conscious consumers. Controlling the temperature of your home while away from your house can provide a substantial return on your smart home installation investment.
Smart locks can eliminate the need for keys and, more importantly, eliminate the inconvenience created by someone losing their key. You can always have access to unlocking and locking your door from anywhere.
How would I like to control my smart home?
Using voice control or your smartphone are just a couple of ways to manage your smart devices. With voice control devices like Google Home and Amazon Echo, turning on a light can be at the command of your voice.
Choosing the best Smart Home devices
Whether it's a smart lock, smart light, smart thermostat, or a smart garage door, choosing the best smart home device manufacturer is an important component in your decision making process.
If the manufacturer has the 'cheapest' price but fails to disclose the smart devices security protocols, chances are you may not be getting the best bang for your hard earned dollars!
Set a Budget
Creating a budget for your smart home automation system will keep you in control of 'binge shopping'. Choosing devices can get so exciting that you may forget the kids still need to go to college!
Time to decide who will install your new smart home automation systems
Now its time to make the decision.... Can I do this myself or do I need a professional automated smart home installer?
For professional help installing your smart home automation system, please contact us at Britt Smart Security at (614) 269-3088.