Not long ago, the concept of a smart home seemed like something futuristic and out of reach to most homeowners.
Fast forward to today’s world… Smart home devices are everywhere and full-blown smart homes are a popular and growing trend. It has become much more affordable for the average homeowner to access smart home technologies – so much so that at least 53 percent of people now own at least one smart home device. The number of full-on smart homes is growing and forecasted to surpass the 300 million mark by 2023. Smart homes are making countless peoples’ lives easier, more convenient, and more efficient.
We put together this smart home guide to help you explore your many options and understand the smart home installation process. Keep in mind, if you’re looking for a local electrician that you can trust to get your new smart home systems up and running properly, our experienced electrical technicians are highly trained and ready to help!
An Introduction to Smart Home Installation
Let’s begin with the basics. First and foremost, what does the term “smart home” really mean? Simply put, a smart home is one that features one or more smart home systems, integrated and connected to an IT network, with a way for homeowners to conveniently manage those systems remotely.
Most modern smart home systems feature advanced automation. For example, a smart home might include an automated lighting system that adjusts according to the rising and setting sun, or a sprinkler system that detects rainfall and adjusts accordingly.
Smart home technologies are constantly evolving and advancing, especially alongside the development of artificial intelligence (AI) platforms. According to Time Magazine, in the future, “AI platforms could serve as the brain for entire homes, learning about residents and coordinating and automating all of their various smart gadgets.” It’s exciting to think about all the smart home innovations we’ll be seeing in the future!
Smart Home System Installation: Understanding Your Options
The term “smart home” is broadly used and can refer to many different combinations of smart home technologies. Smart homes typically include at least one or more of the following automated systems:
- Interior and exterior lighting.
- Thermostats.
- Phone and internet lines.
- Shades, blinds, shutters, and curtains.
- Security systems, including door and window locks, alarm and surveillance systems, fire alarms, water and gas leak detection systems, and more.
- Home entertainment and entertainment rooms, including home theater systems and speakers.
- Smart plugs.
- Automated vacuum cleaners.
- Garden tech, including smart irrigation systems.
- Smart fridges and other kitchen appliances.
- Exercise equipment, such as Peloton bikes.
- Pool, hot tub, and steam bath temperatures.
- And more!
There are several different ways of controlling the various smart home technologies listed above, including the following convenient options:
- Touch panels.
- Mobile applications.
- Voice recognition.
- Universal remotes.
- Keypads.
Smart homes will either be wireless systems or hard-wired, and there are several key differences between the two. Hard-wired setups are considered more secure, as wireless systems open up the risk of hacking or interference. Hard-wired systems are also less prone to disruptions because they don’t rely on your internet connection, though a battery backup system is recommended in case of power outages. On the downside, hard-wired systems aren’t mobile, but the investment in your homes’ infrastructure can increase its resale value.
Key Benefits of Smart Home Automation
Smart home automation holds the potential to drastically improve our day-to-day lives through the following key benefits:
Convenience: With most smart home systems, you can manage and control all your devices in one centralized place for maximum convenience. No more wasting time trying to find the right remote control! As technology improves, methods of controlling your smart home systems only get more convenient and user-friendly. For example, most systems now allow you to control everything with just a few swipes or clicks on your smartphone.
Comfort: Automated smart home systems can also make your home more comfortable. On a hot day, for example, a smart thermostat can ensure your home stays at an optimal temperature, adjusting automatically throughout the day.
Home Security: Installing a smart home security system will provide you with priceless peace of mind. One study found that at least 60% of burglars are deterred by alarm systems alone, and more advanced or “smart” security systems take things to a whole new level.
Remote Control: Most smart home systems allow you to manage them from wherever you are, whether that be a block away from your home or halfway around the world. Say you’re at the airport about to take off on a trip and you realize you forgot to lock your front door or turn on your alarm system… no problem! With remote control options, you can rest easy and maintain control of your home from anywhere.
Energy Efficiency: Automated smart home systems can also help improve your energy efficiency and reduce your carbon footprint. Depending on how you automate and use them, modern smart homes can save you up to 30-40% of energy! More efficient homes help lower your recurring, monthly costs and can save you money over time.
Insights: Smart home systems also offer the chance to monitor and learn about your consumption and other habits through tracking and insights. For example, you can keep an eye on the amount of time your kids spend in front of the TV and set limits.
Flexibility: Most smart home systems are designed to make it easy to add new devices and stay up-to-date with the latest technologies. This is important because smart home technologies are constantly improving.
How Much Does Smart Home Installation Cost?
Although many homeowners are able to install a simple, plug-in smart home device on their own, it’s best to have a professional technician install more complex, integrated, or hard-wired smart home systems. The price of smart home installation will vary greatly depending on a wide range of factors, including the type of technology you choose, whether it’s hard-wired or wireless, whether it’s professionally installed or DIY, and much more. The best way to get a more accurate idea of the cost is to seek out a professional smart home consultation and request a detailed quote.
How to Find High-Quality Smart Home Installation Services
It can be difficult to find top-of-the-line smart home installation services and technicians you can trust to get all your devices and gadgets properly configured and integrated the first time around. That’s why it’s important to look for professional electrical technicians with specialized smart home installation experience.
Below are a few questions to keep in mind as you search for top-quality installation services:
- Do they have specific smart home installation experience?
- Do they offer good value?
- Are they properly licensed and insured?
- Can they offer smart home maintenance and repair services?
- Do they offer any guarantees on their work?
Need a Smart Home Installation Company in Washington?
As you can see, smart homes are the wave of the future and have the potential to make our day-to-day lives much more convenient, comfortable, secure, and efficient.
If you’re based in Washington and are still on the fence about smart homes or want to explore your options in more detail, reach out to us for a smart home consultation today. Our expert electrical technicians are passionate about making your home’s electrical systems as smart and efficient as possible. We have established partnerships with top-of-the-line smart home device manufacturers, such as Caseta by Lutron’s smart lighting systems, so you can leave the installation up to us. We currently provide these smart home consultations and installation services to areas within a 50-mile radius of Chehalis, Washington.