At LUXAVO we strive to be the very best at everything we do. That’s why LUXAVO have partnered with world leading brands like Crestron and Control4 to deliver the ultimate in Integrated Control System technology. A LUXAVO system is a system that delivers on every expectation of your intelligent building design.
What is the difference between a smart and an intelligent home? Smart What is the difference between a smart and an intelligent home? Smart usually does one thing, intelligent does everything. Smart is complicated, intelligent is automated. Most importantly, intelligent has the power to enhance every aspect of your day. The end result is a system that thinks the way you do. A system that never ceases to amaze.
In a recent review of the best home automation systems completed by Top Ten Reviews, they compiled, over the last 8 years, a list of the best professionally installed home automation systems and ranked them based on their offerings in a variety of categories.
Top Ten Reviews believe Crestron is the best choice because its systems are compatible with more products than those of any other company they looked at. Creston's software is fully customisable from top to bottom, which is why it goes beyond home installations to automate commercial spaces like schools, hotels and businesses. Top Ten Reviews also stated, “It takes an experienced dealer and a lot of time to install a Crestron system”.
Control4 ranked as the top residential brand they reviewed. The system integrates software and hardware seamlessly without the need for a dealer to do intensive programming, which helps bring down installation costs. In addition, this capable system can be expanded by the dealer as your needs change. Control4 offers a robust selection of in-house hardware, and it supports products from hundreds of other manufacturers.
What to Expect From Professional Home Automation
A professionally installed home automation system is a serious investment that can add value to your home – it's not a hobby or a gimmick. Installing a home automation system is as expensive and complex as remodelling your home. Top Ten Review’s research revealed some ways you can rein in your expectations to find a system that's best for you.
The Top Ten Review gives you a really comprehensive guide on how best to decide what integrated control system suits you best, what specific elements of integrated control you choose to include and finally, how to select the best professional smart home integrator to install your smart home automation system. An example of which is outlined below:
Where to Start
When you decide to buy a smart home system, aside from setting a sensible budget, there are only two things to consider: what and who. Getting what you want means finding the right focus for your smart home. From there, decide who should install it. Here are some tips to help you decide the what and who of your smart home.
Determine Your Focus Focus only on features you want. Whole-home automation has elements of control, security, utilities and entertainment. However, systems sold by security companies don't do entertainment. These categories are not mutually exclusive; for example, lighting plays a role in all four. Once you know your focus, you can find a dealer to make it happen.
Control – These devices make your everyday life at home convenient by helping you create schedules, rules and smartphone controls for things like light switches, garage door openers, thermostats and window treatments.
Security – These devices protect your family and property by monitoring for and deterring intruders. Examples are door sensors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, smart locks, security cameras and sirens.
Utilities – Using these devices, you can improve your home’s energy efficiency to help save on gas, electric or water bills. Examples include thermostats, sprinkler controllers, leak detectors and window treatments.
Entertainment – This category includes audio-video devices and home theater equipment. Universal remotes sometimes work with DIY smart homes to control TVs, home audio systems and streaming sticks.
Find a Local Dealer Most major cities have a few home automation dealers. To find the right one for you, it’s a good idea to get competing quotes from the integrators in your area. With quotes in hand, learn about each dealer’s certifications, setup process and whether it can help you get security monitoring services.
Certifications – Look for dealers that are members of the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association, or CEDIA. CEDIA has a strong code of ethics and helps installers stay up to date with the latest technology certifications. Also, look for a dealer that's trained to work with the smart home products you want.
System Setup – Choose a dealer only after they give you a detailed explanation of the changes they need to make to your home such as removing drywall and installing wiring. If the dealer won’t give you a written contract that lists everything they plan to do before they start, then find a dealer that will. Verbal contracts lead to overpriced projects.
Monitoring Services – Ask if the dealer offers home security monitoring or can connect you to a security company that monitors home automation systems. In general, if you don’t have door sensors, motion sensors or security cameras, you probably don’t need monitoring and shouldn’t buy it if the dealer insists.
Other items covered in this review are:
· How to get the most from your Smart Home System
· Familiarising yourself with all aspects of the control system from your mobile apps to the system manual.
· Advice on when to call your professional dealer for backup support
· Advice on your system warranty
Talk with a LUXAVO Smart Home specialist today about turning your home into a Luxavo intelligent home.
LUXAVO are Ireland's leading designers of residential and commercial integrated and automation systems. We have been designing and installing home automation and smart homes technology in homes and business' around Ireland. We specialise in home control, wired and wireless networks, lighting control systems, high definition video distribution, multi room audio, security and energy management systems. We use high quality and reliable technology to deliver an intuitive and easy to use systems.
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