What you need to know about Home Automation

If the Rockwell explanation of a control system in the above link didn't help (and to show you how touched we are, we think that was really funny), let's see if we can. Really, a Home Automation or Control system encapsulates a complete electronic system for managing the needs of the modern home. Automation is about providing comfort‚ convenience‚ security‚ and energy savings in your home. It is about the convenience of saving time and effort by having the home automatically do routine functions for you.

The term home automation has always been interchangeable with the old-fashioned concept of a "smart home." Fortunately, the industry has evolved far beyond simplistic furnace and lighting timers and independent controls for each system in the home. Home automation now means fully integrated, intelligent control over lighting, comfort, entertainment and security systems. More importantly, it means a home that intuitively understands your tastes and expectations, and delivers on them with one-button simplicity. An activity as commonplace as watching a movie, for example, can be as effortless as if you had a fully staffed theater. Music that matches your frame of mind can welcome you at the door. Lights, fountains and ambience can be ready for entertaining at the touch of a button. All of which makes the beauty of technology as much a part of your home as the aesthetics of the home itself.

Home Automation is a single master control system for your homes various sub systems. Your home has many stand alone systems. Each has its own requirements to operate, and (of course) none are designed to work with the others. A few examples include Lights, Heating and Cooling, Fans, Security, Cameras, Telephones, Internet, LAN, Music, TV, Home Theater, Fireplaces, Window Coverings, Locks, Spas , Pools, Water Features and Lifts. Making all of these sub systems work in harmony & intelligently so they have the lowest carbon footprint, and operational cost, is the core strength of a Home Automation system today.

Automation provides powerful control of many unique devices with a single command. Because of this, quality Home Automation systems are custom designed to the home. There is no one size fits all – but there are universal requirements, within a Home Automation system:

Environmental Responsibility – A lighting control system and lighting design can dramatically reduce your draw on the grid, by intelligently managing how and when lighting is addressed - with no need to be in the dark to save - ever. Managing the home's lighting requirements, in concert with naturally available light using motorized window shades, and operating heating and cooling systems in concert makes all kinds of sense, financially and environmentally. Without a control system this promise is never fully exploited. 

Convenience & Flexibility – The touch of a button gives you the ability to set the lighting levels in a room, or the entire interior and exterior of the home, to create dramatic lighting scenes to match any mood or occasion. The other subsystems are at your command when you want to adjust heat, cooling, security, entertainment and more. A control system manages different scenes for different occasions and different moods. This system also controls music, TV or HVAC systems from one convenient switch point. Various lighting or music levels in all areas may be achieved either through the use of multiple scene buttons, or by simply raising or lowering individual lighting loads or entire areas.

Aesthetics – This is a big one for anyone interested in interior design. Wall clutter (or wall acne) is reduced by replacing rows of conventional switches, knobs, sliders and other controls with a single, elegant control station (beauty mark), leaving more wall space for art and furnishings. 

If you’re considering automation in your new home talk to us first

Home automation provides comfort, convenience, entertainment, energy conservation, a smaller carbon footprint and security in your home. They enable you to control your home environment for the way you like to live. Most people understand that, and as a result, a home automation system can add enormous value to your home and future proofs it for advances in technology.

However, if you don’t get it right from the start, your dream home can easily turn into a nightmare. There are many pitfalls for the inexperienced, and rectifying problems can be a costly and time-consuming headache.

Since the backbone of the system – the ResiNet cabling and infrastructure – is hidden behind the walls, it is not always possible to fix bad installations. Which means you can end up living in a home environment that will never come up to your initial expectations.

Start on the right foot

Be aware that expert advice is crucial at every step of the process, from initial consultation through to final commissioning and handover of the home automation system. Therefore, the best time to talk to us is at the design stage of your new home.

We can guide you through every stage of the process. We begin by consulting with you to determine your needs and how you would like to live in your new home. Then we design the system and draw up the plans in consultation with your architect, interior designer and builder if you prefer. We project manage the ResiNet installation, set up the components and then show you how it all works.

Experience you can rely on

Creating an automated home environment is an investment, and you need expert advice every step of the way. Hiring a home automation designer is no different to hiring an architect, interior designer or other design professional. The most important factor is experience.

K&W Automation has been designing and installing automated environments for clients in Canada since 1978. We have extensive experience working with homeowners, architects, builders and interior designers to create intelligent environments to the most exacting requirements and tastes. We also offer the largest range of automation product from leading manufacturers Crestron, Vantage, Control4, SpeakerCraft, Universal remote controls and more.

Get in touch with us

If you are planning to include home automation in your new home, or you are curious about how smart technology can help you create a unique home environment, you need to call us.  To answer questions or for a consultation to discuss your requirements, and begin the process of making your ideal home a reality the process needs to begin as early as possible. Remember, the best time to talk to us about installing a home automation system in your new home is at the planning stage!