 |
home theater & media room design |
 |
installation & service "home theater tune-up" |
 |
whole house audio |
 |
outdoor audio |
 |
structured wiring |
 |
automation |
 |
lighting control |
Whole House Automation
If you're not even sure where to start with the idea of whole home automation, answer a few of these questions to get started:
What do you want to automate?
Just the lights? Or do you want to include appliances like furnace and air conditioner, security system, and home entertainment too?
Are your current appliances compatible?
Before you drop a dime, be sure your current furnace and air conditioner, security system, and home entertainment equipment will cooperate. You may also need to replace light switches, alarm keypads and thermostats.
What is your budget for this project?
If your budget is tight, you can start with a system that can expand to include more functions later.
How much does home automation cost?
Prices can range from a few hundred dollars for basic systems to many thousands of dollars for whole-house automation systems.
Things to remember:
- The master control panel must be located in a convenient, central place.
- Install a system with telephone and Internet-based remote control so you can turn on your home's system as you approach, check its status when you're away, and shut down the house as you leave.
- Choose a system with a vacation mode to track your lighting patterns while you're home, and recreate them when you're gone so your house appears occupied. Separate programs for weekdays and weekends should be standard.
- Be sure the wireless touch-screen controllers are programmable, are easy for you to use, and work anywhere in the house.
- Install an uninterruptible power supply with your system to maintain service even if the power goes off.
- If you're looking to combine top-of-the-line products from a variety of vendors, make sure they're compatible with each other.
- Shop for a system that gives you maximum flexibility. The more preset options, the better.
What is RF (radiofrequency) control?
Radio frequency (RF) controls can be useful if you're installing home automation in an existing house. These don't require extra wiring for controls.
What are the downsides of RF?
RF may be less useful or flexible than systems that operate with low-voltage wiring.
Copyright©2007
Ingenious Audio & Video Design
All Rights Reserved
Home Theater and Media Room Design and Installation serving
Houston, River Oaks, Memorial, The Woodlands, Katy,
Friendswood, Pearland, Clear Lake, Galveston, Humble, Spring