Misconceptions About Smart Home Automation

misconceptions about smart home automation - Specialized Audio Video Sacramento

Misconceptions About Smart Home Automation

Looking back, smart home automation has come a long way. Smart home automation will continue to grow, which just means more and more Sacramento homeowners will have smart homes. For those who are a little cautious about smart home technology, consider the misconceptions about smart home automation below.

Smart Home Automation 

Home automation systems allow homeowners to control lights, security cameras, entertainment systems, HVAC systems all from a smartphone or tablet. This advanced technology truly makes life so much easier. Many people have misconceptions about their efficacy, cost, how they function, and why they should be invested in. Our smart home automation installers share the truth in the following article. 

Myth #1 – Smart Home Automation Is Expensive & Time Consuming to Install

Contrary to common opinion, smart homes can be as affordable or as expensive as you want them to be. For example, if a person wants a custom-built design with only connected devices, the price would almost certainly be higher than anticipated.

However, updating in stages will cause the value to fluctuate. So, if you’re just getting started and want to dive into the world of home automation, a smart switch would be a great place to start. These switches, which can be operated by a smartphone, tablet, or voice command, allow you to manage individual lights, curtains, electrical appliances, and other devices, enhancing user experience and providing comfort on a daily basis.

Install additional devices as and when they suit the budget from here on out. When it comes to installation, home automation devices with sleek and compact designs are simple. They can be easily and efficiently incorporated into your home. Our friends at Tureks Plumbing, a company that offers home remodeling services, recommend getting smart home automation installed from the get-go (if you can). 

Myth #2 – Smart Home Users Must Be Tech Savy

Another common fallacy that prevents people from embracing smart technology is the belief that it would be too difficult to use. It should be noted that the vast majority of devices are either wireless or feature plug-and-play ease of use. Furthermore, if users choose to use voice commands, incorporating a smart speaker into the mix will work wonders.

Once your devices are connected to your home WiFi network, simple onscreen instructions must be followed to monitor appliances effectively. Even though this may seem to be a difficult job, it only takes a few clicks to turn your home into a smart one.

Myth #3 – Smart Devices Use a Lot of Power

Surprisingly, smart devices have the opposite effect. They are built with power consumption in mind and are energy efficient. They will adapt to your behaviors and desires without requiring you to input a predetermined schedule. As a result, they use less power than traditional devices by actively observing user insights and trends to save resources.

The actual energy savings will be determined by the type of system you choose and its automation capabilities. However, device suppliers say that the devices will help customers save between 10% and 15% on their heating and cooling bills. the source

Myth #4 – Smart Home Security Is Easily Breached

Another source of worry for many customers is the risk of stolen personal information or a data breach. Most businesses go to great lengths to ensure that smart devices are tamper-proof, maintaining protection and privacy. There are, however, a few steps you can take. Using a secure firewall on your router, for example, and installing encryption are effective ways to protect the information in the event that a hacker gains unauthorized access.

It is also a wise decision to thoroughly protect all devices equipped with cameras and vocal microphones. As in all aspects of home automation, there is no excuse not to feel absolutely secure inside your own home if proper planning is done. Our smart home devices at Specialized Audio and Video are fail-safe and provide you with all the security you need to keep yourself and your family members safe.

Myth #5: Building a Smart Home Isn’t a Good Investment.

This is commonly posed by those who are unwilling to spend money on home automation, but as previously mentioned, updating your home with smart technology is not always costly. Smart home solutions also provide concerned parents with an excellent way to keep an eye on their children while they are away from home.

Home automation, on the other hand, makes life more convenient and safer. Furthermore, any investment in a smart device yields an instant return on investment. There is typically an immediate advantage, whether it makes your life faster, better, or more available.

Furthermore, if you plan to sell your house, smart home technology, and home automation systems will increase both the desirability and the overall price. If not, you as a homeowner will benefit from using these devices on a regular basis.

Contact Specialized Audio and Video for a smart home estimate today! We service Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, and more. Our audio and video techs look forward to hearing from you soon.

Outdoor Automation for Your Smart Home

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Outdoor Automation for Your Smart Home

Smart home automation is a must in today’s world. What’s not to love about it? It makes life so much easier. If you’re on a mission to transform your home into a smart home, consider adding features to the outside as well. Deciding on the right outdoor automation for your smart home can be tricky. Our smart home installers discuss a few outdoor automation options.

Before Installing Smart Outdoor Technology

Before you can make the most of smart outdoor living and realize your outdoor smart home ideas, consider the following:

  • Purchase waterproof appliances. Anything you put outside should be water-resistant. This includes your outdoor speakers and other smart devices.
  • Make it simple to connect power to your new system. Connecting electricity to your smart outdoor technology is simple enough. Check to see if your smart outdoor lighting is within range of your home’s WiFi.
  • Please see that it is compatible with your home automation system. Confusion can be caused by competing home automation systems. To make your smart outdoor home ideas as seamless as possible, make sure they are compatible with any existing elements of your connected home, such as smart indoor lighting or your smart home hub.

Outdoor Lighting Automation for Smart Homes

Most household components have smart capabilities now, lighting being one of them. Here’s a short rundown of the different types of automatic outdoor lights you can monitor with the tap of a finger:

  • Motion-activated outdoor automatic lights can either frighten would-be burglars or provide welcoming lighting for visitors. You might also use your smart outdoor lighting to trigger the porch lights when you’re away from home.
  • Lights for entertaining: Set the tone for your backyard oasis as you and your guests relax! With the help of your smartphone, you can power your outdoor lights. Add some energy-saving dimmer light bulbs to make your lighting more environmentally friendly and flexible.
  • Automated solar lighting: Energy efficiency is a vital aspect of smart outdoor living. Installing solar-powered lights outside will help you save money. What could be better than solar outdoor lighting? You can power your solar wifi outdoor lighting from your phone!

Automatic Awnings

A key feature you must have in your outdoor oasis is smart awnings. There’s nothing like pressing a button, and your awnings or windows automatically retract.   

  • Smart exterior windows and shutters: Virtually every aspect of your house, including your windows, can be automated. Bring a little bit of the outside in without even getting out of bed by activating your automatic window shutters with the push of a button.
  • Automatic window screens: On the other hand, if too much light from outside enters your house, there is an automated solution for that as well. With smart outdoor technology, you can lower your window screens instead of shutting your automatic window shutters, allowing light while keeping wildlife out.
  • Automatic awnings: Awnings are no longer strictly for sidewalk businesses. Installing a retractable awning will turn your backyard patio into a modern, sophisticated outdoor dining experience, a fun outdoor smart home concept.

Outdoor Security Systems

Smart outdoor technology isn’t just about looks and comfort. You can also use apps to keep your family informed of who comes and goes from your home even though you are not there. Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., a commercial construction company in Sacramento, recommend incorporating security systems in your home and business. It’s always better safe than sorry.

  • Smart floodlights: Floodlights are perfect for instantly illuminating a room and can be easily programmed to turn on when it gets dark, at a certain moment, or the touch of a button. When combined with a motion sensor, this can assist you in finishing an outdoor project that lasts into the evening or stop trespassers from entering your house. Using WiFi outdoor lighting will help you with whatever you use your floodlights for.
  • Security cameras: The mere existence of a camera can discourage trespassers, but smart security cameras can also provide live footage of outdoor disturbances.

Smart Speakers and Entertainment Systems for the Outdoors

Turning your backyard into another living space is the pinnacle of smart outdoor living. These automated outdoor entertainment systems will assist you in combining the best of both the indoors and the outdoors. Look no further if you’re wondering which outdoor audio and video systems you need.

  • Home theater projectors: Setting up a projector outside is a perfect way to watch your favorite movies and shows while enjoying the nice weather. On an outdoor screen, a home theater projector with at least 2,000 lumens would really stand out.
  • Smart speakers: Adding Bluetooth or wireless wifi speakers to your outdoor space can help create a relaxing zone or set the tone for an outdoor party. And, with smart outdoor technology, controlling outdoor speakers is as simple as opening an app.

Make sure to hire a professional for audio and video installation. Contact Specialized Audio and Video for an estimate on smart home installation. 

Advantages of Smart Home Automation

advantages of smart home automation - Specialized AV

Smart Home Automation

With the rise of technology development, there seems to be a smart device for just about everything, from smartphones to home security cameras, lighting, audio, thermostats, etc. Let’s face it, having a smart device, or a smart home will make your life easier. In this article, we discuss some of the advantages of smart home automation. 

What is Smart Home Automation?

Smart home technology consists of devices, appliances, or systems that connect via network. From the touch of a button, this technology can be controlled independently or remotely by your smartphone or mobile device. With smart home automation, users can increase their home’s functionality like never before. For example, you can schedule your lights to come on automatically and set your thermostat to turn the A/C on before you return home from work. Smart home automation makes life more convenient and enjoyable!

Big Advantages of Having a Smart Home

1. Manage All of Your Home Devices From One Place

Most people choose to integrate home automation because of the convenience factor alone. Managing your home from one interface saves you time and money. It’s easy to manage, even for those who are not tech-savvy. Once the device is set up, all you have to do is download the app to your smartphone or tablet, and from there, you can tap into all your devices.

2. Flexibility for New Devices and Appliances

New smart home devices seem to come out every other day. Luckily, smart home automation allows users to easily integrate new technology. Whether you’re replacing older systems or adding new ones to your space, the process can be done seamlessly. 

3. Maximizing Home Security and Safety

In this day and age, security systems are a must-have for homeowners. With an increase in crime, protecting your home with a security system seems like a no-brainer. You’ll never have to wonder what’s going on while your away. 

There are thousands of home security systems you can choose from at Specialized AV. It just depends on your needs! You have the choice of 24/hour video surveillance, automated door locks, motion detectors, etc. The best part about home automation systems is that you can receive security alerts and view live footage on your smartphone from anywhere.

4. Remote Control of Home Functions

Being able to control your home from a distance is incredibly convenient. Suppose you’re on vacation and need to turn your inside lights on or preheat the oven while you’re at the grocery store. Smart home automation systems are like having your own personal assistant. You can adjust the thermostat or turn on the tv without having to physically be there.   

5. Increased Energy Efficiency

Many smart-home technologies have the ability to save your home energy. Energy-efficient products like a smart thermostat can learn your heating and cooling habits and suggest the best way to save energy. Home lighting controls can also help reduce your energy bills by turning lights on and off automatically when entering or leaving a room. 

6. Improved Appliance Functionality

Another benefit of smart home automation is that it helps you run your appliances better. As mentioned before, this technology is like having a personal assistant! For example, a smart oven will help you cook your meals without undercooking or overcooking them. Additionally, smart kitchen appliances can easily be monitored from your smartphone, so you’ll know exactly how much you’re saving on energy bills. Our friends at Tureks Plumbing, a kitchen remodeling company in Appleton, WI, agrees that smart home appliances are a true game-changer in any home.

7. Home Management Insights

With smart home automation, you’ll not only be able to manage your home from your smartphone, but you’ll also get insight into how your home operates. Find out how often your children watch TV, how often you do loads of laundry, etc. With this data, you can better understand your energy consumption habits and make adjustments however, you please.  

8. Resale Value

One benefit of smart home automation that homeowners often forget about its resale value. Since smart home technology is on the rise, more than ever before, you are more likely to get a higher resale value for your home. Who wouldn’t want a smart home? 

Professional Smart Home Services

Now that you know some of the benefits of smart home automation, you can decide if it’s worth the investment. If you have any questions about our professional, smart home automation services, Specialized AV is here to help. We’ve been serving the Sacramento valley, Bay Area, and beyond since 2003. Contact us today, and we’ll give you an estimate for your commercial or residential property.