27 Sep 2016

How to make your home smart

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Connected technology in the home is becoming increasingly popular and, to some, a necessity. Many electrical devices can now reach the internet and be operated and monitored via a smart device. As we add more and more smart products into our homes, we inevitably need an app for each one. Iain Martin, Director of iCubed Home Cinema, explains more.

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If these systems were truly ‘smart’ then they could work with everyday functions of the home, such as pressing a light switch. Ok, a light will turn on but can it switch on your TV, change the heating or even open the blinds? A smart home can.

So, what is a smart home?

A smart home integrates and allows the control and monitoring of your lighting, temperature, home entertainment, security, surveillance and blind/shading control from discrete keypads, interactive touchscreens, smartphones and tablets. Many features can be automated and respond to the time of day or occupancy of a room.

Imagine your home knows when you are there, setting itself to serve you best, with heating and lighting working together to keep your home running efficiently and providing you with perfect comfort. As you leave for work, it changes to minimise energy usage. Your smart home can also know when you are 20 minutes away, whether returning from work or a family day out, and will prepare for your arrival, ensuring your home is heated to the perfect temperature, the lights are on to welcome you, your favourite music playing or your TV on ready to view your favourite channel!

How do you make your home smart?

It depends on your home, is it a new build, renovation or a completed house? Many systems require a bespoke wiring infrastructure for each service. All cabling will often need to meet back to a central point or hub, enabling each to communicate and integrate together. This is easily achievable for a new build or renovation property and is ideally the best option. However, you don’t need to rewire your finished home to add high-quality smart technology. Retrospective fit systems are also available that utilise wireless communication, meaning your home does not need to be rewired.

In order to get the best from the technology and systems available, it is important to speak to a professional company that specialises in the integration of smart home systems. As with any trade you would employ, check the industry organisations that promote a high-quality service and excellence. CEDIA is the international trade association with over 3700 member companies worldwide. Visit the website to find your local CEDIA home technology professional.

About iCubed

With over 20 years’ experience, iCubed Home Cinema is a family-run business specialising in the design and installation of smart home technology and bespoke home cinema rooms. The company provides a range of exceptional services including intelligent lighting, heating control, smart home automation, CCTV, distributed audio and 4K HDTV.

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