What is a smart home?
A smart home connects your household devices and systems together (i.e. lighting, heating etc…) and allow you to automate and control whatever you like from wherever you like. Carry out numerous actions with one press of a swich or smart phone tap, giving you more control than ever before, or simply leave it to your intelligent home to do what it should when it should.
A truly smart home should be a seamless experience and is not simply a collection of smart gadgets.
Why should I want a smart home?
Smart home technology provides homeowners with a life style choice, convenience and cost savings.
In your home, you will want something more than a collection of smart gadgets. 5 of the top reasons to install as smart home are;
What type of things can I do with a smart home?
The simple and short answer is anything you can image, but to give you some examples;
Create scenes which carry out several operations from one action. Welcome Home Scene – turns up the temperature to your comfort temperature, turns on the TV to your favourite channel or radio station and plays it through your AV system. Checks to see how dark it is outside and if it is then it turns on particular lights and closes the blinds.
Automated windows, shutters, blinds and awnings
Easily adjust and customize settings for lighting, AV and multi-media, security, HVAC, energy consumption, plus more with easy-to-use pre-sets, timers, actuators and sensors.
With devices connected to the Internet, you can setup control, for everything just as if you were at home.
Home automation based on schedules, motion, temperature, and more. Automatically adjust the blinds to help reduce solar gain on a hot day. Simulate activity at random times in the house when on holidays. Simulate presence if the intruder alarm goes off as if someone has a woken and is walking through the house.
Intruder alarm detects activity at night. Alarm sounds, and main bedroom lights come on. TV in bedroom automatically turns on and displays the camera for the area where activity was detected.
Voice control using Alexa, Google Home, Siri, and others simply tell Alexa “I’m home” and it activates the home scene. Siri – “close the living room blinds”. You said, it happens.
How can I know which devices work together?
If you install a truly smart home this isn’t an issue. If you choose to install just smart gadgets then not all of them are compatible with one another.
Should I get Alexa, Google Home, or something else?
This makes absolutely no difference if you install a truly smart home with KNX then everything is compatible. You choose based on your preference or current products.
What to watch out for?
A smart home is a connected technology meant to enhance the home. Always remember just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. Talk to an expert to get the balance right for your lifestyle.
There are countless smart home gadgets, don’t confuse a gadget with a truly smart home. Remember a truly smart home is seamless.
Is it smart to be able to control your temperature for your home remotely? Yes, but this doesn’t mean you have a smart home. Some “smart gadgets” might seem like they offer smart features but are they safe, are they easily hacked, are they truly smart or are they after all just “gadgets”.
A truly smart home requires experience, planning and the right balance between functionality and savings.
MOST IMPORTANT: MAKE SURE YOUR SYSTEM IS OPEN PROTOCOL
What is an open protocol system and why should I make sure my system meets it?
Systems include a variety of different components, all of which communicate with each other. The language that these devices use to communicate is called a ‘protocol’ – and this is what can be ‘open’ or ‘closed’. Open protocol systems offer customers a greater degree of flexibility, and this is one of the main benefits. As a result, customers can choose from a variety of different suppliers, allowing them to install components which are completely suited to their specific circumstances.
Other factors such as repairs and upgrades can be completed by virtually any trained engineer, which allows customers to take advantage of an open market and choose An engineer who offers the most value for money or expertise. Another advantage to open protocol is that the co-operation between different companies almost guarantees that a component is well tested and reliable.
Don’t fall into the trap of a closed protocol system where you are completely reliant on one company.
Why KNX?
KNX is open protocol. It ensure seamless upgrade capabilities and future compatibility with next-generation smart-home devices utilizing KNX Technology — the only internationally recognized standard for wired building technology.
One seamless representation for control. No need for different apps for different features.
How much does it cost?
This is totally down to the features you want to implement from the outset. All our systems are designed with the correct infrastructure to begin with which will enable you to add features easily in the future as your budget demands.
The most important thing is to get the wiring infrastructure correct from the start and this will allow you to add any features later without the need for rewiring in the future. If your system is to be truly future proofed it can only be so if the infrastructure is correct.
Installing the right infrastructure is critical to having a system that is robust, flexible, and ready for future expansion. Smart home technology keeps moving forward. The foundation starts with a well-designed and implemented home network, one that has the capacity to handle many devices and can prioritise network speed for those critical functions that need it.
How do I get started?
Contact us for a free no obligation consultation. Once we establish a rough concept of what you want to achieve then we can give you a budget.
Does it require monthly fees or maintenance?
No. Like all systems they will require maintenance at some point however the KNX system is a proven robust technology and once commissioned as you specified will work without the need for routine maintenance until devices exceed lifespan.
How can I make sure my smart home won’t get hacked?
This is understandably a big concern for many customers.
To determine if a smart home device is secure, look for security measures like AES 128-bit encryption, Transport Layer Security, https access, and encryption.
Remember if you can’t find any information at all about security, then it’s probably insecure and easily hackable.
KNX is the first smart home and building technology to meet the highest security requirements according to the encryption standard AES-128
Can a smart home really save me money?
It seems counterintuitive that a seemingly expensive system could save you money in the long run, but it’s actually quite possible.
As some examples KNX can generate the following savings
While it may cost you more than their “dumb” or “gadget” competition, a truly smart KNX home will make up for it with the savings in the long run.
Why choose Intelect?
Our experience, service and standing within the industry is second to none.
Check out our ratings on the independent KNX Association partner rankings
We listen to your needs and recommend and install the right system that puts it all together for you.
Other questions?
Do you have other smart home questions? If so, feel free to reach out in our contact form or through social media. We are always available and willing to answer questions.