Is It Time to Upgrade Your Smart Home Technology?

Perhaps a manual control system isn’t keeping up with your busy lifestyle. Maybe your smart home security system isn’t giving you peace of mind. It could just be that you want the latest device but the rest of your system is too old to integrate with it. Whatever the reason for an upgrade, here’s what you’ll need to keep in mind.

Do Your Research

Home automation products have moved ahead in leaps and bounds, becoming more sophisticated and simpler to use. In the recent past, setting up the technology could take hours and the hardware was comparatively clunky and not exactly stylish. These days the technology is stylish, simple to install and use, and much smaller and sleeker. Home automation also links to Smartphone technology and the cloud now, so you can control your home with a swipe of your finger – even if you’re not there at the time.

Consider Safety Concerns

If home security is a priority, you should consider upgrading your automatic security systems. A smart home is a safe home and today’s home automation products have evolved beyond the basic alarm system. Now, 24/7 monitoring keeps your house protected with security cameras, door and window sensors, as well as fire, flood and carbon monoxide monitoring. Should anything happen, the technology can instantly notify relevant people.

What Are Your Needs?

Considering the reasons you needed or wanted home automation in the first place will help you make decisions about upgrading. If there are new products that better meet your needs, you have a pretty good incentive to replace them.

Modern home automation technology runs the gamut. You can start with the basics, such as smart lighting and heating or motorised blinds or curtains and go all the way to a fully automated, integrated house.

Before you decide what to buy, consider your lifestyle and what you need to make it easier. Do you leave and arrive home when it’s dark or travel often? Automated lighting that switches on and off at set times or when you pull into your driveway may make sense. Are your kids old enough to travel to school by themselves, or are you a landlord? Add a door security system with cameras, smart locks and voice communications.

You can buy an entire package, which will cover most requirements and typically be cheaper, or you can buy as you need, starting with a smart thermostat and going from there.

Boost Your Savings

One of the best reasons to upgrade your home automation is to save money by programming lights, air-con, window coverings, and other elements of your home to work in more efficient ways. More modern systems make this even easier by providing feedback – they learn your habits the longer they’re in your home. For example, a smart thermostat will adjust the heating and cooling in your house based on your usage and it will recommend the best temperatures. This will save you money and time.

Upgrade Today

If you want to learn more about upgrading your home automation systems, talk to the experts at Somfy. You can contact us online, or drop into your nearest retailer.