Home automation myths
Home automation has been gaining popularity as more people discover the convenience and comfort it can bring. However, many homeowners are held back from investing in the technology because of common misconceptions surrounding it. Here, we bust five of the most common home automation myths.
Myth 1: Home automation is too expensive
Home automation, rather than an investment, is often seen as unnecessary expenditure. We often associate it with high-end technology and a need to remodel – or at the very least rewire – our homes. The truth is, with a solution like Control4, you can start small and expand as your needs and budget allow. A basic system for a single room – say your living room – might cost £1,000-£2,000. You can then build up from there.
It’s worth bearing in mind that home automation systems often provide long-term savings in terms of energy bills too. If you invested in Lutron lighting as part of your system, for example, you would soon start seeing the benefits of lighting automation on your household costs.
Myth 2: Smart homes are vulnerable to hacking
Security is a big concern for those who are unsure about investing in home automation. It’s true that using devices with little to no built-in security and trying to save money by doing a DIY home automation job can put you at risk of attacks. However, if you choose quality products and ensure your system is set up by professional home automation installers, the risks are minimised.
Reputable smart home systems use robust encryption and security protocols to safeguard your data. In addition, software updates carried out remotely by operators such as Control4 ensure risks are mitigated.
Myth 3: Home automation is complicated
On the surface, home automation can seem complex. Many homeowners believe they have to be tech-savvy to be able to use their system, but this is not the case. Home automation systems are user-friendly, with interfaces that are simple to operate and settings that can be easily adjusted. With a system like Control4, you can perform a number of actions with the press of a single button. What’s more, your Control4 specialist will be able to talk you through the system and provide support whenever you need it.
Myth 4: Smart homes demand excessive energy
Another home automation myth is that smart home systems demand excessive energy, pushing up bills. In reality, a smart home can help you to reduce and streamline your energy usage thanks to smart switches and energy efficient appliances. For example, a smart heating system can adjust the temperature of your home based on occupancy, heating only the rooms being used or turning the heating off when there’s no-one home.
Myth 5: Home automation is unreliable
What happens if your automation system crashes? Will you be left without lighting, heating and entertainment? Some homeowners think home automation could be unreliable, but today’s systems are designed to offer dependability. Issues can usually be resolved with a reboot, and there is always support from your Control4 installer should you experience problems you can’t fix yourself.
To find out more about accessible home automation systems, contact New Wave AV today. We install smart technology in homes across Kent, Surrey, Essex, London and Sussex, and will be happy to demonstrate the possibilities of full automation.
