When opting to avail home automation services, homeowners must carefully consider their specific needs and requirements, their budget and preferences. Therefore we have made a list of all the factors that must be taken into consideration when you opt for a home automation system to be installed.
Compatibility
If you already have smart home automated equipment and systems in place and want to upgrade them or install their OS to a central hub, then checking for compatibility is a must. Keep a look out for systems that support integration with other home automation systems such as Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave or Bluetooth.
Ease of Usability
Home automation systems must have friendly user-interfaces that are intuitive, and flexible to control and make use of. The systems must be easy to use and operate, even for those who are not that tech-savvy, if you have children, then the OS must be child-friendly in order for them to fully understand all controls. You can opt from a plethora of interfaces, either physical, digital such as smartphone applications, voice control, or just one central hub.
Scalability
Take into account how your smart home can be expanded. Go for a system that can incorporate and accommodate additional external devices so that you do not feel a hassle when tackling various remote controls and interfaces that might clash. Your home automation systems should be scalable to adjust other devices and automatic functions. For instance, if you opt for a Control4 home automation system, and have a Lutron system in place for lighting, then Control4 must integrate Lutron controls in its system.
Automation Capabilities
Your smart home devices are powered by Wi-Fi and other smart AI tools, hence they must offer a wide range of automation capabilities. Look for scheduling features, triggers, routines, and scenes that allow for you to pre-install additional settings and personalized scenes. Geofencing feature is an additional benefit that is now incorporated in the OS systems of vast home automation systems, it allows for the system to detect your location whenever you are coming back home for it to trigger an automated setting that you pre-designed.
Device Support
Your smart home automation system should support a wide range of devices and appliances such as thermostats, security cameras, door locks, lighting, sensors and other smart home components. The system must work in harmony with various home brands and models.
Third-Party Integration
Your home automation system must be supporting various third-party platforms and services for instance, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, or IFTTT. By allowing for maximum integration your smart home will become a hub where each appliance can be controlled through one interface. This feature will also assist in geofencing.
Support and Documentation
For you to be better equipped with all benefits and features of your smart home automation system, you must be able to check the availability of 24/7 customer support, documentation, tutorials, troubleshooting issues, authorized dealers, and communities that have installed your preferred home automation system.
Cost
The most crucial factor to consider are the upfront costs of the entire equipment and installation. Getting home automation on a budget calls for taking into account how efficient and secure you want your home automation network setup to be, subscription fees for additional benefits must also be considered when opting for an entire home automation setup. You should start by comparing various systems, their budgeting, data storage, cloud storage and other factors.
Security
Your home automation system must firstly prioritize your security and privacy. You should consider systems that have strong encryption protocols, regular firmware and malware updates, have two-factor authentication opportunities, and live notifications sent to your phone for any breach in the system. You can start by reading reviews, and researching the system’s track record, their privacy policies, and how their performance has been ranked on the internet and according to various home automation installation services providing companies.
By keeping in mind the above listed factors, you can choose fo the right home automation services that works entirely on your preferential needs and requirements. You should always ask for recommendations and reviews, best selling home automation systems through home automation installation service providers in your local area.
