Smart homes are for old homes too…

It seems that anyone can add ‘smart’ to the front of an existing word and it automatically attracts attention. Smart-phone, smart-device, and now smart-home. While unlike phones and tablets that are all about new, any old home can be converted into a smart home of some degree. A smart home really just translates to adding some technology that allows you to control your living environment remotely. Here are some ideas for your home.

Feel safe
Security cameras monitored externally have been around for some time, however more recent technology allows these cameras to be a lot more discreet. In addition, they can be incorporated into your door bell, so that you can answer, with vision, from your phone, and the visitor will have no idea if you are home or away. Replacing the old timer switches for your lamps, remotely controlled lighting can simulate normal family living to give the appearance of someone being at home.

See the light
While there are some limitations with fully automating lighting in older homes, there are still many options that can be done. Imagine having an app on your phone where you can easily control all the lights for your home, flip some switches as you leave work so you are always welcomed home by light and not fumbling around in the dark.

For comfort
Automating your window coverings using Somfy technology is one of the simplest forms of smart home enabling on offer. Simply control your awnings, blinds or curtains from an app on your phone or tablet, or even set it to be intuitive to weather and climate conditions to adjust comfort levels. In addition, heating and cooling appliances can be looped into your automation, along with energy consumption meters to prevent bill shock at the end of the month.

Be entertained
Home theatres and hard wired audio systems are very common in new houses being built, but also have a place in existing homes. With systems like Sonos readily available, anyone can create their very own entertainment precinct at home. Taking it one step further, new homes can include technology where audio can follow you from room to room, no need for ear phones as you move around the house.