Z-wave Solutions Guide: How To Choose The Right Automation System For Your Home
Explore how to carve out costs from automating your home without sacrificing performance or support.
Contrary to popular belief, these so-called smart houses are not only for the rich and famous. If youve seen these houses, that have remote controls for heating and cooling, lights, home theater, window shades and security on TV or on magazines, youve most probably been amazed. Home automation is not just for high-end residences. Heres how to automate your home:
Steps
1
Widen your imagination. Browse websites, flip through your favorite home automation magazines, or make a few phone calls to see whats available. Look into the yellow pages of your local phone directory under Home Theater and Automation Systems.
2
Plan ahead. Fantasize about what youd like to automate. If you plan to start slow, maybe with just the lights, get a home automation system that can be expanded when you need to add other functions. Some the most common automated systems are lighting control, heating and cooling and audio-video controls. In regards to function and safety, home automation can now control equipments to operate precisely as per recommendations. For instance, you may go for the Z-Wave Plug-in Switch Controller and the Z-Wave Plug-in Dimmer Controller since they can be incorporated with existing Z-wave systems.
3
Consider your budget. Basic systems may range from a few hundred dollars while whole-house automation systems may cost you many thousands of dollars.
4
Be sure that any system youre eyeing to install will work with your current appliances and air conditioner, home monitoring system, and home theater system. You may need to replace light switches with programmable switches that can be linked with each other and to a main controlling unit, such as the Z-Wave Plug-in Switch Controller. Installing the Z-Wave Plug-in Switch Controller is very simple.
5
Install the master control panel, also known as the master controller, in a convenient spot, accessible to everyone at home. These master controllers usually link all home automation systems together.
6
Power line or radio frequency controls may be right for you if youre planning to automate an existing home. These systems do not require you to run extra wiring for controls. However, keep in mind that these systems may tend to be less useful or flexible than those that operate with low-voltage wiring.
7
Choose a system that can be controlled externally so you can turn on your homes system even if youre outside. You can also check its status when youre away, and shut down the house as you leave. These systems can be controlled wherever you are through the Internet.
8
Choose a system with a vacation mode. You can easily track your lighting patters while youre at home through vacation mode, and re-create them when youre gone so your house appears occupied. You may separate programs for weekdays or for weekends easily.
9
Set up an uninterruptible power supply with your system to maintain its features even if the power goes out.
by: Leola Huffman