When choosing a home automation system, it is important to consider key features. Just as you wouldn’t book a hotel room without checking the contents, you should carefully evaluate the features of the automation system. Unlike a temporary hotel stay, this decision affects your daily life. Here’s what you should look for:
Integration with various devices
The main advantage of a home automation system is its ability to integrate various electronic components. You can control lights, thermostats, and A/V equipment from a single interface—whether it’s a tablet, smartphone, touchscreen, keyboard, or computer. For example, you can turn off lights, reset thermostats, and close motorized window shades by pressing the Goodbye button. The ease of integration of these devices depends on the openness of the system. An open system allows the home automation retailer to ensure the flawless operation of all components. A company like Control4 is a great example – interoperable with tens of thousands of third-party products (Check the list!), available in more than 100 countries, currently operating in approximately 475,000 homes and managing more than 15 million connected devices worldwide. They adopt technological standards such as ZigBee, Z-Wave or Wi-Fi to encourage interoperability.
Modularity
Automating your entire home at once can be overwhelming and expensive. Fortunately, modern systems offer a modular design. You can gradually automate your home, adding features and rooms as your budget allows. The modular system allows you to start with basic features and expand without major disruptions. Ensure that your chosen system can easily expand vertically (by adding products) and horizontally (supporting additional rooms). Systems that are designed to speak a common networking language, such as IP, and offer wireless aftermarket products, make expansion seamless.
Easy software update
Software updates keep your home automation system fresh and relevant, similar to updates for computers and e-readers. The software runs the system, acting as the brain of your home. As new products are integrated into your system and manufacturers release improved versions of software, updates are necessary. Make sure your manufacturer and home automation dealer can unlock and download these updates to keep your system up to date.
User friendly interfaces
Automation systems should allow things to happen automatically, but many people prefer a certain level of spontaneity. This is where user interfaces come into play. These interfaces allow you to manage your home’s systems on the fly. There are different types of interfaces, so choose the system that offers the models that you are most comfortable using. If your family prefers a combination of interfaces, make sure your system supports them all. Control4 OS 3 is intuitive, providing easy access and control for all devices across your home.
Strong network of dealers
Even the best automation system will not satisfy you if a qualified professional does not install it and adapt it to your lifestyle. A strong dealer network is essential for proper installation and customization of your system. Control4 system installation is performed through a network of nearly 6,000 authorized dealers who install the hardware and configure and customize the software to unify and personalize the homeowner’s technology.
As a certified KNX partner and Control4 Gold dealer, we have it all. Our expertise and extensive range of products ensure that your home automation system meets all the essential characteristics listed above. We seamlessly integrate different devices, offer modular solutions, enable easy software updates and provide user-friendly interfaces. In addition, our strong dealer network guarantees seamless installation and personalized customization. Trust us to improve your everyday life with a superior home automation system tailored to your unique needs.
