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Debunking Smart Home Myths – Understanding True Home Automation

Posted on 
October 25, 2023

In recent times, more and more people have started to use the term "smart home" to describe houses filled with technology that can make everyday tasks easier.

Breaking the Misconceptions

However, what most people are talking about are individual gadgets like smart lights or thermostats that you can control with your phone.

These devices are a good start, but they are just small parts of what a true smart home can be. A real smart home is a whole system where every piece of technology works together seamlessly, controlled by a central brain. In this article, we will explore what makes a smart home truly smart, the important role of professional installation, and how a tailored system can meet a family’s specific needs, ensuring a smooth and efficient home environment.

The Surface-Level Smart Home

As you walk into many modern homes today, you might notice gadgets and devices that respond to voice commands or can be controlled using a smartphone. This is what many people now call a "smart home." However, this is just the surface level of what smart homes can offer.

Most of these devices, like smart bulbs, smart thermostats, or video doorbells, are made to perform specific tasks. They can add convenience to daily life. For example, you can turn off your lights without getting out of bed or adjust your home’s temperature while you are away. These devices are popular because they are easy to install and simple to use.

But there’s a catch. Even though these gadgets are smart, they usually work independently. A smart bulb and a smart thermostat might both be in your home, but they don’t talk to each other. They are like musicians playing their own instruments, but not together in a band.

This level of smart home is a great start for many families. It introduces them to the possibilities of home automation. However, it doesn't provide the full experience and benefits that come with a true smart home system. That's because a surface-level smart home lacks the coordination and customization that can only be achieved when all parts of a home’s technology work together seamlessly.

Defining a True Smart Home

In contrast to the surface-level smart home we just explored, a true smart home takes things to a different level. It’s not just about having smart gadgets; it's about creating a complete system where every part works together smoothly. Let's dive into what makes a smart home truly smart and the role of a dedicated control processor in this advanced setup.

A Fully Integrated Ecosystem

A true smart home is one where every device, plays its part. Lights, thermostats, security systems, cameras, TVs, home theater, outdoor entertainment, and even your garage are all controlled by a central hub. This is possible because they are part of a fully integrated ecosystem.

In this ecosystem, every device is connected, and they can share information and respond to each other’s actions. This is not possible in a surface-level smart home where devices work independently or on different apps.

Customizability and Adaptability

One of the standout features of a true smart home is its ability to be customized. This means the system can be tailored to fit your specific needs and preferences. Whether you want your curtains to draw at a certain time of day, or you want specific lights to dim when you start watching a movie, it can all be programmed to work just the way you want, without you being the one to dig into the programmability of it all.

The Role of a Dedicated Control Processor

At the heart of a true smart home is a dedicated control processor. Think of it as the brain of the operation. It ensures that all devices can communicate with each other seamlessly. This processor is crucial because it allows for fast and reliable performance, making sure that every command is executed without delay.

With a dedicated control processor, your smart home is also ready for the future. As technology advances and new devices come out, your system can be easily updated and expanded. This ensures that your smart home stays smart, no matter how much time passes.

The Importance of Professional Installation

After understanding what makes a true smart home, it's crucial to know how to get it set up properly. This is where professional installation comes into play.

Why Certified Installers are a Must

Setting up a true smart home isn’t a simple task. It’s not just about plugging in a device and connecting it to your Wi-Fi. Certified installers bring their expertise to make sure every part of the system is installed correctly and works together seamlessly. They have the training and experience needed to handle the complex nature of these systems.

These professionals make sure that the dedicated control processor, the brain of your smart home, is properly configured. This ensures that every command is executed quickly and every device communicates properly with the others.

Beyond Plug-and-Play

True smart home systems are complex. They consist of numerous devices, layers of wiring, and settings that need to be perfectly aligned for the system to work. This isn't a plug-and-play scenario; it requires a deep understanding of the technology and the right skills to set it up. That's exactly what certified installers bring to the table.

Ongoing Support and Maintenance

Another significant advantage of professional installation is the ongoing support, monitoring, and maintenance that comes with it. Certified installers don’t just set up your system and leave; they are there for you over the long haul, ensuring that your smart home continues to function perfectly past the warranty.

They provide regular updates, make necessary adjustments, and are available to fix any issues that might arise. This means that your smart home stays up to date with the latest technology and continues to work flawlessly, providing peace of mind and a sense of security, even while you're away.

Tailor-Made Smart Home Experiences

When it comes to a true smart home, customization is key. Every home and every family is different, and a smart home system should reflect that.

Understanding Homeowners' Needs

The process starts with understanding exactly what the homeowners want and need. What are their daily routines? What conveniences are they looking for? A true smart home is designed specifically for these needs.

The Role of Unique Programming

This level of customization doesn’t happen by chance. It requires unique programming, written specifically for each home. Expert programmers take the time to craft a system that responds to commands, makes life easier, and feels intelligently-designed at every level.

These experts have a deep understanding of the programming language used in smart home systems. They know how to make different devices talk to each other, and they create a seamless experience for the homeowner.

Intuitive and Pleasing User Interfaces

But what about using the system? A smart home isn’t just smart on the inside; it’s easy to use, too. Programmers work hard to create user interfaces that are both intuitive and visually pleasing.

This means that controlling your smart home is as easy as pressing a button. The layouts make sense, the design is pleasing to the eye, and the whole system feels like a natural extension of the home.

The Bottom Line

While consumer-level smart products are a start, they don’t offer the same level of integration, customization, and ease of use that a true smart home system does. It's important to know the difference and to understand what "smart home" really means. This way, you can make the best choice for your home and your family on what to use in your home and who to trust with the safety of your home and family.

EXPERIENCE THE AVIR DIFFERENCE:

AVIR offers a five-year maintenance service agreement, "M.S.A.".

This M.S.A. includes additional maintenance outside of warranty, to ensure there are no system issues for our clients.

After-hours service: AVIR offers after hours and weekend emergency service and can generally be dispatched to service a system within an hour.

If you are interested in scheduling for one of our professional engineers to design a system for your remodel or new construction project in Palm Desert or rest of the Coachella Valley, we may be reached at:

Phone: (760) 799-0881

Email: Sales@AVIR.com

Ask for Yasin or Charley.