by Theatron | Sep 8, 2015 | Home Automation
Have you ever wanted to install a smart automation system in your home so you can effortlessly power up your home theater system or control lighting scenes in your dining area, kitchen or backyard? If so, it may be good to know that automation systems can not only increase your enjoyment today, but also enhance the value of your home tomorrow. In this short guide, we give you our top tips for increasing the value of your home with home technology systems, while creating a more convenient, more entertaining and more secure environment for your family.
There’s an app for that
As the “Internet of Things” becomes more pervasive, a prewired system keeps you future ready. We are moving into a world where everything will be connected resulting in improved efficiency, accuracy and convenience. Each “thing” is uniquely tagged and will allow you to operate, see or communicate with all the systems in the home through your smart phone. If you need retrofit solutions for a home that is already built, we are very capable, willing and available to design and install a system to meet your needs.
Wire now, thank yourself later
While wiring may not be the most exciting part of a smart home, it is certainly one of the most important. Ideally, installing wire should occur during the early stages of home construction. We often need to run conduit with fiber optic and CAT6 cable—the most current cable standards available for your home. You can even run appropriate wires and cables outdoors for lighting, audio and video; your home will be easier to sell as homeowners search for tech-ready homes. This ensures that no matter when you decide to install a home audio, video, network, lighting or security system you will have a bullet proof infrastructure for all of your automation needs.
If it’s structural, it stays
Every home is unique, but a good rule of thumb is that if technology is part of the home, such as in-wall speakers or lighting panels, then it should stay behind for the next owner. We also find that offering up even non-structural gear—like sources in a centralized rack—is a great way to entice buyers. We’ve seen real-estate listings that tout our installed systems as a way to attract potential buyers.
Document your system
The most important rule of thumb in order to build value through technology is to have your electronic systems contractor clearly document the system. Without clear documentation and an understanding of how the system works, the new homeowner won’t have a way to interpret, service or upgrade the technology. We will provide all the necessary information.
Lighting systems sell
While home theaters and media rooms certainly add to the wow factor of a home on the market, lighting and control systems are more practical solutions that every homeowner can get excited about. Show a potential buyer how to turn off all the lights and open shades, and watch his or her eyes light up! A kitchen pops with under the cabinet lighting and artfully placed pendants. Automated lighting brings even more beauty to artwork and fine furnishings.
We’d love to help you get on the path to a smarter home that will add to the value of your home. We can start gradually with structured wiring or execute a fully automated home, depending on your needs and desires. Call or email us today get started!
by Theatron | Sep 4, 2015 | Home Automation
Some people love smart home technology, and some people love what it does for them. There’s plenty of overlap between these two categories, but a sizable group of consumers gravitates toward the simpler versions of today’s technology. Some homes are devoid of tech geeks, but their occupants still want the convenience and the savings that their gadget-savvy friends and neighbors have. These people are looking for the benefits of smart home technology without the hassle of learning a complicated new system.
The Easier the Better
Ease of use is more important to consumers than technical innovation, according to the 2015 State of the Smart Home Report, recently released by Icontrol Networks [www.icontrol.com/blog/2015-state-of-the-smart-home-report/]. These consumers may be behind the curve of cutting-edge technology (eg: the automated litterbox cleaner), but ahead of your grandmother by being willing to automate at least a few functions. The most popular among these tentative technophobes are automated thermostats, security cameras, lights and door locks. What could go wrong with those, right?
Thermostats
Seventy-two percent of surveyed consumers said they would like a self-adjusting thermostat. Although programmable thermostats have been available for a while, self-adjusting ones kick up the coolness a notch — not that these consumers care about cool (unless it’s summer). Nest is the innovator in this area of technology, being the first to create a thermostat that doesn’t need programming — it just learns what you like and remembers it. Now if only your spouse could do that …
Door Locks
Coming in at a close second with 71 percent yeas was doors that can be locked from a remote location. How many times have you gone to work, or worse, left for vacation, then tortured yourself with the idea that you may have forgotten to lock the doors? Now you don’t have to call your sister or your neighbor to check for you — you can just pull out your smartphone and do it yourself. And if you did forget, you can take care of it on the spot.
Command Center
Sixty-eight percent of respondents said they would like a central master control device to adjust all automated functions in the home. This sounds more high-tech that you might think they would want, but really, everyone just wants like items grouped together for ease of use, and home automation is no different.
Tied for fourth place are home monitoring cameras and automatic adjustable outdoor lighting, with 65 percent each.
If you have been thinking about getting smart home technology, talk to the professionals at Theatron Home Theater & Smart Homes. They can help you get started with a basic system, and they can recommend one that allows you to add on when you get more comfortable in your new smart home shoes. Visit Theatron Home Theater in Northern Virginia, to find out everything you need to know about smart home technology and what it can do for you.
by Theatron | May 23, 2015 | Lighting Control
Energy Saving Facts
Did You Know?
- energy saving facts, We need energy – and lots of it – to light our homes, schools, offices, hospitals, hotels, and restaurants. Lighting consists of nearly 25% of the United States electricity budget, which is approximately $37 billion annually.energy saving facts
- Lutron estimates that by installing just two dimmers in place of two standard light switches in every home in the US, the potential annual savings could be $1.5 billion in electricity and close to 25 billion pounds of CO2—the equivalent to taking more than 1 million cars off the road.
- Each year, Lutron estimates its dimmers save a total of 9.2 billion kWh. That is the equivalent output of one large coal or nuclear-powered power plant, or about $1 billion in energy costs. “Dimming your lights even 20% saves nearly 20% in energy,” says Dr. Ian Rowbottom, principal application engineer at Lutron. “Dimming them more, saves even more.”
- Radio Powr Savr™ is a battery-powered, ceiling mount sensor that saves energy by dimming or turning off electric lighting when sufficient daylight is available. The sensor detects light in the space and then wirelessly transmits the appropriate commands to the compatible dimming and switching devices via Lutron Clear Connect™ Radio Frequency (RF) technology; those controls then adjust the lights to take advantage of daylight.
- Lutron’s new C•L™ Dimmers for dimmable CFL and LED bulbs have HED™ Technology which allows dimming of CFL and LED bulbs.
