Get smart

When building or renovating, it’s never been easier to make ‘smart’ decisions regarding control of lighting, heating and cooling, audio and television, home security, appliances, window coverings and more.

These days, it’s possible to operate household services remotely from a phone or laptop, something that until recently many people thought of as ‘futuristic’…light years away!

Rapid advancements in technology mean many homeowners are now automating their homes including individual appliances.

Essentially, home automation brings multiple domestic subsystems together in a single interface and allows interaction between these systems. This can increase energy efficiency and savings, improve security and safety, and make life easier by removing mundane daily tasks such as switching on and off lights, opening curtains or watering the garden.

An intuitive smart home can even sense when you are coming home from work and ensure the door is unlocked, music is playing, the drapes drawn and the temperature just right when you arrive and walk indoors.

In fact, many appliances such as the washing machine or drier can be operated remotely and there is even a Smart built-In convection double wall oven which features Wi-Fi and a built-in camera so you can control the temperature and watch a live stream of food cooking on your phone or tablet.

Although there are many possibilities to customise comfort zones, make energy savings and, generally, improve your everyday life, some areas to consider are: • Lights – your lights can turn on when you arrive home, and off when you leave • Door locks – open your door with a code • Security cameras – access your CCTV via your smartphone anytime from anywhere • Blinds – set schedules for your blinds to open and shut when you are away from home • Cooling/heating – manage home climate control from your phone – arrive home to a warm house in winter, or a cool house in summer • Audio and visual requirements – turn music/tv on from afar • Garage door – programme it to shut if you accidentally leave it open • Security lighting – set it to turn on when you get home or when a door is opened • Receive texts – when your laundry is done • Detect leaks – water supply is shut off if moisture is detected

Ashtec Louvers and Shades Ltd Ashtec Louvers and Shades Ltd

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