Going Green with Home Automation

So you’re thinking about doing an electronic upgrade to your home. You’d like to keep it Green, so minimal power consumption is a must. When talking about Audio, High Definition Video, Lighting Control, Automated Heating and Air Conditioning, Automated Shades and lastly Security Camera Recording, can someone achieve both high quality performance and low power consumption at the same time? You bet! Is it still possible to achieve everything in an affordable package? Of course, so let’s break down how to achieve this step by step.

Step 1) Determine your goals. Does the savings and safety of having an automated lighting control system seem attractive? Is the system that the contractor’s proposing deem itself scalable? Do you have to install all the automated dimmers and switches now, or can they be installed later when it’s more comfortable to afford each set of components? “Often, our clients feel a bit daunted and overwhelmed with the number of decisions required during a remodel. They’re definitely more comfortable once they know that we can upgrade as we go”, says Stuart Lee, Hi Def Audio Video’s design consultant. “We try to offer as many options as possible, from simple to fancy. What fits for one client definitely won’t fit for everyone. But flexibility and creativity are a must in this economy”, states Lee. 

Crystal clear Audio and High Definition Video are a must in all homes, but tying all your components together in a central hub not only makes for a cleaner installation but also saves money. “We remove the eight or nine cable/satellite boxes, each being charged anywhere from $5 to $17 a month extra and reduce it down to the number of folks living in the home which is usually two to three. That’s a savings of $100 a month, or equivalent to a new high def big screen tv per year! 

Step 2) Determine your budget. Whatever it is, be realistic. Have a professional take and break down the components of the job. Nice sounding speakers start at $399 + per pair. If you would like six rooms, the math adds to $2,400 + for music speakers. Music components typically go for $2,500-$3,000. Keypads that control the music system can also control the video, lights, heating/air conditioning, and view the security cameras. This is a HUGE savings by not having to buy separate control panels all over the house. Plus the reduction of electronic babble all over your walls makes for a much cleaner and tasteful appearance.

Step 3) Keep the system modular and scalable. If starting a remodel, remember that wires are the cheapest part of a system. The time to wire is while the walls are open, not later when the paint’s dry. Wiring for automated shades becomes especially important when the walls are open. It will cost three to four times more when the walls are closed up. But wireless technology is also available as an option. 

Automated shades offer many benefits such as controllable natural lighting and climate control for a more energy efficient home. A scalable system allows additions to the system at anytime down the road. Let’s face it, we all want it all but your spouse isn’t always on the same boat when it comes to electronics. Trying to get a grasp on what’s important and of value is essential. Look for functions that make your life easier and save you money in the meantime. This will help bring focus to your electronic additions.

Step 4)  Do not try to reinvent the wheel, find someone you can trust to work with. Look for someone that has a firm grasp of all facets of the project. Trying to become foreman and designer yourself is both time consuming and expensive. The problem with most everyone is they’ve become so specialized that they only know their area of expertise. An Integrator or Home Automation specialist not only needs to know their audio and video, they also need to know HVAC requirements, Title 24 energy efficiency codes for lighting, as well as being Internet Protocol proficient. A qualified professional can address your concerns and help you select an affordable, easy to use, energy efficient system that meets your requirements. Scheduling an estimate in your home is a good place to start.

For more information, contact Stuart Lee at (408) 887-4479 or visit Hi Def Audio Video at 1610 Monterey Road in San Jose.