Building a smart home? Read our blog on what’s new in home automation and technology.
With over 4000 elements coming together to produce a finished product, the process of building a new home can come with its challenges. While the initial stages that involve ‘touchy-feely’ experiences such as colour selections, façade design and interior fittings is certainly fun, one step that is easily forgotten is electricals.
Clients pour hours into ensuring the new home is perfectly designed. A thought is not spared for each unique touch from the tapware to kitchen appliances, external rendering and brickwork. Though most households see the necessity for switches, power outlets and lighting, the vast majority would not be aware of how critical home connectivity is for day-to-day functioning.
Of course, power and lighting are non-negotiables when it comes to designing the home but what about heating, cooling and smart home control features?
‘Smart homes’ now considered essential in 2020 and beyond
On the edge of home innovation is a team of technology engineers at Clipsal/Schneider Electric, researching and developing new ways to make the home smarter. Clipsal Residential Builders Manager Marta says, “We’re in an exciting phase of growth when it comes to home automation. We help educate both builders and their clients in how to make the home ‘smarter’ for better security, comfort and connectivity.”
These days, virtually everything in the home can be run by smartphones and apps. Lights, blinds, coffee machines, toasters and air conditioning units are controlled using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity or remotely through an app.
“The list for possibilities in the home is endless.” Marta states. “Today, there is higher demand for technology that allows better control over lighting, room temperature and TV/AV connectivity as well as energy-saving switches. Plus, there is a trend towards personalisation where clients want to match their electrical fittings to the style and décor of their home.”
Energy efficiency, security, comfort and connectivity can be improved by using automated technology.
Sustainable solutions, even in soaring temperatures
Australian temperatures are known to fluctuate and in some cases, become extreme, with temperatures rising up to 40 degrees in regions of Western Sydney. Running air conditioners, refrigeration, freezers and even ceiling fans can come at a hefty cost. Therefore, it goes without saying that everyone wants to save money on energy bills but are not quite sure how to go about it.
“It’s easy to get caught up in the look of the home, forgetting about functionality and energy efficiency,” says Managing Director, Liam Worthington. “By including an electrical consultation in our new home build process, we present ways to help clients save energy costs while at the same time, achieving the home design they want.”
Silent fans that allow 30 percent more airflow to keep the home cooler, motion sensors and app-controlled light timers that minimise power usage as well as automated energy management systems to control efficiency are just some of the ways home owners can save on electricity bills.
Better energy management and more control in the home
In addition to the suite of Clipsal’s energy-saving products includes Wiser App, which is a smartphone or tablet app that serves as an ‘energy advisor’ in the home. Users can track electricity consumption, generate energy bill estimates, manage solar performance and be notified of any electrical issues.
Marta says, “Energy can take a significant portion of the household budget. By tracking usage and identifying inefficiencies, every user has the potential to reduce the amount spent on energy bills.”
With more Australians turning to hybrid energy sources, which is a combination of both self-powered solar and energy from the grid, home owners are looking at ways they can better manage this process. By switching between self and grid consumption, clients can choose between selling and storing energy, which allows a better return on their solar investment.
When considering the future of home automation, Liam is excited for what is to come. “There’s plenty of scope to introduce smart features into a new home earlier in the building process. We hope to keep updated on current trends, particularly for our younger client base who are 100% adoptive of smart home technology.”
To learn how you can make your home smarter, visit the Clipsal website or call 1300 669 925.
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