Question 1

What is a Smart Home?

Answer

A smart home is a home that has WIFI enabled electrical appliances (smart appliances) that you can control remotely using a smart mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, or a computer. Existing appliances can also be upgraded to become Smart using technology that we offer and install.

Question 2

What's the difference between a Smart Home and a Home Automation System?

Answer

A smart home generally does not control your home intuitively and automatically but a home automation system does. Home automation systems utilise greater home intelligence technology, meaning that they are intuitive and have the capability to learn. They are designed to monitor, memorise and program your household's lifestyle patterns in order to automatically operate your smart appliances based on your daily needs. Since home automation is a process, houses that integrate any level of a home automation system are generally referred to as smart homes. A smart home, however, generally involves human interaction to control smart devices and appliances remotely using an app, or locally using an app or voice activated smart device such as Siri, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa etc.

Question 3

What does "Home Intelligence" mean?

Answer

"Home Intelligence" is used to describe the technological advancement of home automated systems that can learn, memorise, program and execute functions automatically or be controlled and operated remotely, with the purpose of giving you more freedom and making your everyday lifestyle, easier.

Question 4

What is Home Automation?

Answer

Home automation is a term used to describe the process of having your electrical appliances operated and controlled automatically, generally via an installed automation system and has the ability to learn household patterns and control appliances that are connected to it based on the information that it has learnt. Since home automation is a process and not a tangible object, homes that have the systems integrated are also referred to as smart homes. We also offer solutions to upgrade existing appliances to make them "smart" ie., compatible with home automation.

Question 5

What does "Smart" mean?

Answer

In technology, SMART stands for Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology, but don't let that tech lingo put you off. In layman terms, the word "Smart" is used to describe any device, appliance, or any other tangible object that has the ability to accept and perform commands automatically using internet and wireless technology and also has the ability to learn and memorise patterns in order to increase performance.

Question 6

Do I need an internet connection or WIFI to install smart devices or a home automation system?

Answer

Yes. Smart technology is based around internet and WIFI communication protocols so in order to communicate with your Smart device, you will need to provide the device (and yourself) access to "talk" to each other. This is why inernet and WIFI technology is required.

Question 7

How does Home Automation benefit me?

Answer

A home automation system enables your home to respond automatically and intelligently based on your household's lifestyle patterns that it has learnt. This basically means that your home has the ability to know if you're home, when you're coming home, the weather, the time, bed time, and adjust your home conditions accordingly. Such an intelligent system not only makes your lifestyle easier but it also gives you complete control over your electricity consumption. With real-time energy usage monitoring, you decide what the system operates and when, hence leading to greater energy efficiency and lower electricity bills.

Question 8

What is the technology behind Smart homes?

Answer

We install systems that utilise Z-Wave technology as it is the market-leader for all things smart home related. Z-Wave technology is a wireless technology that helps link your Z-Wave devices with one another. Z-Wave technology uses low-energy radio waves and does not interfere with your home WIFI or your energy bill. Z-Wave compatible devices are easy to install, they're affordable, reliable and secure. All devices that utilise Z-Wave technology have the ability to talk to each other resulting in a smart home environment.

Question 9

How much does it cost to get started?

Answer

Since smart homes are based around technology, you have the ability to upgrade or downgrade installations at your convenience. This means that we can tailor packages based on your daily needs and budget. Our home automation systems that utilise Z-Wave technology start at around a few hundred dollars. If you're new to smart home technology, we suggest you going for one of our basic lighting-only packages. This will give you the experience and understanding of how home automation works and when you realise how much you love it, you can make the decision to upgrade additional appliances to becoming Smart.

Question 10

What can I automate in my home?

Answer

There are currently over 1000 Z-Wave approved devices available in the market. You can automate pretty much everything in your house, from lights and power points to your pool and sprinkler system. We will work closely with you to create the smart home that is best suited to your needs and budget.

Question 11

What is Z-Wave technology and how does it work?

Answer

Z-Wave is a wireless communications protocol (similar to WIFI) that works off of what is called a mesh network that uses low-energy radio waves to submit signals. A mesh network allows devices operating under the same communication protocol to receive, send and route data independantly, allowing for wireless control of your Z-Wave integrated appliances. This enables you to have complete automation control of your smart home devices locally (ie., when you're home) as well as remotely via your smart mobile device and the internet.

Question 12

Will home automation help me reduce my energy usage?

Answer

Yes. Home automation gives you complete control of your household energy consumption with real-time usage monitoring and depending on the type of home automated system you have installed, you can either set your smart appliances to turn off when not being used or your intelligent system will know when to do it for you.

Question 13

What do I need to get started?

Answer

All you need to do is get in touch with us! We offer obligation free at-home consultations so that we can provide you with the best options and solutions for your smart home needs.

Question 14

Can I automate non-electrical devices?

Answer

No. The technology behind any type of home automation is based on energy waves, meaning that you require energy (ie., electricity) to connect to a wireless communication protocol.

Question 15

What security services do you offer?

Answer

The security systems we install, ensure that you have your home as safe and secure . With the use of security cameras, motion detectors, door and window sensors, internal and external sirens and an easy to control keypad protecting your family, home and contents has never been more important.

Question 16

What does security installation involve?

Answer

A basic system will involve 1-4 cameras installed in the locations of your choice, whilst being recorded through an NVR which records either the whole time or you can set it to record only when motion is occurring. We also enable you to be able to monitor your house on your phone, no matter where you are.

Question 17

What are some of the other electrical services you provide?

Answer

We can provide any electrical service that you require. Some of the more frequent services include installing energy efficient LED downlights, adding in extra power points to make your life easier, installing ovens, air-conditions and switchboard upgrades to help protect your family and appliances through RCD protection. No job is too big or too small for our team of skilled and knowledgeable electricians.

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