Smart home technology lets you optimize your home life moment to moment and enhance your physical security. In fact, today's luxury homes are expected to have integrated automation devices.
Choosing the right automation system for your home can seem complicated, so here are some thoughts on how to make your decision.
How to Choose Home Automation Devices
You might want to control one or more individual systems in your home or opt for whole-house automation. There are many devices that serve the home automation market. Knowing your goals will allow you to narrow down your options and find the best solution for your circumstances.
Several equipment brands, such as Control4 and Savant, are sold through authorized dealers specializing in smart homes and other home electronics. You can explore features and functions at their showrooms and talk to sales staff about what you want to achieve.
Why People Want Smart Home Automation
Smart home systems make mobile and remote management possible for:
- Door locks
- Surveillance systems
- Lighting
- Heating and cooling
- Opening and closing blinds or curtains
In fact, this level of control provides you with many rewards such as:
- Putting an end to family members getting locked out of the house
- Detecting security problems early
- Optimizing indoor and outdoor lighting through your phone
- Increasing energy efficiency through precision use of heating, cooling, and window treatments
Types of Home Automation Devices
Demand for smart home devices is strong, which has resulted in a vast product selection. You can actually install many individual devices yourself that will allow you to take control of various functions throughout your home.
These products integrate with your phone, and most are compatible with Alexa, Apple Home Kit, and/or Google Home devices. You'll need to pay attention to compatibility and pick out devices for your preferred system.
Different automation devices manage different systems, such as:
- Lighting
- Door locks
- Audio/video entertainment systems
- Heating and cooling
- Water leak detection
Lighting automation upgrades that can be done to any home rely on:
- Replacing wall switches with smart switches
- Placing smart plugs over existing electrical outlets
- Replacing light bulbs with smart bulbs
Examples of smart switch products include:
- GE Zigbee Smart Dimmer, compatible with Alexa
- GE Z-Wave Smart Dimmer, compatible with smart hubs from ADT, Honeywell, Nexia, Vivint
- GE Z-Wave Smart Switch, compatible with Alexa and Google Home
Examples of smart bulb products include:
- Philips Hue Smart Bulb Starter Kit, controlled through a phone app, Google Home, or Alexa
- C by GE Smart Lights Starter Kit, controlled by Alexa or Google Home
Examples of smart plug products include:
- TP-Link Kasa, controlled through Wi-Fi, Alexa, or Google Home
- Belkin WeMo, controlled through Wi-Fi or Alexa
- D-Link Outdoor Plug, controlled through Alexa or Google Home
- Amazon Smart Plug, controlled through Wi-Fi or Alexa
Examples of smart lock products include:
- Poly-Control's Danalock (Z-Wave version)
- Schlage Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt
- Yale Real Living Touchscreen Z-Wave Deadbolt
Leading Brands in Home Automation Systems
Instead of approaching smart home automation piecemeal with various switches and plugs, a luxury home can install a comprehensive whole-house system that enables control of everything.
Several major brands dominate this sector. Some you can install yourself, but others are sold exclusively through dealers who handle the installation.
Wink Hub 2
If your house already has some smart home devices, then Wink Hub is a good solution for tying them together. You only need to buy the hardware, and there are no ongoing contracts.
As an off-the-shelf product, Wink Hub 2 is DIY-friendly. You can access online customer support if you need help setting it up. Once installed, you control the hub with an iOS or Android app.
The hub itself is widely compatible with many devices, including:
- Bluetooth LE
- ZigBee
- Z-Wave
- Lutron Clear Connect
- Alexa
- Google Assistant
Savant
This is the premier home automation system for Apple iPhone users. You can obtain a Savant system through a local dealer specializing in home electronics.
Savant is an excellent fit for luxury homes with higher home automation budgets, between $5,000 to $20,000. All costs are upfront for equipment and installation, but no monthly contracts are required.
Home automation customization is a real strength of Savant. A home could include various touchscreen control centers and keypads. Of course, everything can be managed through a phone app as well.
Savant compatibility encompasses:
- Apple
- Alexa
- Google Assistant
Logitech Harmony Companion
Households with gamers and people working from home may want Logitech. The Harmony kit comes with a home remote control, hub, and access to its phone app.
You can tie it to numerous Logitech devices devoted to:
- Videoconferencing
- Gaming
- Smart office equipment
Additionally, Logitech has a strong reputation for compatibility. The product claims connectivity with thousands of different devices. As a result, you can expect Logitech to work with:
- Roku
- Apple TV
- Sony
- Lutron
- Sonos
- Alexa
- Google Assistant
Control4
Control4 is a very established brand that offers numerous devices at various price points. The diverse product selection enables customization so you can set up a smart home specifically for your needs.
Control4 has devices for:
- Lighting
- Audio/video
- Heating and cooling
- Intercom
- Security
Visiting a local dealer with Control4 products is the best way to evaluate these products.
The brand boasts outstanding compatibility, including:
- Syncing with over 13,000 third-party devices
- Alexa
- Apple Home Kit
- Google Assistant
Remote access to your Control4-powered smart home requires a paid phone app that costs $100 per year.
Custom Luxury Homes at Bella Collina
Building a custom home at Bella Collina gives you the perfect opportunity to create an amazing smart home experience. The luxury of having total control of your home environment complements the luxurious surroundings at Bella Collina’s 1,900-acre private golf community centered on active lifestyles.
The community places you in the heart of Florida, only 30 minutes from the attractions in Orlando. In addition, the beautiful Gulf Coast is only a 90-minute drive away. Located in Montverde in Central Florida, the landscape has a unique character for Florida with rolling hills.
Nestled along the shores of Lake Apopka and Lake Siena, Bella Collina includes many amenities, such as:
- Sir Nick Faldo Signature golf course
- Fine dining restaurants
- Luxury wedding and events venue
- Resort-style swimming pool
- Tennis courts
- Full-service spa
If you're considering moving into a luxury smart home in Florida, you should explore beautiful Bella Collina. It’s easy to spend some time in the community through golf memberships and luxury vacation rentals before you choose to buy a home.
Talk to us about a Stay and Play Package today or take a tour of the community.
