Getting Started with Home Automation

While home automation is certainly trendy, it’s far from a fad. Almost 25 percent of households in Canada feature some form of smart technology, according to Statista, and that number is projected to continue growing for the foreseeable future. Still, if you’re looking to add home automation devices to your Vancouver home, it can be difficult to know where to start. The options are seemingly endless, with smart thermostats, lightbulbs, cameras, locks, remote controls, speakers, and much, much more. So, as experts in home automation, our team at TCA Electric is here to help you take the first steps into the future of home technology. Let’s get started!

Determine your tech level and start small

There’s a common misconception that home automation must be a complex, interconnected system of dozens of sophisticated devices. This isn’t true at all! Home automation can start with something as simple as a couple new light bulbs and a smart outlet. The important thing is to just get started.

That doesn’t mean your home automation system must be simple, of course. That’s why a good first step is to consider how tech savvy you are and stay within your comfort zone. There’s nothing wrong with sticking with simple devices, but if you’re already comfortable using the latest gadgets, a more involved setup might be for you.

What do you want from home automation?

Besides your tech level, another important thing for homeowners to consider is what they want to get from adding home automation capabilities to their Vancouver home. Is convenience your top priority? An automated vacuum such as a Roomba might be for you. Is it reducing your carbon footprint? A smart device such as the Nest Learning Thermostat can help reign in your energy usage. Or maybe you want to boost your home’s curb appeal for a future move? Smart lighting upgrades are inexpensive, but they add plenty of “wow” factor when showing a home.

Put together a budget⁠—and stick to it

When it comes to new gadgetry and tech toys, it can be tempting to splurge—and that gets expensive fast. To combat this, we recommend mapping out a clear budget. Do your homework on the costs of different devices, then consider how each fits into the amount you have in mind for making your home automation dreams a reality. Weigh the relative value of each potential device against your specific needs. Also, when considering the cost of each device, don’t forget to factor in installation. Simpler devices will be easy to install and set up, but for smart thermostats, EV charging stations, and other complex home automation devices, you’ll need the help of a qualified Vancouver electrician.

Best devices for beginners

If you’re still not sure where to start, there are a handful of easy-to-use home automation devices we consider suitable for any Vancouver home:

  • Smart lighting – This is the first step for many homeowners. If you’re always leaving lights on, or if you’re always the one running around and switching everything off, smart lightbulbs and switches are a great and affordable upgrade.
  • Smart thermostats – A champion of energy savings, smart thermostats can be programmed to adjust the temperature of your home to save money while your family is away or asleep. Higher-end devices can even learn about your habits and set their own heating and cooling schedule.
  • Smart security devices – Another great benefit home automation can provide is security. Smart locks mean you’ll never have to worry about forgetting to lock your doors while you’re away, and smart doorbells let you see who’s at the door right from your smartphone or tablet.
  • Smart outlets – Smart outlets let you turn virtually anything into a smart device. You can turn appliances on and off remotely or set timers from a WiFi-enabled device such as your smartphone.

TCA Electric: Installing Home Automation Devices and Smart Homes in Vancouver

From smart lights and thermostats to WiFi-enabled sound systems and home theatres, our expert electricians at TCA Electric are here to meet all your home automation needs. We have decades of combined experience, and we’re constantly staying up to date on the latest in home automation and energy-saving gadgetry. Whether you’re looking to install a handful of devices or bring your entire home into the future, TCA is ready to make your Vancouver home automation dreams a reality. Contact us today!

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