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All of the questions to ask yourself before installing smart home automation
The word ‘domotics’ is another word for smart home automation and is a contraction of the words ‘domus’ (home) and the word 'robotics’. Domotics refers collectively to automated management techniques.
At first, the function of domotics was to automate the home: managing roller shutters, managing lighting, opening the gate or managing air-conditioning and heating. Before the arrival of smart phones home automation [ED1]was costly and difficult to install. If, for many, home automation of that time left bad memories, today everything has changed.
We now refer to “smart homes” and “scenarios”. Depending on your needs we will offer you a KNX, Jeedom, Loxone, Lutron or Control 4 solution!
A day in the life of an automated villa:
In the morning, 15 minutes before the alarm goes off the towel warmer heats up so you have a warm towel as soon as you get out of the shower. Light increases gradually in the bedroom and the roller shutter opens slightly to allow some light in.The multiroom audio system speaker (Sonos) comes on in the bathroom so you can listen to the news on the radio. After leaving the bathroom you go to the kitchen for breakfast. The movement sensor allows the multiroom audio system (Sonos) to start playing in the kitchen.
When you go to work, your house knows that you have left. Indeed, the main gate is already open and the house door locks automatically thanks to the secure lock (Simons Voss, Nuki etc.). The alarm is set automatically and any lights that have been left on are switched off. Air-conditioning and heating switch to eco mode.
If the postman presses the videophone (Siedle,Doorbird etc.) during your absence, you receive a notification on your smart phone which enables you to talk to him. If needed, you can open the gate remotely so he can leave you a parcel.
The home help sends one text message to open the gate and door of the villa. Lost remote controls and keys are a thing of the past. You can also deactivate access permissions with one click.
On your way home, the system turns on the air-conditioning or heating automatically. The house anticipates your arrival and opens the main gate so you don’t have to wait. The multiroom audio system (Sonos...) starts an end-of-day ambiance play list.
At sundown, the shutters close automatically and the alarm is set when you enter the bedroom.
Scenarios are personalised and studied according to your lifestyle.
Automation engineer is the term for the person who installs the smart home automation system. The automation engineer is primarily a specialist in IT, computer programming and electronics applied to homes or businesses (offices, shops, factories). Indeed automation is not restricted to residential properties. In business properties the term industrial building automation is used.The automation engineer may work on security, comfort, energy management or telecommunications.
The automation engineer’s job is to make the building smart using remote controls (electronics, electricity, robotics, IT). His or her role is to automate certain daily actions or to create alerts for users in the event of a problem.
The automation engineer deals with:
- personal safety and property security.
- protecting a property with alarms, intrusion detection systems and fire alarms,
- heating and air-conditioning, acoustics, lighting, closing roller-shutters.
Installations are connected to each other.The automation engineer allows users to make long-term savings on water and electricity thanks to his automation system installation. The automation engineer usually has a background in utilities, digital systems, electrical engineering or industrial computer science.
Absolutely not. Manufacturers have come on leaps and bounds. They have made a lot of progress, particularly in terms of the user-friendliness of their application and interface connected smart phones and tablets.
Many suppliers now enable users to change their scenarios themselves.
Automation is moving towards simplified, standalone automation solutions. The house's nerve centre studies our habits and behaviours in order to understand our needs.
Everyone will use an automated system according to their own needs. We only install hardware manufactured by brands that are known for their robustness and reliability.
Automation aimed at older people and those with reduced mobility or disabilities, for example, is experiencing tremendous growth.
No! Automation is becoming more widespread and we find it increasingly in supermarkets, specialist stores or online.
You no longer necessarily need to have major work done in order to install automation. Wired solutions using carrier-current or radio technology are being developed although a wired solution will always be more reliable than a wireless one.
Moreover, for renovations or new builds, the installation of smart home automation automatically reduces electricity bills which will be streamlined. Conversely, some of the investment has already been made since we already own the smart phones, tablets and televisions.
Of course, high-end solutions exist for very comprehensive automation integration or business audiovisual solutions.
No! That is the old-fashioned view of automation but much has changed in the last five years.
It helps to improve comfort (scenarios combining lighting, access controls, gate, heating or air-conditioning etc.), alarm, cameras, energy savings, home care, Sonos smart speakers, multimedia (video broadcasting), wifi coverage and of course remote management using a smart phone.
That's no longer the case! These days most solutions are built to last. But be careful: it is crucial to get the help of a professional when selecting the protocols and brands.
Indeed, watch out for suppliers that are too new and may not offer updates for their systems.
On the one hand, the automation system infrastructure (networks, wiring, cabinets) must stand the test of time. On the other, the smart phone, automation box and TV may be upgraded more quickly.
Yes! Except for geeks and DIY fanatics. In the early stages this includes advice, project study and design. Then installing and programming it. And finally, throughout its lifespan with the upgrades, updates, maintenance but also changing habits!
Yes! There are many automated, mainly wireless, solutions for renovations.
Major wiring work is not necessary but it is essential to use professionals as it requires work on the 230V wiring, the motors of roller shutters or gates, lighting etc.
Be careful: radio solutions will always be less reliable than wired solutions.
No, but it is better to!
These days, most automated installations and systems allow for upgrades including adding movement sensors, modules or screens.
So ideally this should be discussed at the start of the project in order to plan the wiring, although this is not a requirement.
No! Automation is a job in itself. An electrician can offer a simple smart home automation installation but the limitations of his or her skills become quickly apparent when dealing with advanced automated installations. As such, an automation engineer is a must. Conversely, the automation engineer is not an electrician and may not install your electrics properly.We prefer to focus on our real job: automation!
However, we work with an electrician for each of our projects. The automation engineer and electrician work side by side. The automation engineer has a cross-cutting role and must be involved at a very early stage of each project. Indeed, in addition to the electrician, the automation engineer will also communicate with the air-conditioning engineer, plumber, pool engineer, gardener, joiner and plasterer!
We can offer you the services of an electrician but you are free to use your own electrician if you know one.
An electrician recommended by Tekitizy will work on projects in Les Alpes-Maritimes (06), Le Var (83) and Monaco.
Our electricians work mainly in the municipalities of Cannes, Le Cannet, Mougins, Mouans-Sartoux, Auribeau, Pégomas, Peymeinade, Mandelieu, Valbonne, Antibes, Nice,Sophia-Antipolis, Biot, Cagnes sur Mer, Vence, Grasse, Menton, Monaco, Cap d'Ail, Eze, Villefranche sur Mer, Beaulieu, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Beausoleil, Théoule sur Mer, Carros, Saint-Raphaël, Fréjus, Saint-Tropez, Bandol, Draguignan, Fayence, Lorgues and Sainte-Maxime.
Our usual partner electricians cannot work outside of these areas. We will call on another electrician.
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