Smarthome FAQs

Should I choose a Wired or Wireless Smarthome?

To use a wireless or a wired install is a question often asked by potential clients.Both have their pros and cons. A wired system will always have guaranteed reliability with no risk of possible interference, and without the need for batteries. However, the disruption involved in running the data and power cabling would rule out a wired system for a retro fit.

Rest assured though should you be looking at a retro-fit option Loxone have worked hard to design a robust system that far exceeds the normal perception of wireless technology. Each Loxone ‘Air’ device has its own encryption key preventing unwanted interference from neighbouring systems. Also the use of ‘Mesh’ technology means that every powered device can act as a relay station for devices further away, greatly increasing the signal range.

So in summary if you are planning on doing extensive building work or a full electrical re-wire then a wired smart home is the best option.But if you’re not planning on ripping out plaster board then a wireless system is the way to go.

How much space does a wired smarthome take up?

This depends on how much you wish to integrate into your smarthome.

For a simple smarthome controlling your lights and zoned heating you will need space (normally in a utility room) to mount an electrical enclosure. This would be the hub for all your smarthome wiring and house the Loxone miniserver, extensions and power supplies. The enclosures we use are 690mm wide and 141mm deep and have varying heights between 700mm and 1500mm (bespoke sizes are however available).

If you wish to include zoned audio throughout the house, and centrally located multimedia distribution, then you would also need an AV rack. This image is of a rather large one from a client who was very keen on his music and home cinema, you might not need one this large.

Can my Smart home cool as well as heat my house?

Yes.

Almost all Air Conditioning units can be supplied with remote control, by using a Loxone Infra Red interface these Air Conditioning units can be controlled through your smarthome and therefore linked to your zoned heating and also to a weather forecasting service or weather station.

If you do not have Air Conditioning then Blinds, roof vents, and awnings can all be controlled to maintain a comfortable internal temperature.

How much do I need to spend to get a smarthome system installed?

This highly depends on how much you wish to integrate into your smarthome.

A good analogy from Loxone is to consider the cost of your kitchen.

For example, a simple setup with lighting and heating would be similar to the cost of a budget kitchen in your home i.e. around £5000.

Whereas an all bells and whistles setup including Lighting, Heating, Security, multiroom audio, blind control and more would be in the same ball park as a luxury kitchen and could cost around £30,000.

For a much more detailed answer to this have a look at: https://www.loxone.com/enen/how-much-does-a-smart-home-cost/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhM75sf3L3AIVSrDtCh3ZOQpAEAAYASAAEgJ-g_D_BwE

Will my house be more secure with a smarthome system installed?

By adding a few low cost additional items to a standard smarthome installation (door contacts, break glass sensors and exterior siren) you can have quite a powerful intruder alarm.

If the alarm is triggered we can program the smart home to do almost anything. But a usual setup would be:

• Silent alarm notification is sent to your phone
• All blinds would open
• Doorbell could sound
• Lights start to flash around the whole house
• Internal alarm would sound (this could be a siren noise played at full decibels throughout your home audio system OR setting off every smoke alarm.
• External alarm would sound.

As you can imagine with all that going on I doubt any intruder would stick around.

Unfortunately this setup would not class as a ‘monitored’ alarm system nor would it contact the police for you. However there is varying opinion on how effective a monitored system actually is.

Prevention though is always better and with this a smarthome system can really help.

If you go on holiday you can set your house to ‘Presence simulation’ whereby your lights will come on at times of day which would mimic your usual habits – with a bit of randomness thrown in. If you have forgotten to set the alarm or set presence simulation, don’t worry just do it on your phone at the airport.

Door and window contacts throughout can let you know if you have left anything open.

Whilst away exterior motion sensors could be used to turn on inside lights fooling anyone snooping around that you are home.

Can a smarthome save me money on my energy bills?

Most definitely.

It’s all about reducing unnecessary energy usage. Lights automatically go off if a room is unoccupied for a length of time.

With zoned heating un-used guest bedrooms can be set to a lower temperature.

Whilst on holiday the house heating can go into ‘frost protection mode’ but also be set to have the home back up to comfort temperature when you get back. Smart sockets can be used to turn off devices left on standby. Intelligent watering would only water the garden if needed. ‘Passive’ heating and cooling can be taken advantage of (using blinds and ventilation to heat or cool a house). Car charge points can be setup to only charge your car when energy is cheap (if on an economy 7 tariff) or when generating surplus energy from solar panels.