We Answer Some of Our Clients' Common Smart Home Questions 

Though home automation systems are becoming more popular each year, there is still a lot of confusion around them. Home automation sounds like a big undertaking compared to buying standalone smart devices. Many clients are reluctant to ask questions about it—or may not know what to ask. 

We want those working with us to make informed decisions about their technology. So, we tried to answer some of the most common questions we've heard over the years. Are you wondering if home automation is the right choice for your home in Lafayette, LA, or the surrounding areas? We address some of the top concerns to help you decide.

SEE MORE: The Financial Benefits of Remote Maintenance for Smart Homes

Will Smart Home Systems Expose My Data to Hackers?

People are scared to ask this question, and it ends up becoming a big elephant in the room. Home automation systems rely on network connectivity to get all your devices to work in unison, so it's natural to fear someone might hack vulnerable devices like home security cameras. 

We work with high-end smart home systems like Control4 that include advanced encryption protocols. Combining all devices within one platform then limits the number of 'doorways' in your network for third parties to access. Our network installations also come with additional security measures, including regular software updates to address security patches. 

Will Your Smart Home Automation System Become Obsolete in a Few Years?

There are two things we can't deny: technology is ever-evolving, and home automation systems are a big undertaking. So, the fear of yours becoming obsolete is real. However, our smart home installations are scalable and will grow with you. Control4 makes it easy to add new hardware or software as it becomes available. As part of our service plans, we'll even advise you on the best new technology for your home and give you priority service to add it. An added perk: Control4 is compatible with thousands of devices, so if you're interested in buying a new product, it'll likely fit perfectly into your smart home ecosystem. 

Can Children and Elderly Parents Use the System?

Home automation systems are complex, but only for our team. Your family gets a smart home that is easy for everyone to use. Control4's interface is customizable and user-friendly, plus graphical menus and voice control make the system intuitive for any age group. 

One really cool feature within Control4 is the ability to create distinct user profiles for family members and customize them for easy access to their go-to technology. For example, you can restrict access to certain media or even security features on children's profiles. 

Does Home Automation Offer a Return on Investment?

While home automation enhances convenience and comfort, it also provides financial benefits through reduced energy usage. As you go about your day, lower shades in rooms that receive excessive sunlight, adjust the thermostat based on occupancy, and turn off lighting in spaces that aren't being used. You can also control your home's climate and lighting remotely when away on vacation, so energy isn't wasted. This leads to long-term savings in larger homes where energy costs add up quickly.