FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Home automation refers to the integration of various electronic devices, systems and appliances to
enhance the convenience, efficiency and security for homeowners. It involves the use of technology
to automate and control various aspects of the home.
The cost of automating an average home can vary significantly depending on several factors.
- Basic home automation with a few smart devices will generally cost between $500 to $2000.
These systems can provide basic automation and convenience. - Expanding your automation capabilities with more devices like smart locks and a central hub or controller, will cost anywhere from $2,000. The cost will vary depending on the number and quality of devices.
- A fully integrated and advanced smart home system with features like home security,
advanced lighting control and whole-home audio is limited only to your imagination. Tower
Automation can provide guidance and a full design with a cost analysis to help build the house of your dreams.
The time it takes to install a home automation system can vary widely depending on several factors.
Retrofit:
- A simple setup with a few smart devices will typically be completed within one day. If you are adding more devices like smart locks, and a central hub or controller, installation may take a
day or two as it will involve configuring and connecting devices. - A comprehensive smart home system with multiple devices, will generally take a week or more. This includes planning, running wires if necessary, configuring complex automation
rules, and ensuring all components work seamlessly together. - Building a highly customized or complex automation system involves integrating specialized devices and programming, the installation process can take several weeks to months to complete depending on the size of the project.
New Build:
- Whether you are having a simple set up or a fully customized system installed we will ensure
to work within the normal build schedule. Engaging a smart home specialist will ensure that
all pre-wiring, installation and commissioning of the systems do not delay any pre-
determined building completion dates.
Home automation systems are secure when properly configured and maintained, but they also come with certain security risks that Tower Automation guide you through. Understanding these risks and taking appropriate measures will help mitigate potential security issues.
Security Risks in Home Automation:
- Privacy Concerns
- Unauthorized Access
- Device Vulnerabilities
- Network Vulnerabilities
- Cloud-Based Risks
- Physical Security
- Integration Risks
Tower Automation uses the most secure components and will set up your network to ensure only essential devices are talking outside of your local network. We will take the worry out by ensuring
security updates are current when working with one of our tailored maintenance programs.
Existing appliances can be integrated with a home automation system, depending on the appliances
and the level of compatibility they have with smart home technology.
The list of devices that can be controlled through home automation is endless! To name a few…
Lighting Control:
- Smart lights, light switches and dimmers
- Outdoor lighting systems
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC):
- Smart HVAC zone controllers
- Under floor heating
- Heated towel rails
- Heating and cooling systems
Security and Surveillance:
- Smart doorbell cameras
- Indoor and outdoor security cameras
- Smart door locks
- Motion detectors
- Alarm systems
Entertainment:
- Home theater systems
- Smart speakers (e.g., Amazon Echo, Google Home)
Appliances:
- Home Automation Hubs and Controllers
- Voice assistants (e.g., Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant)
- Dedicated touch panels
Yes, you can control your home automation system remotely. Tower Automation will help to ensure
the system is set up correctly with the necessary components and features to enable remote access.
Remote access is one of the key benefits of home automation, allowing you to monitor and manage
your smart devices and systems from anywhere with an internet connection.
Yes! Our team at Tower Automation will work with you to customize your home automation system
to fit your lifestyle and needs.
A home automation system, like any other technology, requires regular maintenance to ensure its
proper functionality and security. This is something Tower Automation will also assist with!
The specific maintenance tasks can vary depending on the complexity of your system and the
devices you have installed, but here are some general maintenance considerations for a home automation system:
- Regularly check for firmware and software updates for all your smart devices and the central hub or controller.
- For devices that use batteries, such as sensors or remote controls, periodically replace the batteries as needed to maintain their functionality.
- Clean and dust your smart devices and sensors regularly to prevent them from accumulating dirt or debris, which can affect their performance.
- Keep a record of your home automation configuration, including device names, settings, and automation routines. This documentation can be helpful if you need to troubleshoot or reconfigure your system.
- Verify that your emergency protocols, such as alarms and notifications, are functioning correctly. Update contact information for emergency notifications as needed.
- For systems that were professionally installed, consider scheduling periodic inspections and maintenance visits from qualified professionals.
- As devices age or become obsolete, consider replacing them with newer models that offer improved features and security.
Yes, you can. Home automation systems are designed to be flexible and scalable, allowing you to
begin with a few smart devices and expand your setup over time as your needs and budget permit.
Home automation can significantly improve accessibility and enhance the quality of life for elderly individuals or those with disabilities by providing greater control, convenience, and assistance in various aspects of daily living. Here are some ways in which we have found home automation can create a more accessible environment:
- Smart Lighting
- Smart Door Locks
- Automated Doors
- Voice Control and Virtual Assistants
- Temperature Control
- Smart Security Systems
- Emergency Alerts
- Fall Detection and Monitoring
- Medication Management
- Communication and Social Engagement
- Emergency Response Systems
- Customized Automation
- Remote Caregiver Support
Yes, we will design your ideal system and right from the start of a project we will work with your
electrician to ensure the installation process runs smoothly. We can also recommend local and
reliable electricians that we have previously worked with.
All of our work here at Tower Automation is guaranteed and we provide one year warranty on all
goods provided and/or installed.
Once the commissioning is complete, we will walk you through all of the products and guide you on
how to use them. We will then provide you with a detailed document which includes information
such as the usernames and passwords set, manuals and explanations of the goods installed.