subsystems can be accomplished gradually until the total
integration is complete. Beyond the usual electronic devices,
subsystems also include Wi-Fi set-up, heating and cooling,
a security system and even a home theater for entertaining.
A knowledgeable contractor who specializes in integration
and electronic systems is a reputable source to turn to. There
is an organization called the Custom Electronic Design and
Installation Association (CEDIA). It can answer questions
you may have regarding installation, design and the overall
integration of your home. Go to cedia.org to learn more
about how a specialist can assist you with the proper design
and execution of your integration.
5 HOME
TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
FOR TODAY’S INNOVATIVE
LIVING
Saving energy and money at home is a constant goal.
From general conservation tips to tackling everything
from overall sustainability to accessibility, categories
for change include improving your home’s heating and
cooling, water, waste, climate control and the outdoors.
Here are a few more categories that can help elevate your
home into the smartest house on the block.
Integration
Combine smaller audio, video, lighting and
entertainment components into an integral system. Linking
Sustainability
Reduce, reuse and conserve is the message of today’s
sustainable design. A home’s energy conservation should
meet your needs without having a major impact on the
needs of the next generation. As a consumer you can
choose to shop smarter. From biodegradable materials to
recycled products, limiting the waste will maximize your
carbon footprint in a positive way. Your purchasing power
can go to energy-saving home appliances such as a washer
or dishwasher—saving you money in the long run. With
sustainability also being a large category for building a new
home, design-build firms are a way to go. You can book a
full-service design-and-build company to execute your entire
vision of a sustainable home to completion.
Interactivity
Experience the fun and function of your home with
interactive accommodations such as video games, streaming
content online, watching TV and listening to music, including
digital systems and speakers for the whole house that are
discreetly hidden behind walls. Interactivity doesn’t end at
just playing your favorite sounds; there are home networks
that allow your family to engage with technology through
music. Shades and lighting can be programmed to open
and close to sync with your mood, event, activity and music
choice. The music can be controlled by your smartphone or
tablet and different playlists can be synched for different
rooms in your house, including the pool and shower—the
most musically inspired place in the house.
Accessibility
This is real-time information at your fingertips—the
most basic of which is Wi-Fi network accessibility. You can
enhance your digital accessibility and keep your devices
streaming content and “full speed ahead” with access to
the Internet. With videos, blogs, online forums and other
informative and interactive media, the design of evolving
technology gives you the ability to relate to universal design
that’s usable by almost everyone.
Productivity
There is nothing more important to the function of the
home than productivity—or “getting it done” every day.
The “it” can be a range of daily goals set within your home
and work schedules. Having access to your smartphones and
tablets allows you to be even more productive in a day. From
remote systems that control everything from lighting and
temperature to the security system, productivity is one of
your home technology trends. n
Sewickley | Fall 2016 | icmags.com 47