Thanks to increasingly smart technologies, ‘home improvement’ as we know it has forever changed. Indeed, the potential of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has led to a fundamental shift in our motivations. As opposed to simply re-painting and decorating homes, property owners are looking beyond basic aesthetics. There is now increased importance placed on making the home more liveable; be it through power, lighting or heating adjustments.
By Michael Bancroft, Marketing Development and Offer Manager for wiring accessories at Schneider Electric
‘Smart homes’ is the latest trend to take the home improvement market by storm. Indeed, it is estimated that smart home spending will hit £65bn by 2020 according to a report by Juniper Research. There is no denying that this is an ambitious goal, but with today’s rapid pace of technological advancement it is well within our reach. To achieve a successful, modern renovation, homeowners need look no further than a network of expert installers able to deliver the latest and smartest technologies. Electricians with access to the latest smart technologies hold the advantage in that they are able to turn what was once an onerous task into a faster, more exciting one with many new possibilities.
Get smart
A central challenge with many renovations is the upgrading of electrical systems. End users are looking for products that are ideally suited for both new construction and refurbishment projects. This means sourcing a stylish product that is easy to remove and reattach during the decoration process. When it comes to creating a more connected, sophisticated home, light switches, temperature controls and power distribution are at the very centre of this process. Ensuring their optimal efficiency and the comfort and safety of the occupants should be an electrician’s top priority in any renovation project.
This is why we are witnessing a new wave of cutting-edge, connected devices entering the market. Today’s wiring accessories offer innovative design features, such as Schneider Electric’s Lisse range of light switches and sockets which offer USB charging ports and accessories such as a charging shelf to rest a phone on while it is charging. Not only do these accessories serve a vital role in the home, they are also stylish and fun.
When it comes to home improvement, end users are hungry for products that provide more information and control over their comfort and energy usage. Indeed, network company Cisco predicts that by 2020 the number of connected devices will exceed 50 billion as homes fill up with smart sensors, meters and other connected equipment. The IoT facilitates the easy exchange of data and enables users to make the best, most informed decisions for their homes.
Wiser Heat, Schneider Electric’s smart heating system, is one solution. Wiser goes beyond smart homes and enables something called a ‘smart zone’, allowing home owners to customise every room of their house to a desired temperature. By linking a home’s room and radiator thermostat though the IoT, a phone app can provide users convenient and complete control over their home heating. By combining IoT connected thermostats and radiators, home owners are able to monitor the temperatures of individual rooms and change them remotely with a swipe of their phone, wherever they are. This allows them to regulate temperatures when they need to and empowers them to be more energy efficient when they want to. Smart heating devices have become an increasingly popular addition to the smart home.
Keeping renovation projects on track
Occupant safety and installation speed also cannot be ignored. End users prefer installations that are fast, competitively priced and cause as little disruption as possible. Electricians are therefore under considerable pressure to ensure they can install the desired technology in a cost-effective manner while meeting customer expectations and tight deadlines. In unfortunate circumstances speed can trump safety, leading to exposed wiring or faults that pose a danger to occupants.
Neither customers or electricians should have to compromise. The electrical market has seen an abundance of new products which are quick and easy to install. These products have reduced the time needed for installation, and are therefore more cost effective while avoiding complications that can emerge down the line. These devices ensure electricians can work quickly and safely and that renovation projects stay on track.
To ensure fast installation and long-lasting protection, products such as Schneider Electric’s Easy9+ consumer units offer straightforward flexibility and generous space for electricians to work. Reversible enclosure doors allow greater access, and semi flush mounting designs allow the consumer units to be embedded within the building’s structure. This offers electricians maximum access while also keeping wiring and end users safe.
Smart widgets
Home improvement once meant a fresh lick of paint – now it means transforming the look and functionality of a building. Light switches, for example, are a prominent and highly visible accessory in the home. Due to this, these accessories are quickly adapting to match the visual preferences of the user, as well as provide extra functionalities that are of use to them.
Schneider Electric’s Lisse Screwless Deco is one example. This product is easier to decorate because of its ability to be detached and reattached via a special clipping system. Not only this, but it comes with several USB charging stations for mobile devices, making it both practical and stylish.
Ultimately, electricians can reap the benefits of these modern home technologies. It is now possible to alter the appearance of a building, whilst keeping in mind its purpose and functionality. For end-users wanting to gain insight into their property’s daily running’s, it’s a no-brainer to implement these smart home technologies. In a world in which we are looking to match style with purpose, these solutions are revolutionising home improvement.
