A Robust Home Network is More than Just a Good Wireless Signal

The number of smart devices that are being connected to home networks is exploding every year. We dare say that you won't likely remember how many devices are connected to your home's network. Smart lights, cameras, speakers, thermostats, appliances, streaming devices, and TVs all need reliable networking for proper operation. When the network is faltering, you’ll likely notice.

If you stream high definition and 4K video from services like Netflix, your show may annoyingly stutter, pause to buffer or fail to play at all. Your smart thermostat may not keep the temperature settings you wanted. Beyond annoyances, more severe issues can happen if a spotty network doesn't inform you of an alarm from a water sensor or suspicious activity captured by a security camera.

Networking is a very technical area of computing. Features that are familiar to networking professionals like port forwarding, VLANs, and WPA2 security are practically meaningless to the average homeowner. Consumers rely on the wireless router option supplied by their Internet Service Provider (ISP), and in many cases, they do not even know how to change the default password that lets one manage the router – which is a security hole left wide open for hacking.

If you have a smaller property or perhaps can tolerate the occasional network hiccup because you don't entirely depend on it, maybe you can get by without professionally installed and optimized networking equipment.

But if you want to run a smart home with many devices, you rely on your network for security features and essential automation that has dependencies on many things working in tandem, and you need high bandwidth for work and entertainment at home, you should consider professional home network installation services and equipment for your home in the Guilford, Connecticut area.

Smart Home Features Will Simplify Our Lives This Year

Every day seems to bring another new smart device to the market.  Several key technology areas are driving the innovation – the availability of inexpensive, powerful chips, cloud-based software platforms, multiple wireless technologies, and machine learning – are enabling the addition of intelligent features to a slew of home devices.

Earlier this year at the CES consumer technology show, we saw a host of new smart devices introduced.  Smart lights, speakers, thermostats, coffeemakers, washing machines, irrigation controllers, refrigerators, ranges, and even toilets are getting injections of smart technology.  The technology in your home is accelerating from interesting novelty to genuine usefulness. Automation will bring about a change in how we use and manage our homes.  The functionality of smart home devices and systems is only getting better every year, and as it matures, we will become more accustomed to it and grow to depend on it in our daily lives – much like the smartphone.

Since we're early in this new year, we want to highlight the trends that will be driving the new smart products you will see in 2019.  This is the year when smart home automation becomes mainstream.  If you haven't yet invested in a home automation system for your Groton residence, there is no better time. 

Read on to learn more about the smart home automation trends you’ll be seeing this year. 

Introducing Sonnen EcoLinx: Here’s What You Should Know

Until recently, the possibilities for storing energy in your home were very limited or nonexistent. What do you do when an ice storm knocks out power in your Stonington home? If power is out for more than a few hours, you might resort to a propane-powered generator. But that isn't the most eco-friendly or efficient solution.

Recent advances in battery technology have now made it feasible and cost-effective to store energy in your home. Why might you want to do that? If there's a power outage in an icy Connecticut winter, you can have your own source of energy. Moreover, these new systems are more than just a battery – they are intelligent energy management systems. They can help reduce your energy costs by storing power from the electric grid when it is abundant and cheapest, as in overnight hours. Electric utilities are also instituting energy management programs that are called demand response. These are ways to reduce power demand during peak times, which could be during a particularly cold Connecticut snowstorm or the occasional New England summer heat wave. Demand response allows utilities to control consumption by getting opt-in access from consumers to reduce their demand through control of smart thermostats and other means. 

C&T Systems is ready for this new intelligent energy management future. We are proud to announce that we will be working with Sonnen, the leader in smart energy management systems. Why Sonnen?  Because it is also the first product of its kind that can also be linked to smart home automation systems. With smart home automation and energy management systems working together, you can efficiently manage your consumption and prepare for the unexpected.

Keep reading to learn about the benefits of Sonnen energy management systems for your Connecticut property in the Stonington area or beyond.

Comparing Lutron RadioRA2, and Homeworks QS

A lighting control systems are more than just a luxury item; it is a lifestyle enhancement. While the aesthetic aspect may be the initial impression it imparts, a lighting control system also brings the benefits of convenience, security and energy savings.

You may think that you need a large house or property for an investment in lighting control to pay off,  but you’ll be happy to know that you don’t need to be a Vanderbilt to afford it.

For the past 15 years we have exclusively used Lutron for lighting control systems.  For decades, Lutron has been the industry leader in lighting control, making residential and commercial systems that scale from apartments and condominiums to the largest homes and buildings. Lutron makes several lighting control systems that can cover one or two rooms all the way to a home comparable to the famous Newport mansions. So, which one might be right for you?

Keep reading to learn about two different Lutron lighting systems and what they can do in your home.

Three Signs That You Might Need an Upgrade

Diagnosing networking problems is often challenging.  Since almost everything we do with our devices requires network connectivity, it’s difficult to pin down a specific problem. If your computer is loading web pages slowly, it might be related to your hardware or software. If your smartphone or tablet apps are not responsive, it could be related to the device itself or the software it’s running. 

Occasionally problems are temporary. Perhaps a website you’re accessing is slow for a period of time, and the experience is the same on all of your devices. Sometimes while streaming a show on Netflix, the video quality slows and reminds you of old standard definition quality with bad reception. It could be that your internet connection just slowed down temporarily.  And there’s always the possibility that it’s not your network or any device. The truth is, internet connectivity can suffer in many parts of the Rhode Island countryside. 

Refining the Home Automation Experience

We have long been proud partners with Elan Systems for home automation solutions.  Their systems make even the most complex automated homes easy to control and live with everyday.  The company is not resting on its laurels, and it continues to develop new products aiming to make home automation systems as intuitive as possible.

CEDIA is the trade association that puts on the biggest show devoted to smart home technology. At the annual show earlier this month, Elan debuted three new products that show their acumen for making home control easy.  All these products showcased the refining of intelligent communication and control experiences in the home, with a new remote control, video doorbell, and wall-mounted touch panel. 

What’s new and different about these devices?  Read on to find out how Elan can make your home control experience that much simpler in Old Saybrook—and anywhere else in Connecticut. 

Explore Lutron’s Many Home Technology Integration Options

We are living in a world awash with smart devices. Every day, something new comes out that adds intelligence and connectivity to an everyday device or appliance. Would you like a coffeemaker that can be turned on via Amazon Alexa voice control?

We Rhode Islanders are sometimes skeptical. Perhaps we don’t need a connected coffee maker, or maybe we think it’s a great idea. Regardless, what we do want in smart devices and home automation is the ability to make that automated functionality work well with other features in our home in the Westerly area. There are quite a few “connected” light bulbs and electrical plugs out there, but they only connect to one app on your phone. 

When it comes to lighting systems and control, there is one undisputed leader in the field – Lutron.  Lutron originated the first solid-state lighting dimmer way back in 1959, and has not stopped since, creating sophisticated lighting control systems for both residential and commercial use. 

Lutron has invested heavily in integration with other systems. If you are looking for a lighting control system, you want to be able to integrate it with other home control solutions, either now or in the future. 

Let’s take a look at some of the ways Lutron lighting systems play well with others. 

Explore the Advantages of Smart Technology

Home automation systems have been taking the Guildford, CT area by storm lately. As more and more homeowners upgrade their properties, you may be asking yourself if it’s time for you to dip your toes into the smart technology pool.

The truth of the matter is that smart home automation is not for everyone. That said, today’s modern platforms are incredibly easy to use and offer a wide range of benefits. Below, we walk through some of the signs that it’s time for you to embrace smart technology in your home. If, by the end of this article, any of the signs match your goals, then give us a call.

Access Your Favorite Movies, TV Shows and Music with a Home Network Setup

As we’ve mentioned in previous blogs, your home network affects the way your smart home technology functions. It can make or break your automation technology as it is the system through which your products communicate and function. But what exactly does that mean for your Newport, Rhode Island home?

Your home network setup is linked to your basic internet services (web-searching, email, etc.) as well as your more sophisticated technology products like your smart thermostat, lighting control, speakers and more.

One of the most important aspects is your suite of streaming services. Streaming any media — like movies, TV shows or home — places a large burden on your network to carry all that data and broadcast it uninterrupted across your network on your devices.

In order to understand how to get the best streaming quality, we’ll break down how exactly your network handles traffic and what kind of traffic your streaming services brings to your network.

Find Out the Importance of a Strong Network Setup

Whether you’re in the new-build construction phase of your home or you’re planning out renovations, it should go without being said that you need to consider all aspects that contribute to the success of the renovation.

What this means is that your home upgrade is more than just selecting the addition you’re interested in and calling it a day. In fact, any addition — especially when it comes to smart technology — needs to have the right foundation. That’s why when moving forward with a smart home automation system, it’s imperative that you consider the network setup in your Westerly home.

In this blog, we will look at why a proper home network setup helps your smart home communicate efficiently and what to consider when moving forward with your setup.

What You Need to Know About the HomeWorks QS System

The LiteTouch system was seen in homes as a successful lighting system for years. They have since, however, discontinued the line, leaving many homes with outdated and at times dysfunctional solutions. 

Lutron HomeWorks QS has stepped in as the ideal replacement. If you have a Lite Touch system in your Westerly, RI home, a Lutron lighting system is the necessary replacement for a retrofit solution that embraces all the latest technology. 

In this blog, we’ll look at what LiteTouch was and what the transition to Lutron’s HomeWorksQS system looks like.

Check Out Our Award-Winning Lutron Lighting Project

We usually write informational blogs highlighting the importance of smart technology features, tips, or generally useful content related to the industry. This time, though, we’d like to tell you about a project we’re proud of that won the 2017 Lutron Excellence Award for “Best Specialty Project.”

We’ve completed a lot of projects that incorporate a Lutron lighting system in the Guilford, CT area and beyond. This one though was special due its scale, customization, and results. 

In this blog, we’ll tell you about the award we received and the project that won it.

Here’s How Architects Can Plan for Home Automation Systems

Do you have clients looking to incorporate smart technology into their home build? With the rise of home automation systems, a new generation of homebuyers is looking to create a smart home they can customize and trust. When drawing up your Newport, RI house design, consider partnering directly with a home automation dealer for seamless integration of smart home technology in your plans.

In this blog, we will look at why architects and builders should consider partnering with smart home technology dealers and why ELAN’s New Home Program is a good avenue to take.

Ensure Your Home Network Setup Works Properly

Your home network setup can make or break your home automation technology; it’s the system through which your devices communicate and function. Having a solid and reliable home network in your Guilford, CT home is essential to ensuring your smart technology works properly.

There are many aspects to home network setups: hardware, bandwidth, speed, and reach. Understanding all of these components can be overwhelming, so in this blog, we will focus on the reach aspect. More specifically, we will provide an overview of when and why you should consider wireless access points to extend your network’s signal. What exactly does that mean? Read on to find out!

Explore How Lighting Control Can Enhance Your Property’s Security Presence

Winter in Connecticut is well underway, and that, unfortunately, means it won’t be long until you’re dealing with the next snow or ice storm.

Or perhaps you’re heading out of town toward warmer temperatures and you’re concerned about keeping your property safe through the season.

No matter the circumstance, Lutron lighting control can enhance your family’s safety this winter.

How, exactly, might lighting control improve your Old Saybrook, CT home’s security presence?

Simply read on to find out more.

The Best Home Automation Features by ELAN

C&T Systems is a proud partner of ELAN because it offers simple and intuitive home automation to families who need more control in their lives. There are many smart home brands available in the Newport, RI area, but how do you know you are buying the best of the best? In this blog we are going to explain why we recommend ELAN and how it can change your lifestyle for the better. 

Use Window Treatments to Add Security and Convenience to Your Rhode Island Home

 C&T Systems has been a trusted Lutron partner for more than 10 years. Now we are uniting our newest partnership with ELAN smart home systems with Lutron to provide both the best window treatments and automated controls. Lutron shades integrate seamlessly with ELAN systems, so if you need an update or want to start fresh, C&T Systems can provide the home control you need. 

Simplify Your Lifestyle with Home Automation

How many apps are on your phone right now? If you are like most people, you’ve probably lost count. Add too many apps that you don’t use regularly and you might create app clutter. DIY home automation can make the problem much worse. So how do you address the problem? Read this blog about app consolidation and get all the benefits of home automation in your Stonington, CT home.

Upgrade Your Home with Automation and Hidden Technology

Home automation is about more than controlling all your technology; it’s also about weaving your tech throughout your Stonington, CT house so that it works with your interior design. Audio, video and other smart devices shouldn’t detract from the look of the house; they should complement it. An integrator can give you the right controls and also hide all of the technology. Learn how by reading this blog.

Select the Right Shading to Enhance Your Home Entertainment

A professional home theater needs a 4K projector, a state of the art screen and an integrated control system, but there are other features you may need in order to get the most out of your entertainment experience. Arguably the most important feature of all is a dark room to enjoy it all in. If your room has windows, then you’ll need motorized shades. Here is a comprehensive guide on how you can create the right environment for enjoying movies and more with window treatments in your Westerly, RI home.