Welcome! What's On Your Mind?

TOP-NOTCH SECURITY AND SAFETY

Perhaps the most paramount concern that you might have about yourself or a loved one choosing to age in place is safety. Thankfully, home automation addresses many of these concerns. Home automation allows for much more consistent communication and monitoring of a security system than previous systems do, as much of the controls can be handled remotely. The Savant system, for example, can be controlled with the touch of a button on your smartphone, allowing you or your loved one to activate alarm systems, see 24/7 security camera footage of different rooms, and monitor the surrounding neighborhood (and who's on their doorstep) whether you're near or far.  

EASE OF USE WITH ENTERTAINMENT

As people age, it may be harder for them to perform tasks that they have been doing their entire lives. Fidgeting with the knobs and buttons on a radio or television set may become difficult, and with home automation, these finicky things can be a way of the past. Home automation, like the Savant system, allows for voice-controlled media systems, allowing you or your loved ones to turn on the big game, increase the volume when the home team scores, and turn down the volume after the team has won all by speaking it into existence. 

MORE EFFICIENT ENERGY CONTROLS

Home automation controls so much more than security and entertainment. Much of the energy that a home uses can also be controlled remotely or from within the home with the touch of a button. Lighting controlled this way can be particularly useful, for example, if someone wakes in the middle of the night and needs to use the bathroom. Controlled lighting from a nearby smartphone can allow the person to see where they are going and ensure they get there without walking into anything accidentally. Gone are the days of walking completely in the dark and feeling around for a light switch, only to run head-on into a door. 

Aging in place is important as it can be seen as a way to maintain independence and dignity as we all grow older. The safety, security, and ease of use that a home automation system can provide for you and your family are second to none. With home automation, you'll no longer have to worry about consistently checking in with someone who has chosen to age in place. They will be able to continue life as they had already been living it, with some marked improvements. 

To learn more about what a home automation system can do for either you or a loved one in the greater Houston, TX, area, give us a call. We are a family-owned and operated smart home company that has been working with the Houston community since 1999. 

See Also: 3 THINGS YOU SHOULD LOOK FOR IN YOUR SMART HOME COMPANY

SAVANT OFFERS SMART ENERGY MANAGEMENT

Savant has remained at the forefront of smart energy management technology as part of integrated technology solutions. Their partnership with Racepoint Energy has produced exclusive microgrid technology, which allows dynamic control of a custom microgrid that’s compatible with any power source, whether it’s solar, grid, or backup power.

Racepoint microgrids allow you to stay running even when the local electrical utility is temporarily down, while also giving users dynamic control over which devices and or modes are most necessary for a functioning system. You can even let your system operate automatically based on conditional logic software.

If you’re trying to go green by switching to a renewable energy source, or you’re concerned with regulating your energy consumption, Savant can help you achieve your goals.

ENERGY MANAGEMENT FOR LIGHT CONTROL

One of the best places to start your energy management journey is with your lighting control system, and nobody knows that better than Savant. Their lighting and energy control modules will help you reduce energy consumption when partnered with fixtures from USAI Lighting, so you’ll have a system that operates efficiently while delivering modern convenience. As Savant CEO Bob Madonna said:

See Also: DON’T LET TECHNOLOGY INSTALLATION SLOW DOWN YOUR NEXT HOME BUILD

HISTORY

If you’re building a smart home system, you want to work with someone who has a bit of history in the field. Not only does it indicate that they’ve completed satisfactory jobs in the past, but they also come to you with experience. A local professional is more likely to understand the needs of local residents. They can help suggest ideas that your neighbors are already enjoying, while still listening to you. Together, you’ll build the system of your dreams.

For more than 20 years, Echo Workshop has been serving the greater Houston area with AV and integrated technology solutions. We’ve seen devices and manufacturers come and go, and our experience has helped us partner with reliable companies that will take your home to the next level. And we have a proven record of collaborating with other local professionals like designers, architects, and builders for the best installation experience.

EXPERTISE

Any company you work with should be an expert in the field of technology. Of course, that may be hard to determine -- especially if you don’t know much about it yourself. Remember, you’re not looking for an expert on every manufacturer. You’re looking for an expert on the manufacturers and devices that can fit your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. After all, it's your home system, and a good integrator wants it to be a practical part of your everyday life.

We partner with best-in-class manufacturers to provide you with the best and most versatile solutions. Our Tutorials page will show you how you can take advantage of your systems quickly and efficiently while providing you with easy-to-understand instructional videos. 

See Also: IS HOME LIGHTING CONTROL RIGHT FOR YOU?

WHAT ARE SCENES?

Scenes are a way to perform multiple functions within your lighting system with one button. You can brighten or dim different fixtures, and manage your connected shades, with a single command wherever a Lutron keypad is present. If you have a keypad installed in your home theater, living room, bedrooms, and kitchen, those are the rooms you can include in your scene.

For instance, if you want to prepare for family time in the living room, you can tap a button that shuts down the lights in your bedrooms, kitchen, and home theater. A scene can also adjust the lights in the living room based on zones. So, the lights in front of the TV may dim while the ones behind the couch remain bright, and accent lights under stairs and behind artwork shine. You can work with your integrator to adjust the settings for style and function.

HOW TO SET A FAVORITE SCENE

Your integrator can set a scene anywhere there’s a Lutron keypad present in your home. Once set, you can select which scenes will appear on the home menu of the Lutron app under “Favorite Scenes.”

To set a scene as a favorite, first open the Lutron app. Tap the settings button at the top of the screen. Find and press the “Favorites” button. You’ll then see a menu with all available rooms.

See Also: HERE ARE 3 MISTAKES TO AVOID IN YOUR HOME THEATER DESIGN

SEATING

Traditional theater seating is a great way to enjoy any movie. Chairs are designed for comfort, support, and to absorb excess sound. Users can lounge without feeling too relaxed -- which could lead to a nap before the movie is done.

But theater design isn’t limited to tradition. And theater seating has evolved. Today’s manufacturers offer a variety of seating options, including couches, recliners, and loveseats. Each is made with non-reflective material, plush upholstery, and offer the level of support necessary for enjoying great entertainment.

WALL PANELS

Sound systems are based on the balance between audio reflection and sound absorption. One of the ways integrators make sure there won’t be too much of an echo is by installing wall panels. Wall panels help dampen the sound so it won’t overwhelm the room.

Of course, they can also be ugly. Thankfully, modern wall panels can work within the confines of a stylish design. Component pieces work to add texture to the room, accenting the walls while still providing the level of audio precision necessary for optimal audio.