Insights & Innovations: The Integrated Home Blog

If you’re like most people, you’re currently renting a router and modem from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). You may be wondering if that’s the best option the world of technology can offer you. The short answer is no—renting from your ISP is not always the best option, and there are several reasons purchasing your own has its advantages.

As a home networking company in Charlotte, NC, we specialize in all things network and home technology. If you’re looking to make the most of your smart home or want better connectivity, continue reading our pointers below.

SEE ALSO: Is Your Smart Home Up to Date?

Lower Cost

Even if renting a router only costs around $10 a month, you can easily make up for the cost by owning in a year. You’re probably planning on using the internet indefinitely, so why pay unnecessary fees and continue to rent? If you decide to buy a modem too, that might take up to two years to match the cost of renting, but eventually, you’ll be saving. Plus, you’ll enjoy the rest of the benefits below.

Better Performance

Although some ISP routers provide exceptional speed and reliability, it’s hard to know what you’ll get. If your provider doesn’t send you a brand-new model, you may unknowingly be using outdated equipment. Some routers are built to provide better Wi-Fi in hard-to-reach places to eliminate dead spots. If your Charlotte, North Carolina home includes lots of signal-stopping walls, you may be better off with a custom router.

It’s no surprise that music has proven positive effects on stress levels, moods, and well-being. We all recognize the blissful feeling we experience when music’s turned on at home, whether we’re grilling outdoors or playing a board game. But if your household is like most, you may only have one or two speakers in one room, likely the kitchen or living room. You may find yourself forgetting to turn it on, and weeks may go by before you use the speaker again.

But what if your entire home was equipped with speakers that synch together? As you walk from one room to another, your favorite album will follow you wherever you go. To envision what life is like with a multi-room home audio video system, continue reading below. You may realize that whole home AV is the upgrade that your Lake Norman, NC house needs.  

SEE ALSO: 3 Ways to Use Whole Home Audio

Mornings with Music

Whether you’re an early bird or night owl, we all face resistance waking up from time to time. Inspire wakeful mornings with soft, folksy playlists emitted from your whole-home audio system, whether they’re in-wall speakers, floor-standing speakers, or smaller bookshelf models. From your control system app, you can schedule speakers to start playing music at a set time, so rather than endure an annoying alarm, you’ll be greeted by pleasant tunes.

Interior designers, help your clients create a destination in their homes to gather and make memories—a media room! In a dedicated media room, families can enjoy the high-resolution entertainment of a private theater with added freedom to chat over drinks or play pool while the game’s on. They can settle in the dark to watch a film on the big screen or play cards while music swells from speakers and a subwoofer.

To truly ‘wow’ with design, we’ve rounded up the latest media room installation trends that your clients will love. And if you’re in the Charlotte, North Carolina region, The Integrated Home is your partner for all entertainment installations. Continue reading to learn more!

SEE ALSO: Install Media Components Into Any Room

1. Float the Furniture

It’s many people’s instinct to push couches and seating against a wall. But when you ‘float’ sofas in the middle of the room, you’ll create a space behind seating for games, a wine bar, and other activities. Folks can still relax and watch the screen from recliners and couches or have fun on the other side of the room. This will make the media room appear longer, freeing up space for more possibilities.

2. Hidden Technology

Is there a way to make a large TV screen and speakers appear minimalist? Yes, there is! If your client strives for sparse design, incorporate hidden technology solutions like an in-ceiling projector screen and in-wall speakers. When it’s time to start a movie, all your client will need to do is press a button on their smartphone or remote to lower the screen. In-floor screens that rise are a possibility, too. For robust surround sound, speakers can be placed inside walls, reducing the appearance of bulky technology. Plus, new mirror and artwork TVs disguise the screen’s appearance when not in use, so clients can enjoy the background while chatting with guests.

If you’re considering a new home technology project—whether it’s a security system, smart lighting, whole home audio, or all three—be sure to work exclusively with an HTA-certified integrator. Members of the Home Technology Association are experts in the field and will provide excellent services, installation, and support. In the Charlotte, North Carolina region, The Integrated Home is proud to be your HTA-certified technology company.

But what makes an HTA certified business better than the rest? Continue reading to find out.

SEE ALSO: Is Your Smart Home Up to Date?

What Is the HTA?

The Home Technology Association (HTA) was formed to empower homeowners with a reliable method to evaluate a company’s competence, customer service, and reputation in the industry. With rigorous standards, a board of HTA members decides which technology installation firms deserve certification. The association was created because previously, there was no qualification for a business to call themselves a ‘home technology professional,’ leading to subpar technology experiences. Just like Michelin stars tell you a restaurant is high-quality, an HTA-certified firm is one you can trust.

North Carolina in the summertime means heat—and lots of it. With the humidity, it’s nearly impossible to get by without air conditioning flowing through your house. However, cooling costs can rack up your monthly bills immensely and negatively impact the environment.

Well, what can one do? Sweltering inside your home in the name of being resourceful isn’t a practical option. But with smart home technology like motorized shading, there are handy ways to save energy and stay cool at the same time.

To learn how to permanently optimize your Lake Norman, NC home’s energy use year-round, continue reading below!

SEE ALSO: Why Motorized Shades Are An Essential Addition to Your Space

1. Add Motorized Shading to Your Home

Motorized shades are an excellent option to routinely preserve a cool indoor temperature. With automated blinds like Lutron’s Serena smart shades in every room, you can easily connect each window to your smart control system like Control4. Set your shades to a timer based around your work schedule, or swipe on your smartphone to automatically lower every shade before departing.