In today’s world, it seems like smart technology is invading almost every device or appliance in our daily life.  You may remember when a phone was, well, just a phone. Today our smartphones are always with us, a powerful pocket computer that can do banking, serve up audio and video entertainment, keep us connected to the world via social media, and make phone calls too. This smart device is joined by smart doorbells, locks, cameras, motorized shades, lights, thermostats, refrigerators, and more in the home.&

The common thread across all smart devices is that much of the intelligence that makes them “smart” comes from their connection to powerful software applications on the Internet.  Amazon’s Echo speaker is just a speaker unless it is connected to Amazon’s cloud, which has the processing power and intelligence to enable the little speaker to accomplish a wide variety of tasks. Without an Internet connection, some of these devices don’t seem very smart.

As we add more and more devices for smart home control and automation of lighting, climate, security, and entertainment, we need networks with the capacity to handle it all. Is your home networking system up to the task in Houston?

Read on to learn more.

You might say that home automation technology is almost mainstream these days. Google, Apple, and Amazon are making devices and home control platforms that enable control of smart home devices like thermostats, lights, AV equipment. But home automation technology is older than you might think, and some companies have been at it for a long time.

Crestron is the company that practically invented home automation. Starting in 1971 by building a variety of automated machines, it began focusing on electronics control in the late 1980s with one of the first wireless remotes for commercial systems. The company’s long history and focus on automation have made it a staple of control systems from corporate boardrooms to the largest homes.

As the premier Crestron authorized dealer in Houston and operator of a Crestron showroom, Refined Systems has the experience and expertise to automate virtually any aspect of your Houston residence. Read on to learn more about what makes Crestron stand out from other home automation systems.

If you have heard a lot about smart home technology, you know there are a plethora of devices out there that promise to make your life so much easier.  Smart devices can make your home function better, adding convenience, luxury, and often energy savings too. 

But what are the best ways to really take advantage of this technology?  Some solutions add real value, and some are more of a novelty that may not make much difference in your daily life.  In this blog, we want to identify what we believe are the best smart home control applications that will make your life easier, day in and day out in Houston.   

Read on to find out more!

Smart home technology is everywhere.  From smart speakers to smart thermostats to smart cameras, there are a host of devices that can automate home functions and make everyday life simpler.  But as a designer, you don’t want a bunch of electronics or devices dominating your interiors.  Can the desire for the convenience and automation of modern smart devices mix with great design?

The answer is yes.  In fact, some of the new tech has beautiful industrial design that makes a statement. And other smart home technology can be discreetly incorporated without taking anything away from you and your clients’ design sense. 

Read on for 4 excellent ways to marry smart technology and style.

If you’re looking into adding smart features to your current home or perhaps building or renovating a new one, there are a few home automation systems to consider. 

You might wonder what the differences are between these systems.  There is one overarching reason why we at Refined Systems recommend Crestron – it is supremely flexible.  Crestron’s approach to home automation is to deliver the best customer experience, and that means one that is as personalized as possible to the customer’s requirements. 

Intrigued as to what that means?  Read on for a couple of examples of what’s possible with a Crestron-powered smart home system in Houston. 

Perhaps you’ve already invested in some home automation.  You may have a smart thermostat that you can control and program from your smartphone.  Maybe you have smart lights that go on and off at specific times or groups of lights that you can easily brighten or dim.  You may even have security cameras that alert you to presence or activity in your home or outside.

But there’s one piece that you may not have thought about to complete your very efficient – and convenient – smart home technology, and that’s motorized shades.  Of course, there are regular motorized shades that can go up and down at the push of a button on a remote or a smartphone app. But the advantages of automating your shades – making them smart – are more significant when you integrate them with your other smart technology. And with our Texas summer getting into full swing in Houston, smart shades can keep you cooler and more comfortable. 

Just keep reading to learn more.