Here's a remodeling idea from PSNC Energy that goes far beyond aesthetics. Wire your home to take advantage of some of the latest and emerging technologies. Most homes today include wiring packages designed 50 years ago; they're not designed to accommodate off-the-shelf home entertainment systems or take advantage of all that's available on the Internet.
While it's typically cheaper and easier to wire homes under construction, by overhauling your wiring system – and relying on the expertise of a professional – you can integrate some of the latest technologies into your existing home.
Get Online with Home Technology
Imagine getting on the Internet at your office, typing a few simple commands and voila! Back home your washing machine and dryer automatically take care of the laundry. The dishwasher starts up to wash the dirty dishes you didn't get to that morning. It's not that far-fetched. Manufacturers like Whirlpool and LG currently offer Internet-enabled appliances in some markets; others hope to introduce them in the coming years.
Even if you're not interested in Internet-controlled appliances, chances are you wouldn't mind shared Internet access across multiple home computers, video feeds for viewing movies on multiple displays, or maybe interactive security monitoring of your yard or baby's room. To equip your home to take advantage of current and coming soon technologies like these, you'll need to know two important phrases: home technology integration (HTI) and structured wiring.
Home technology integration means what it says: it's a way of integrating your entire home's technology, from climate controls and security to appliances and multimedia. Structured wiring is one of the most popular ways to accomplish it.
Wired for the Future
Structured wiring "future proofs" your home by installing multimedia outlets where you need them today, as well as where you'll want them as your needs and technologies change. It consists of high-performance cables and other wiring connected to a central distribution hub. This allows for easy access to connect or disconnect different systems in your house. For example, if you get a new computer for an upstairs bedroom, your structured wiring system enables you to use the one printer you have downstairs. You can go to the distribution panel and simply connect the computer to one of the hook ups designated for the printer.
A typical structured wiring system might be comprised of multimedia outlets with connections for multiple phone lines over a high-speed Category 5 (Cat 5) cable, entertainment options over two high quality RG6 quad-shielded coaxial cables and data access over a separate Cat 5 cable.
Cat 5 cable is high quality wire for voice and data transmission. It comes in twisted pairs; two solid core insulated wires twisted together to reduce interference. Cat 5 cable carries data at 100 megabits per second compared to your average phone line which is 4 megabits per second. Though more expensive than traditional wiring, it's better at handling the demands of high-speed transmissions. Another option for enhanced systems is RG6 cable, which is an enhanced cable for TV and video. It holds signals better at longer cable lengths.
What Do You Need
Deciding what services you want (or will want) in your home can be a difficult task. In addition to all the Internet offers, an abundance of home automation systems are available to control lights, security systems, climate controls, home theater, garage doors, sprinkler systems and more by voice command, telephone or Internet. Some can be installed using your current wiring system or with minimal upgrades or additions.
To help you get started, here are some questions to ask when considering your home technology wiring needs:
- Do you want whole house audio or a home theater?
- How will you want to receive your TV signal: traditional antenna, cable or satellite?
- Do you want to network multiple computers and peripherals like printers?
- Do want high-speed Internet access such as cable modem or DSL, and is it going to be shared?
- Do you want to install a security system, lighting controls or other automation systems?
- Do you like the idea of "going wireless?"
Make It Real. Make It Last.
Tech-savvy do-it-yourselfers can install simple home networking systems, but it's best to rely upon professional resources to ensure ease of use and compatibility among your home's electronic and computer systems. A certified home technology integrator can provide you with the best hardware choices currently available so you can easily upgrade in the future.
If your contractor or builder doesn’t have expertise in structured wiring and home automation systems, ask if they have a relationship with a company that does. Or, consider searching for one yourself. The Internet and Yellow Pages are good places to start. Use search terms such as "structured wiring experts," "home technology integrators," and "electronic systems integration contractors."
Project Ideas
- If you've got a broadband Internet connection, expand your Internet connection to any room in the house – or even outdoors – by installing a wireless router. (Do it yourself or hire a professional.)
- Set up a simple home or small office LAN (local area network) so you can share computer resources throughout your home such as drives, printers, programs and files.
- Install wireless, weather-proof speakers on your deck or in your outdoor room and let the music play all year long.
- Extend the music throughout every room in your house with a wall-mounted keypad and nearly invisible in-wall or in-ceiling speakers.
- Transform your outdoor room into an outdoor theater with a television designed specifically for outdoor use. Or explore wired or wireless options that allow you to watch movies via a computer screen outside.
- Implement structured wiring for your low voltage requirements, such as television, telephone, audio and security. Structured wiring provides a central point of termination for all low voltage wire runs. Many manufacturers produce special panels and termination strips for structured wiring systems. The systems can be easily expanded and reconfigured depending on your needs now and in the future.
Install home automation packages that help you save energy, such as systems that turn lights on only when you need them and that regulate temperature in your house so you only use the most efficient settings.
The preceding content is provided for informational purposes only. PSNC Energy does not provide specific remodeling services or endorse any contractors or builders.
PSNC Energy appliance sales, installation, maintenance, and repair are not a part of the regulated services offered by PSNC Energy and are not in any way sanctioned by the North Carolina Utilities Commission. There is no advantage to customers of PSNC Energy if they buy these products or services from PSNC Energy. A customer does not have to buy such products or services in order to continue to receive the same safe and reliable natural gas service from PSNC Energy.
