Five Home Automation Myths Worth Debunking

Home automation has been around long enough that myths about it have had time to calcify into conventional wisdom. Some of these myths were true a decade ago and are not true today. Others were never true. Here are five worth examining.

Myth 1: It will all break when the company goes out of business

This concern applies to consumer smart home products — plug-in devices that depend on a manufacturer's cloud server. When that company shuts down, the product stops working.

Professional automation systems work differently. Control4 and Crestron are processor-based systems with the programming stored locally on hardware in your home. If either company disappeared tomorrow, your system would continue functioning exactly as it does today. The programming does not depend on an external server.

Myth 2: It is too complicated to use

This was true of early automation systems that required a programming degree to operate. Modern platforms are designed around simplicity. A properly programmed Control4 system presents a clean, intuitive interface — typically a touchscreen or tablet — with clearly labeled scenes and controls. The complexity is in the background. The experience is effortless.

Myth 3: Wireless is just as good as wired

In a small apartment, maybe. In a large luxury home with thick walls, multiple floors, and dozens of devices competing for wireless spectrum, wired infrastructure is dramatically more reliable. Control4 and Crestron both support wired networks for their critical control devices, and we always recommend wiring where construction allows it.

Myth 4: You can always add it later

You can add automation to an existing home. It costs significantly more than doing it during construction, the results are less clean, and some things simply cannot be done well after the fact. Running speaker wire inside finished walls requires cutting, patching, painting, and often compromises. Running it during construction takes a few hours and costs a fraction of the post-construction alternative. The same is true for lighting control wiring, network infrastructure, and conduit for future technology.

Myth 5: All automation systems are basically the same

The difference between a well-engineered Control4 or Crestron system and a consumer smart home setup is not incremental. It is categorical. Professional systems use dedicated processors, wired networks, and commercially rated hardware. They are programmed specifically for your home by certified technicians. They have service ecosystems and manufacturer support. Consumer products are designed for self-installation and mass production. Both have their place. They are not the same thing.