Electrical upgrades in your home and office transform it, and not just aesthetically, but with technology, comfort and energy efficiency are at your fingertips. Introducing smart technologies and automation into your home and office can make daily tasks effortless, from remotely controlling lighting and appliances to setting a schedule that suits your lifestyle. Here are a few examples of where you can create energy efficiencies, increase your home’s value, and reduce maintenance.

Ducted heat pump systems

Installing a heat pump is commonplace now, especially with the ‘healthy home’ standard (you can read more about that here). But there’s an even better option – ducted heat pump systems. Instead of having a unit per room, it’s one unit that looks after the entire property. They use a network of ducts to provide consistent heating and cooling throughout your home. Well known for their high energy efficiency, they used advanced technology to transfer heat between the indoor and outdoor units rather than generating heat directly.

Zoning capabilities allow you to divide your home into different sections with independent temperature control – and they can be integrated with smart home technology to control your heating and cooling remotely through your smartphone.

Heading back from a holiday? Turn it on an hour before you arrive and come home to warmth. Already left and can’t remember if you turned it off? Do it through the app.

Heated floors

If you need an excuse to get those bathroom tiles heated for those cold mornings, read on.

Typically, heated floors save you money in the long run. Heated floors use radiant heating, which means the heat radiates upward into the room instead of blowing hot air into the space. This actually consumes less energy, lowering your power bill. Since heated floors don’t involve blowing air, they won’t contribute to circulating dust or other allergens, making them a good option for those with hay fever or allergies.

Imagine stepping out of your morning shower onto warm tiles and walking barefoot in the kitchen in winter –it’s luxury comfort and a practical way to add value to your home.

Automate your switches and lights

Do the kids keep leaving the lights on? No problem, you can use your phone to turn them off! Or even better, set a timer and save your breath having to remind your family. Automation allows you to schedule lights to turn off and on at specific times, which is a great way to save energy and money and live conveniently – no more getting out of bed to turn the lights off or coming home to a dark house.

The smart functions also enable you to personalise the lighting to suit you. Adjust the brightness before bed, change the colour to match your mood and switch up the ambience for different activities – in other words, set the vibe.

You can create schedules that make your lights turn on and off, giving the impression that someone is home while you are away on holiday – making your home a less attractive target for thieves.

Backlit mirrors

There is just something about backlight mirrors that really light up your space (literally). The subtitle glow around the mirror elevates the room and creates an elegant focal point. But they are particularly best for applying makeup or shaving – and for two reasons;

1. The LED strip is a gentle, diffused light that spreads evenly across the mirror’s surface and takes away harsh shadows and uneven lighting (shadows on your face can cause you to look older or tired).
2. Because no direct light shines down on your face (like most vanity/bathroom lights), you don’t get the glare that causes you to squint and strain your eyes.

And, of course, you can also integrate your backlit mirror into your smart home system to adjust the density of the lighting or enable voice control. You wake up, say “Good morning,” and your mirror responds with the perfect lighting for your morning routine.

Sensor nightlights

Consider installing sensor nightlights for when the kids wake up in the middle of the night. The sensors detect motion and changes in ambient lighting, which means they will automatically turn on when the room gets dark. Censored lights can be installed anywhere in your home, but the most common spots include hallways, staircases, children’s bedrooms, bathrooms, and entryways. With efficient programming, sensor nightlights turn off when there is enough light or no motion is detected, saving electricity.

If you want to elevate your space and begin your smart-home journey or add to it, No Shock can take care of the electrical upgrades. If you need to guide your way through the dark, let’s chat about sensor lights. Or maybe you need to get your home up to standard with a ducted heat pump. Whatever upgrade suits your lifestyle. Eco-friendly smart homes are the beginning of the future.