Smart Home FAQs
What is home automation?
Home Automation is the programmed automatic monitoring and control of household functions. These include lighting, air conditioning & heating, garage doors, cameras, irrigation, pool/spa systems, audio/visual systems, motorized blinds, and more.
Is Automation right for me?
If you are building a new home or remodeling an existing home and are looking for energy savings, convenience, style, and security then Loxone Smart Home Automation may be something to consider. You can start small and add functionality to an existing home, or include Home Automation from the beginning when planning to build a new home.
What can it do for me?
A Loxone Smart Home will respond to your presence and the environment by managing lights, music, heating and cooling, ventilation, doors, blinds, and cameras. Tapping a Loxone Touch switch is always optional – your house will be efficient and simply sophisticated automatically.
Can it really help me save money? What are some examples?
Lights turn off automatically and air conditioning and heating is reduced when you are not present, greatly reducing energy costs. Irrigation is based on local weather reducing water bills. Alerts to your Smartphone are sent instantly when a water leak is detected, potentially saving hundreds or thousands of dollars.
How much does it cost to automate my home?
Loxone automation is considerably less expensive and more comprehensive than comparable home automation systems. Give us a call to discuss further.
Can I do this myself? Why have Mark Snyder Electric design and install my system?
System features and possibilities are best determined in consultation with a home automation specialist. Doing this will save you time and money. Home automation is a leading edge technology that is constantly changing and improving. Some programming and circuit design expertise is required to implement real-world working systems. Each design requires a different selection of modules and customized software. Having a wealth of knowledge available can ease much frustration encountered during installation of home automation systems.
My system is installed and it works great – I want consulting and programming assistance. Do you offer that?
Yes, we will work with you to create and program an intelligent automation system using modules that you already have. We can recommend ways to update and use your system in ways you may not have tried yet.
Will Mark Snyder Electric maintain, insure, upgrade, and/or repair my home automation system?
Work performed by Mark Snyder Electric comes with a 1-year labor warranty and a 2-year manufacturer warranty on equipment. Mark Snyder Electric also offers subscription maintenance and service plans on new and existing systems.
I’m not computer savvy, will the system require any expertise?
No expertise required! An entire custom full-house home automation system can be set up so that no tech skills are required from you. Remote mobile control of your home can be done with nothing more than basic understanding of a Smartphone.
Does home automation replace home security systems? Can security and automation be integrated into a single control system?
Automation does not replace security. A security system ensures safety and well being, and is usually connected to an emergency response network at all times. It normally has at least one backup power source. Security system installation requires special hardware and a knowledgeable security system specialist. Some security systems, such as ELK security systems, seamlessly blend with our systems.
Can Mark Snyder Electric install the security system?
We can plan for security system integration in the automation design and help you choose a licensed security system installer, but Mark Snyder Electric does not design or install security systems.
Will you teach me how to use and program my home automation system during installation?
Of course! Installation is not complete until your system is entirely functional and has been explained step-by-step. An automation specialist will be programming your system and ensuring its functionality while a licensed electrician performs all necessary electrical work. When installation is complete, a personal tutorial will be provided to explain everything you need to know in order to operate your automated home. We will connect your Smartphone to the system and provide written material that summarizes and expands upon everything discussed.
Does Mark Snyder Electric only offer residential automation?
We provide automation systems for businesses, apartment buildings, schools, and more. Call to speak with an automation specialist for more info and to schedule a consultation.
Electrician FAQs
How long has Mark Snyder Electric been in business?
Mark Snyder has been in business in Poway, California for 38 years.
What should I do if a bathroom outlet doesn’t work?
Many times the problem is as simple as resetting the ground fault receptacle in the bathroom that isn’t working by pushing the reset button. Sometimes there is a ground fault receptacle in another location that controls a receptacle in your bathroom. If you need help resetting the receptacle we may be able to talk you through how to do it on the phone at no charge
What if my lights are blinking on and off?
This could be a very dangerous condition. Call us immediately – day or night! 858-748-4612
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Please contact us with any Electrical questions you may have. We’ll have an answer for you and will add the most asked Electrical questions here.
Alternative Energy FAQs
Should I install solar panels?
Call Mark Snyder to find out if solar panels are right for you.
Will solar panels hurt my roof?
If improperly installed, yes. Call Mark Snyder Electric for a safe installation.
Can a solar thermal system heat my spa without using any gas?
During most times of the year, yes – especially if you use a spa cover.
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Please contact us with any Alternative Energy questions you may have. We’ll have an answer for you and will add the most asked Alternative Energy questions here.
Inverter FAQs
What causes inverters to fail?
Inverters can fail for many reasons. Power surges, overloading, and malfunctioning fans are common reasons for failure. Excessive dirt and rodent activity also cause failures.
Is it less expensive to repair my inverter or buy a new one?
In many cases it is much less expensive to repair an inverter depending on how many internal component boards have failed. Call Mark Snyder Electric to find out more.
Can bad batteries hurt my inverter?
Yes, improperly maintained or old batteries than can no longer hold a charge can cause inverter failures. Please call us for more information.
More FAQs Coming Soon
Please contact us with any Inverter questions you may have. We’ll have an answer for you and will add the most asked Inverter questions here.