#Electronics

Smart homes are the latest trend. But a smart home is much more than just a technical gimmick. Clever devices allow you to create added comfort in your home and even save money. But before making a purchase, there are a number of points to be familiar with and pay attention to. This is because not all devices can communicate with each other. There are also many terms that can initially seem confusing. Here you can obtain an overview of the possibilities of smart homes, learn how to find the main providers of radio or voice controls, and discover how to use smart technology safely.

There’s no need to be afraid of a burglary: an alarm system allows you to protect your home from unwelcome intruders. But which alarm system is right for you? What different types are there anyway? What are the benefits of connecting an alarm to a smart home system? And what costs should you expect to pay?

New buildings or modernizations planned in accordance with the Minergie standard offer certified high energy efficiency. This is due to factors such as good insulation or independent electricity production via a photovoltaic system. There are three Minergie levels: Minergie, Minergie-P and Minergie-A. They guarantee that your home is efficient, sustainable and comfortable. If you want to sell the property, the certificate will also have a positive effect on the sales value. Find out here exactly what is behind the standards and what else is possible.

A balcony is like a stage because it can often be seen from many places. That’s why bright spotlights and projectors are unsuitable if you don’t want to be in the limelight. We have seven ideas of how to create an atmospheric balcony with appropriate lighting.

Energy-efficient renovation of a house is a good way of saving costs and ensuring greater sustainability. The heating system plays a major role in this, as it makes a significant contribution to energy consumption levels. In a single-family house, the heating should be tailored to the needs and consumption of the household. Gas is still a frequently used energy source. In certain circumstances, however, anyone who has this type of heating system should consider replacing it.

More and more homeowners are opting for photovoltaic systems. There are good reasons for this, because a photovoltaic system allows you to save on energy costs – and help protect the environment. Find out here how the systems work, what options are available when planning or modernizing a house, and when it’s worth installing a photovoltaic system.

One of the most important points to consider when planning a house is the heating. It has a significant impact on the running costs, on the ecological assessment of the building and, to some extent, on the insulation required. That’s why it’s so important to find the right heating system to suit your needs. Find out below which systems are commonly available, what advantages and disadvantages they offer and how much you should expect to pay.