What Is Home Automation: Finding The Solution
Home automation was designed to give people full control of their house, at the touch of a button. For many people, it seems like a complicated, confusing, and expensive fad, but it doesn’t have to be. So, what is home automation?
What Is Home Automation And How Does It Work?
Let’s start with the easy question first!
Home automation is automatic and electronic control of your everyday household features. It does this by grouping smart devices and linking them to one centralized system.
This could be from front door locks to your security system working together hand in hand.
In laymen’s terms, home automation lets you gain control of the smart devices dotted around your house.
All from your smartphone!
In many cases, home automation makes people’s lives easier and slightly more convenient. Not only that, but it’s capable of providing you with home security and, in some cases, can save you a lot of money in energy bills.
But, how does home automation work?
It’s a hard question to answer, mainly due to there not being one single control unit. It varies from country to company to the product; this is why people get so confused. Today there are two leading protocols, Z-Wave and Zigbee, but there are so many other ways to set up your system.
Smart devices rely on wireless technology and mesh networking from protocols like Z-wave to send signals from the controller to the receiver. Its these radio waves that allow us to send messages back and forth from our smartphone to our smart devices.
How Do You Make A Home Automation System?
Every home automation system will be different, and it’s not surprising; it’s all down to personal preferences. The most important thing is to plan the system advanced. Buying pieces hear, and there can be a killer to your system and is where things start to get expensive.
Without a solid plan, you’ll be left with a complicated home automation system, which barely functions or is one update away from a system failure.
But, with a laid-out plan:
You can create a beautifully complex system and always stay ahead of the updates. Planning the system allows you to take the time to research the products correctly.
So how do you lay-out the perfectly planned smart home? To answer that completely will have to be for another day, it would just take too long.
But for now, here’s a quick checklist:
- Brainstorm ideas you like
- Define what you want to achieve
- Understand the steps involved to perform the task
- Choose a Hub
- Choose a voice controller
- Pick devices compatible with your hub and controller that achieve your end goal
- Keep upgrading when needed
Obviously, this is a very dulled down version, but if you’re desperate to understand the complications of home automation systems, then there are some pretty good guides online.
If you’re struggling for home automation ideas, then fear not, I’ve got plenty for you
Things You Can Automate
There’s all most no end to what you can automate throughout your household. If you don’t believe me, here’s 85 home automation ideas. Don’t go anywhere to quickly; I want to show you some of the most commonly automated devices, and how you can use it to your advantage:
Lighting Systems
Automated lighting systems aren’t a new product by any shape or means; they go way back to the ’80s with the clap on/off lamps.
Now things have got a little more complicated. With smart lighting systems today, you can create groups and scenes to either suit the user or set the mood for Netflix and chill.
And that’s not all you can save money with intelligent scheduling and low-cost bulbs.
Or take advantage of geofencing and have the lights turn on as you arrive back from work. You could even set the lights to turn on in the morning, ready for work, the limits know no bounds.
Entertainment Systems
Entertainment systems are the lifeblood of any household; they save us through hours of boredom by providing the latest music or your next TV binge.
So, anything that makes it easier to watch TV is a good thing, right? Exactly, smart home theaters can really change the way you live at home.
Control your TV using Alexa, or Google Home commands, set your favorite TV program to record there’s no limit. You can even integrate your lighting and security system to perform actions when triggered.
Security Systems
Security systems have become huge since the introduction of smart security cameras. It made it easy enough and cheap enough for anyone to build a network.
It works by using an array of motion sensors, contact sensors, security cameras, and in some cases, smart locks.
By carefully planning this system, you can make a personal fortress.
Contact sensors and motion sensors can easily be placed on doors and windows when the contact is broken; you’ll receive a notification to your smartphone.
Or you can trigger the security cameras to start recording. Linking your security devices to your entertainment system allows you to live-stream your security footage.
Utility Control
Introducing utility controllers have saved users thousands of dollars. Home automation devices like the Nest Learning Thermostat can significantly improve your energy efficiency.
The thermostat can learn your heating and cooling needs, which in the end saves you cash, it’s a compelling piece of home technology.
If you want to further your control, you can add water flow meters, which give you tips on how to cut back on your water usage. You can employ the best smart irrigation controller; they use local weather reports to judge how much water your garden requires.
Final Thoughts
Home automation systems can be wonderful if planned out and executed correctly.
The trick is to start from the core hub and work out how all the working parts come together. Smart home automation is no easy task but can be incredibly rewarding in the end.
There’s plenty of ways to control your home from home security to increased energy efficiency; they can all work with one another with a solid plan.
Hopefully, that’s answered all of your home automation questions. But, if it hasn’t, leave me any questions about your home automation system in the comment section below.
People always ask me, “What is the risk associated with smart technology,” well, the answers a click away, enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
IoT (Internet of Things) home automation allows users to control their automation systems using the internet. This means you don’t have to use protocols such as Z-Wave and Zigbee.
There are plenty of uses for home automation, the question is what do you want to do with it? Home automation systems enable you to control devices like your lights or security system. And you can do it all from your mobile phone.