What is Home Automation?

The idea of turning a smart phone into a smart home has been talked about for years. However, it’s unclear to many people what exactly smart homes or home automation means. Home automation offers you an opportunity to control devices in your home through your smart phone from any part of the world. The term home automation describes homes whose lighting, electrical outlets, cooling systems, appliances and heating systems are controlled remotely.

Some people already enjoy smart homes because most home appliances contain electronic controllers and built in sensors. For instance, modern washing machines feature programs that follow a unique series of rinses, washes and spins depending on how you set the knobs and dials.

Importance of smart homes

Before adopting a smart home, identify your motivator. For security, you will want smart sensors and cameras. For lighting consider smart lighting or Wi-Fi connected outlets. Convenience, go for smart audio systems and door locks.

Control

Most home appliances from fridges, garage doors, deadbolts and security systems can be controlled remotely through smart phones. All you need is an app on your smart device. The app allows you to control things in your home when you are out of the house. This means that you can control your garage door or change the thermostat from a plane. 

Convenience

The ultimate luxury of a smart home is having lights turn on as you enter the house and having your favorite song welcome you home after a long tiring day. Additionally, smart locks allow you to control who can enter your home at different times. You can grant or deny access to your home as you wish. Thus, if you have a plumber coming by to fix your drainage system, you do not have to give them the code to your security system or stay at home. A Wi-Fi enabled doorbell lets you answer your door from any part of the world.

Savings

Connected devices like smart window shades, Wi-Fi enabled lights, water heater and electricity monitoring modules cut down on water and energy usage. Thus, you end up saving on utility expenses.

Safety and security

Smart sensors detect water leakages, carbon monoxide, heat and every environmental changes that can cause accidents in your home. They send a signal to a monitoring station and your smart phone which helps protect you and prevent disasters. Moreover, having a monitored security system 24/7, motion sensors, smart smoke detectors and Wi-Fi enabled cameras allow you to monitor your home from the inside and outside.

The beauty of smart homes is that, they require more intelligence and skill than most thieves possess when breaking into your home. Having a professionally installed, hi-encryption system is your best deterrent.