What Is Home Automation | Switched On Lifestyle

8/31/2021

What Is Home Automation and How Does It Work?

Perhaps what makes home automation top tier in terms of technological advancement is that it gives you ease of accessibility no matter where you are in the world. Controlling devices in your home using your mobile device has never been this easier. The term ‘home automation’ is not limited to isolated programmable devices (e.g. sprinkler system and thermostat) only. Also part of home automation is home security which includes your alarm system and all locks, smoke detectors, surveillance cameras and other sensors that are attached to it.

Home automation precisely describes the home in almost everything—appliances, electrical outlets, cooling and heating systems, and lights that are connected to a remotely controllable network. With home automation, your life is more convenient. You can even save money on electricity bills. This system can also lead to greater home safety with the Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as security cameras.

Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT or the Internet of Things refers to any device that is linked to the internet in which it normally isn’t. An example is a smart LED light that you can turn on and off through an app. A majority of home automation gadgets are IoT devices. You can automate them to trigger one another. Therefore, home automation is about what you can do with IoT devices, and IoTs are devices themselves. Together, they make your life a bit easier.

Home Automation: How Does it Work?

The entire home automation works through a web of devices linked together to the Internet via various communication protocols (e.g. Bluetooth or WiFi). The devices are managed remotely via controllers and electronic interfaces, either an app or a voice assistant like Siri or Alexa. Most of these gadgets have sensors that detect motion, light and temperature changes so you can get data about the device’s surroundings.

A home automation system works on three levels.

Control - you can easily control your devices with home automation. For example, scanning a security camera to view more of your living area.
Automation - this means setting up devices to activate one another. When an armed security camera detects motion, the smart siren goes off.
Monitor - you can inspect your devices remotely through an app. For example, you can view some areas of your home using a smart security camera that’s connected to a phone app.

Components of Home Automation

You can automate and remotely control anything that is connected to a network. Home automation generally links simple binary devices. This includes equipment with ‘on and off’ features like power outlets, lights and electronic locks. Devices with security sensors are also included. The current home automation systems are mostly for monitoring and programming control between dedicated devices in your home.

Advantages of Home Automation

Home automation is not just an opportunity for you to show off or a dandy way to keep up with the current technology. There are tons of advantages to home automation. Here are some of them:

You can easily manage all of your devices at home from a single place.
Being able to manage all devices in your home linked through one network is a gigantic step forward for home management and technology. You just have to learn how to use an app on your tablet or smartphone, and you’ll be able to access your devices and a myriad of functions throughout your home. This makes it easier for you to obtain and control the functionality you want for your space.

It offers better flexibility when it comes to new appliances and gadgets.
Smart home systems are flexible when accommodating new appliances, devices and other technologies. Regardless of how advanced the appliances are today, there will always be new model updates developed as time goes by. Besides, as you replace older ones or discover new technology, you’ll most likely add new gadgets. Being able to integrate these new electronics seamlessly will make your life easier and uncomplicated.

You can use a remote control when it comes to home functions.
The ability to control your home functions through a device even if you’re from a distance is a power you should not underestimate. You can simply make your house cooler during hot days in just enough time before you arrive home.

It increases energy efficiency.
You can make your home more energy-efficient, depending on how you utilize your smart-home technology. For example, you can have more accurate control over the cooling and heating system in your home using a programmable thermostat. This records and learns your temperature preferences, schedule, and tells the best setting for energy efficiency. As the sun sets, you can also program your lights and motorized shades to switch to night mode automatically.

When you enter or leave the room, enable the turning on and off of your lights automatically too. In this way, you will never have to worry about wasting energy.

It improves the functionality of your appliances.
Home automation can also run your appliances smoothly. A smart TV allows you to find better channels and apps to locate your favourite program. A smart home theatre and audio system can manage your music and movie collection with no sweat which is perfect for guest entertainment. A smart oven can assist you with cooking meals effortlessly. Connecting your appliances through home automation technology certainly makes overall home life enjoyable and easier.
It increases surrounding awareness through security cameras.
It’s without a doubt that your home is safer with security cameras. Even if you’re not at home, you can monitor everything happening inside or outside your home. You can also detect motions, record clips and view activities around your household.
It increases your home management awareness.
With smart home technology, your ability to check insights on how your home operates increases. You can easily check the amount of time you and your family watch TV, as well as the type of shows you watch. Not only that, the kind of meals you cook, you keep in your fridge and your energy consumption can also be tracked effectively. With your day-to-day behaviour and habits available from these insights, you can then make adjustments to live the lifestyle you want.

It helps contribute to the economy.
Using a home automation system lets you use energy efficiently. It’s a win-win situation as it benefits you and your family. At the same time, you’re also contributing to the economy by using those resources you only need.

If you’re looking for a professional crew to install a home automation system in your space, Switched on Lifestyle is the team you can trust. We’ve been providing complete smart home services for over 15 years all over Sydney. Call us on 0418 269 796 today!

2 Comments

Smart Home | Switched On Lifestyle

8/26/2021

0 Comments

What is a Smart Home?

A smart home is a home setup that allows the control of household devices and appliances to be conducted remotely. In a smart home setup, all the devices are connected to the Internet, which makes controlling them remotely possible. The system controls various household functions, such as lighting, temperature, entertainment and security [1].
A smart home is also known as domotics or a home automation system. This comes with a setup that connects all the controlled devices to a designated gateway or central hub. The system also includes a user interface that uses either a tablet, wall-mounted terminals or mobile phone application to control the networked devices.
Through this setup, many homeowners and members can control most of their household devices anytime and anywhere. The practice is also quite effective in boosting energy savings and creating a more positive impact on the natural environment in the future.

How Does a Smart Home Work?

A majority of the households with home automation systems use devices that are connected and can be accessed by the user via a single central point. Various devices, such as laptops, game consoles, tablets and smartphones, are used as the system’s central point.
When connected to the system, the user can remotely control the devices inside the house like door locks, thermostats, televisions, home monitors, lights, cameras and other appliances.
The appliances connected to a home automation system are equipped with advanced and self-learning features. These allow them to learn the schedule of their users and automatically adjust to this. Most smart home systems also allow their owners to save on energy by automatically turning it off when they are not in use.
Other home automation systems are programmed to handle various home security aspects. In most cases, this involves alerting the household owner when a motion is detected whilst the occupants are away. Some systems are also capable of calling or alerting the authorities in the event of imminent situations [1].

Benefits of Having a Smart Home

Smart home or home automation is currently regarded as a popular option for many homeowners. This is because the technology used in the system has become affordable and available to consumers. A smart home also offers more benefits, such as the following.

It keeps home management convenient.
- Convenience is among the most significant benefits that home automation provides. The system makes home management more convenient by allowing homeowners to control most household appliances and devices remotely. It helps them check on their home whenever and wherever, only with a click on their smartphone or any device used as the system’s user interface.
It keeps your home secured
- Installing a home automation system is proven to boost the security status of your house. Smart homes are typically equipped with security cameras, motion sensor-controlled lights and other technologies that deter intruders.
It keeps an eye on your kids
- Many home automation systems are designed to allow users to view their houses remotely. With this, you can still keep an eye on the kids and other loved ones when you are away. You can check their situation at home every time you want by simply using your smartphone.
It keeps your home more comfortable.
- Many smart home users use the system to make their home more comfortable and enjoyable to stay. Smart devices help create an inviting home environment through adaptive and intelligent lighting, temperature and sound system. Homeowners also use these devices to record their favourite shows or play the music they like throughout the house.
It reduces your home insurance costs.
- Many home insurance companies are offering significant discounts to automated homes. This is because houses with home automation systems are safer and more secure than conventional ones. In most cases, smart homes are equipped with devices that deter burglars and help prevent unwanted incidents, such as fire.
It reduces your energy bills.
- The smart technology used in a smart home setup allows the owner to control most of the electrical devices at home. The owner can quickly turn off the appliances that are not in use or schedule their service to lessen their energy consumption. This results in their monthly energy bills being reduced significantly.
It increases your home’s resale value.
- Smart homes are known for their relatively higher resale value. Many property experts agree that making your house automated is effective in boosting its value. A smart home is safer and more secure to live in. In addition, the cost of the automation system installed in the house is usually considered in computing the final value of the property when offered for sale.

Commonly Used Smart Home Devices

Smart TVs
- Smart TVs use smart technology to provide you with more viewing options. These TVs can now be connected to the Internet and be used as a video streaming device. A smart TV can also be connected to other smart devices like smart speakers and be integrated into the smart home’s central control hub.
Smart Speakers
- Smart speakers come with a range of features that the conventional version doesn’t have. They are designed to play music, search the Internet and provide weather updates. Smart speakers can also be used as your virtual assistant and act as your home automation system’s central control hub. You can use them to voice control lights, thermostats and even home entertainment.
Smart Plugs
- Smart plugs convert ordinary home appliances and devices into smart versions. They do this by allowing the user to remotely control the supply of power that goes into the machines. In most cases, these plugs are operated with an app that can be controlled using your smartphone. Initially, the smart plugs sold in the market are designed to allow you to schedule when they will be turned on or turned off. But as the technology evolves, many smart plug models are now capable of monitoring their power usage. Some can also check the temperature of the outlet where they are plugged in to avoid overheating [2].
Robot Vacuums
- Robotic vacuums are autonomous robotic vacuum cleaners that can be controlled using a remote control. The earliest versions of these vacuums use a limited vacuum system, robotic drives and sensors to clean a particular floor area. These vacuums can be programmed to perform regular cleaning routines. Currently, many robot vacuums come with deep learning and artificial intelligence features to better map the area that will be cleaned and identify objects. Low-noise and user-friendly robot vacuums are also now available on the market.
Smart Light Bulbs
- Smart light bulbs come with Wi-Fi connectivity that allows them to be connected to a network. The bulbs can be remotely controlled using a designated app and a mobile device or a desktop when connected to the network. Many household owners use them because most of the latest models can be dimmed using remote controls. Some versions can also change colours.
Smart Doorbells
- Smart doorbells also come with Internet connectivity and notify homeowners when they have visitors. These doorbells do this by sending notifications directly to the owner’s smartphone or other designated electronic device. Most of them are also equipped with motion sensors that allow them to detect the movement or presence of visitors. Other variants are sold with built-in infrared microphones and cameras that enable the household owners to talk to the visitors outside the door via their smartphones.

Make your house automated by the best service contractors. Contact us at Switched On Lifestyle, and let’s discuss how we can help you.

Ways of Converting a House into a Smart Home

Upgrading your house into a smart home can be accomplished either all at once or gradually. Here’s how you can make that conversion.

DIY Conversion
- DIY conversion involves thorough research about how home automation must be done. Most of the homeowners who opt for the DIY method have spent a lot of time sourcing for the smart components, technology and appliances they could use on their projects. Although many houses were successfully converted into smart homes using this method, the technique may limit the system’s capability to connect and control more devices.
Hiring a Licensed Service Provider
- Hiring the service of a licensed company that specialises in home automation is the more favoured option. Contrary to popular belief, hiring these service providers is more cost-effective compared to DIY conversion. This is because having a smart home system assembled by experts assures that they will work well. In addition, hiring professionals reduces the need to look for the suppliers of the smart devices, technology and equipment needed for the home automation system.

How to Select the Best Contractor

Selecting the best contractor that will handle your home automation is important to get the best outcomes. Doing so will also help you avoid spending more than what’s needed for home automation. So, if you are planning to hire a contractor, try to consider the following.

Hire a contractor with solid and extensive experience in home automation. These people know the ins and outs in their field.
Check the customer service ratings of the contractors you are interested in hiring online.
Ask around and look for information about the most trusted contractor from other smart homeowners.

Looking for the best and most reliable contractor to help you automate your home? We, at Switched On Lifestyle, can help you. Call us on 0418 269 796 now!

References:
[1] Hayes, Adam. “Smart Home.” Investopedia, 8 June 2021, www.investopedia.com/terms/s/smart-home.asp.
[2] Paras, Anna. “What Is a Smart Plug? How They Work and How to Use Them?” DIY Smart Home Solutions, 4 Aug. 2021, www.diysmarthomesolutions.com/what-is-a-smart-plug-how-they-work-and-how-to-use-them.