What Is Home Automation | Switched On Lifestyle

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. 
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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!