Just twenty years ago, home automation was a futuristic concept for most homeowners. A combination of intelligence and convenience that would offer energy efficiency and make every household easier to live in. With the integration of voice-controlled devices like Alexa and Google Home, the evolution of the typical household into the futuristic world was made even easier.
Home automation is not just a convenience. It offers security, safety, control and savings, leading to comfort and peace of mind. In 2020 approximately 32% of households own and use smart technology according to statista.com. By 2025, it is expected to rise to about 57% of households.
Simply put, home automation puts the control of basic home systems and appliances into the hands of the homeowner from anywhere, at any time, with remote access. Whether it is an app on a smartphone or a centralized control unit inside your home, the temperature, lighting, appliances and entertainment systems in your home can be controlled by a swipe of a finger or the sound of your voice.
Until recently, the idea of home automation was just a concept. However, as more relatable products and technologies became accessible and affordable, homeowners found it easier to integrate into their households. Home automation is not just having Alexa turn on and off your lights – there are so many more conveniences that it offers.
Smart thermostats offer homeowners the ability to turn on and off their heating and air conditioning systems remotely, but also learn the heating and cooling needs of your home over time. The intelligence of your thermostat can modify temperatures based on the sensing of movement within your home and your comfort level. It even turns your system on your heating and cooling system in advance of your arrival so you walk into a comfortable environment. Overall a smart thermostat can provide significant energy savings.
Google Nest, Ring and other automated video doorbells have taken safety and security by storm. Consumers can easily purchase these devices and hook them up within minutes to provide video surveillance of their property and convenience when someone approaches their home. These systems can also integrate remote motion sensors and security cameras, offering a 360-security package.
With the increased availability of smart lighting and smart lighting controls, homeowners are able to turn their lights on and off or dim them by swiping an app or control pad, or by using their voice. Depending on the capabilities of your automation system, they can also be programmed to turn on when doors or windows are opened or on a certain schedule if you are away on vacation. Some systems even offer the automation of turning lights on and off when the room is occupied and unoccupied.
Most new appliances are built with smart technology. Smart appliances range from ovens to dishwashers to washing machines and dryers to refrigerators and even coffee makers. They use their digital technology to carry out their functions quicker, using less energy and with more convenience. With many compatible appliances, you can connect them to a smart home network to create a totally functioning smart home.
When a smart appliance has a function error, it can notify you immediately, before further damage to the appliance is done. The faster you know about the malfunction the better. They also monitor the energy they are using and can reduce energy waste. The most convenient function is that when you are away from your home and a malfunction occurs, you are notified.
In general, all smart technology connects to the internet via Wi-fi and requires constant connection. Each smart component can be controlled individually, should you decide not to integrate all components into a smart system. However, if you have multiple compatible appliances, equipment and components, you might want to consider connecting them all to a smart home network to create a totally functioning smart home
Overall, home automation is just convenient. It helps you automate everyday tasks and creates a great end user experience. Nowadays many smart appliances and gadgets are compatible with each other and can be integrated to turn on and off with certain triggers, even without a complete home automation system.
Many homeowners find peace of mind knowing that they can observe what is going on in and around their home when they are not home, can make sure all entrances to their home are closed and secured, and can turn lights and their heating and air conditioning on and off remotely when needed.
Although the idea of an automated home sounds very techy and expensive, it doesn’t have to be. The future of home automation is now and is accessible.
Michael Bloomfield, President Tekie Geek
(347) 671-7000 Favorite Geeks | Tekie Geek, Staten Island New York
