With all the buzz about home automation and smart homes, you may be wondering, “what is home automation, and how does home automation work?”
Definition of Home Automation
First let’s begin by defining home automation.
Home automation, also called smart home technology, ties together various aspects of home operation into one central hub where controls can be accessed via the Internet, tablets, smartphones and/or an in-house control station by way of WiFi, Ethernet or a LAN.
Smart homes allow homeowners to control heating and air conditioning, lighting, entertainment systems, security systems, windows and doors, garage doors, electronics and appliances, and other devices through smart devices.
The benefits are that you can monitor activity and control settings, whether you are at home or not. If, for example, you have left for vacation and wonder if you left the oven on or locked all the doors and windows, or if you want change the settings on your programmable thermostat, you could simply log onto your account and check.
Ideally, you would want to wire a home for home automation during the building or remodeling process. This embeds cabled and structured wiring behind finished surfaces. But smart technology for networking, video, audio and control wiring can be retrofitted into a home at any time.
How Does Home Automation Work?
Home automation can be used in two ways:
- automating schedules
- remote monitoring and access.
By automating the systems in your home you can schedule timing and events for items hooked to your network. You can program the lights to turn on at various times during the day, set recording schedules for security cameras, set the thermostat to raise or lower the temperature according to your daily arrival and departure from home, or water the plants through an irrigation system, for example.
Through remote monitoring and access, you can control devices that are connected to your home automation system. You can turn on or off the oven, check the status of your lights or security system, or unlock doors to let someone in when you’re not at home. Sensors can alert homeowners if a security breach occurs, the refrigerator springs a leak or the fire alarm goes off, among other capabilities. With installed video cameras, homeowners can view through remote access on their devices what is happening in and around the home.
What is the Cost of Home Automation?
Most home automation is connected to what are known as “binary devices,” controlled with an “on/off” or “open/closed” switch, like lights and power locks. But manufacturers are now producing devices like washing machines and coffeemakers with smart technology built in. These devices are connected to the central control system and help make your home a smart house.
Other than convenience, one of the biggest questions that comes up after “How does home automation work?” is “How can home automation save me money?” Energy efficiency is a huge benefit of a smart home. When you are able to program your thermostat, or power down electrical devices or outlets when nobody is at home, you can save hundreds of dollars each year on energy costs.
For options on home automation options, review this Home Automation Buying Guide.
Contact Us for Help with Home Automation
If you want to know how home automation works, we’ll be glad to explain it.
If you are interesting in installing smart home technologies, we can help you decide which ones are right for your lifestyle. We’ll even help you install them and teach you how to use them.
Trust JF Cabling Services for home automation needs.
