Home automation is the use of technology to manage and coordinate a home’s devices and appliances. A central smart control system, such as a home hub, voice assistant, smartphone, or touchscreen keypad, connects these devices through WiFi, Bluetooth, or Z-wave. Once a hub is installed, homeowners can integrate smart automation devices throughout their home.
Common smart home devices include lighting systems, thermostats, video doorbells, window shades, security cameras, small appliances, ovens, and door locks. These devices can function autonomously to maintain a desired state within the home. For instance, a smart thermostat can change the home temperature on a preset schedule, controllable from a smartphone app.
Home automation is a rapidly growing industry with new features and devices continually being introduced.
Common Home Automation Features:
- Voice Control: Users can manage smart home devices with simple voice commands. This allows for hands-free control; instead of using a remote or app, users can say commands like “turn off the lights” or “change the channel.” Many systems allow for preset voice commands to control multiple devices simultaneously. For example, a “goodnight” command could turn off lights, lock doors, and arm a security system.
- Security Systems: Smart home security systems use smart security cameras, door locks, video doorbells, and motion sensors to provide around-the-clock home protection. Remote access through smartphone apps allows homeowners to monitor their home and receive alerts. Video doorbell systems allow users to see and talk to visitors at their door remotely, and can even trigger emergency responses if necessary.
- Lighting Automation: Smart light bulbs allow users to control lights with voice commands, set routines for on and off times, and even monitor lights remotely. This can improve energy efficiency by ensuring lights are only on when needed. You can also have lights turn on and off when you’re on vacation for home security.
- Thermostat Control: Smart thermostats can be programmed to adjust heating and cooling based on schedules and occupancy. This can result in significant energy cost savings. Additionally, smart thermostats allow for individual room temperature control to maximize comfort for all household members.
- Smart Appliances: A growing number of appliances, including ovens, refrigerators, coffee makers, washers and dryers, now come equipped with smart technology. This allows users to remotely control appliances, such as pre-heating an oven or starting a load of laundry before arriving home. Smart refrigerators can even allow users to view the contents remotely for more efficient grocery shopping.
- Energy Monitoring: Smart home devices can track a home’s real-time energy consumption. This data empowers homeowners to make informed decisions about energy usage and implement strategies for conservation. Smart thermostats, lighting controls, and appliances can all contribute to reduced energy use.
- Home Entertainment: Home entertainment systems can be integrated into a smart home, allowing for automation of tasks like turning on TVs, closing blinds, and adjusting lights with voice commands.
- Smart Home Assistants: Virtual assistants, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, act as central hubs for smart home devices. These allow users to control devices, manage household tasks, and access information using voice commands. Strategically placed smart home assistants enable voice control throughout a home.
- Automated Window Treatments: Smart blinds and curtains can be opened and closed with voice commands, remotes, or programmed schedules. This allows for automatic adjustments based on a user’s preferences, such as opening blinds at sunrise or closing them at bedtime. If you have skylights, there is nothing better than remote control skylight shades on hot summer days. Smart window treatments can also add to a home’s security by creating the illusion of occupancy when homeowners are away. The Denver Blind Company can automate some existing window treatments. They can also install beautiful new smart blinds, window shades, skylight shades, wood shutters, and drapes. Denver Blind Company even provides motorized outdoor screens for patios.