As technology is becoming more and more complicated, it has also become increasingly available. Years ago, images of domestic dwellings being controlled by a click of a button or a voice signal were only found in science fiction movies. A popular example is the cartoon show The Jetsons - with their robot domestic help and appliances doing all the chores by themselves. Today, however, as the world is becoming more tech-savvy, so are residential homes.
What is Home Automation?
Millions and millions of homes across the world today have home automation systems. Simply put, home automation is the use of a personal computer or a device to control your home features and even appliances. It could be as simple as automating your house lighting or as complicated as the furnace sending you a message that it needs to be cleaned.
The first ever home automated system is said to have been made in 1966 by an engineer of Westinghouse Electric named Jim Sutherland. However, it was never commercialized since it was a private project. With the onset of computers and technology over the years, automation systems became simpler and more accessible, enabling private home owners to apply such systems to their homes.
Examples of automation system tasks include:
The list can go on and on with what and how much you can automate. Anything that you can control with a computer or a device, and anything that can contain a sensor can be automated.
How Does It Work?
Generally you just need a computer or a device to control your system. Appliances and features contain sensors that are installed by a professional home automation system provider, they give you a program, and you can also install apps on your smartphone or other devices.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Home Automation System
There are many benefits that you can get with your automated home. These include:
Overall Security - you can set up cameras around your house to monitor what's happening. If you're at work or out-of-town, you can simply watch the areas of your house through the app on your phone or the program in your laptop. If you have kids or elderly at home, you can simply check on them, giving you peace of mind. Also, you can lock and unlock doors and gates through any device. How many times have you gone to work and wondered if you locked your doors? With a home automation system, you can easily check by checking your phone.
Saves Time - If you need to water your yard but have to get to work, you can simply do so by turning on your sprinklers while you're at the office. Or if you don't know whether you turned off the gas in your oven and you're already at the airport, you don't have to go back home and check. You can simply do so with your device.
The disadvantage lies in the cost. Though it saves time in the long run, the initial start up and installation are quite expensive. And since everything is dependent on technology, there is a risk for the system to crash.
Home automation systems give you and your home many advantages that will eventually save you time and money in the long run. If you want to have peace of mind while at work or out of town, having your home automated is the best idea.
What is Home Automation?
Millions and millions of homes across the world today have home automation systems. Simply put, home automation is the use of a personal computer or a device to control your home features and even appliances. It could be as simple as automating your house lighting or as complicated as the furnace sending you a message that it needs to be cleaned.
The first ever home automated system is said to have been made in 1966 by an engineer of Westinghouse Electric named Jim Sutherland. However, it was never commercialized since it was a private project. With the onset of computers and technology over the years, automation systems became simpler and more accessible, enabling private home owners to apply such systems to their homes.
Examples of automation system tasks include:
- General House Lighting. One example is when the lights in a room are turned on once the sensors detect that someone entered. Or a clap or 2 to turn off the lights.
- Control of HVAC or Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. For example, when the sensors detect that no one is in the room, the heating or airconditioning is reduced.
- Home Security Systems
- Automation of Home Entertainment Systems
- Control of Water Sprinklers
- Energy Efficiency systems
- Swimming Pool Systems
The list can go on and on with what and how much you can automate. Anything that you can control with a computer or a device, and anything that can contain a sensor can be automated.
How Does It Work?
Generally you just need a computer or a device to control your system. Appliances and features contain sensors that are installed by a professional home automation system provider, they give you a program, and you can also install apps on your smartphone or other devices.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Home Automation System
There are many benefits that you can get with your automated home. These include:
Overall Security - you can set up cameras around your house to monitor what's happening. If you're at work or out-of-town, you can simply watch the areas of your house through the app on your phone or the program in your laptop. If you have kids or elderly at home, you can simply check on them, giving you peace of mind. Also, you can lock and unlock doors and gates through any device. How many times have you gone to work and wondered if you locked your doors? With a home automation system, you can easily check by checking your phone.
Saves Time - If you need to water your yard but have to get to work, you can simply do so by turning on your sprinklers while you're at the office. Or if you don't know whether you turned off the gas in your oven and you're already at the airport, you don't have to go back home and check. You can simply do so with your device.
The disadvantage lies in the cost. Though it saves time in the long run, the initial start up and installation are quite expensive. And since everything is dependent on technology, there is a risk for the system to crash.
Home automation systems give you and your home many advantages that will eventually save you time and money in the long run. If you want to have peace of mind while at work or out of town, having your home automated is the best idea.