GET MORE FROM YOUR HOME BY MAKING IT SMART

HOME AUTOMATION: GET MORE FROM YOUR HOME BY MAKING IT SMARTSo let’s talk about how you can get more from your home by making it smart.  When it comes to home automation, there is a lot you can do ranging from simple to complex. Home automation makes your home more energy efficient, comfortable and secure. Here are examples of home automation at work;

• Automatic blinds opening and closing
• Set the air conditioner to work in rooms only when people are present
• Open the garage door using voice commands
• Turn on security lights on schedule, and when they sense a presence
• Set your coffee maker to make a cup when you are up

Home automation technology has become cheaper over the years, while becoming smarter. If you are thinking of installing a home automation system here are a few principles to observe;
START SIMPLEYou can start with simple technology like light dimmers to get conversant with home automation technology. You can then add more components and tasks as you go along.
AUTOMATE ONLY WHAT YOU NEEDThere is no need to buy a home automation system worth thousands of dollars when you use only a small portion of the features. Buy only what you need. Lighting is a good starting point as it is easy to and cheap to install.
GO FOR COMPATIBILITYIt is very important to go for compatibility. This ensures that you can add on components as you go along. You will also be able to replace with better technology without making major changes to your system.
HOME AUTOMATION CONNECTIVITY

• Powerline – In this type of connectivity, devices communicate through the electrical wiring in the house.
• Radio Frequency – Devices communicate wirelessly over Bluetooth, wifi and other radio signals. RF connectivity enables easy set up as there is no wiring to be done.
• Hybrid communication – This is where the system uses both powerline and RF connectivity. It is also called dual mesh technology

HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM COMPONENTS

• Transceiver/coordinator – This is the unit(s) that issues commands to different components of the home automation system. You can buy a self-contained box that comes with software. There are boxes that can take open source software but these require a bit of technical know how to set up.

• Software – This is what runs the automation system. Some systems require annual subscription. This offers better technical support and is the best choice if you are non-technical. Open source software requires a bit of tinkling around.

• Peripherals, switches and sensors – Peripherals are the units that do the work. Switches enable turning on and off automatically, while sensors monitor for conditions that trigger the automation

Home automation enables you to get more from your home in comfort and efficiency. The good thing is that you can automate to the level you are comfortable with and gradually improve on the complexity.
So that ladies and gentlemen, is how you can get more from your home by making it smart.