The keys to a smarter home

Home automation is all about using smart home devices and protocols to make your life easier. It lets you control and automate different parts of your house without the hassle of constantly flipping switches or pressing buttons. Basically, things just work on their own (well, most of the time).

Home automation today can be integrated with several technologies around your home like lights, HVAC systems, utilities, security equipment, appliances, outlets, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and locks. Basically, anything from a smart light bulb to a smart fridge can be part of your home automation setup.

The best part? You can make these gadgets follow your rules! Say goodbye to manually switching on lights or locking doors. You can set your lights to magically turn on at 7 a.m. when you wake up, and your smart lock can automatically lock itself at 8:30 a.m. every day. And guess what? You don't have to break the bank for a top-notch security system.

Save big bucks!

Home automation is not only convenient but can also help you save a significant amount on your monthly energy bill. It provides an affordable alternative to costly home security systems. By incorporating smart devices like locks, thermostats, light bulbs, outdoor spotlights, outlets, and sprinklers into your setup, you can optimize their energy usage. You can schedule them to operate at the most efficient times or even control them remotely. The key is having control, which directly translates to savings. So, with home automation, you can enjoy both convenience and costeffectiveness.

What can I automate?

Let’s take a look at some of the appliances/systems you can automate around your home.

Smart lights are a game-changer in the world of smart devices, and the best part is, they won't break the bank. These affordable gems give you ultimate control over your lighting like never before. You are able to change the colour, dimness, and even schedule your lights with just a few taps on your smartphone. You can create a cozy ambiance for movie nights or even have them pulsate to the rhythm of your favourite tunes. These smart bulbs outshine the basic $3 bulbs you find at the hardware store any day! For example: Phillips Hue Lights Range.

Smart thermostats not only allow us to adjust the thermostat remotely, but they also offer the ability to set up personalized schedules. By optimizing the temperature when you need it and reducing it when you don't, smart thermostats help save you money on your energy bills. It's like having your very own climate control superhero, ensuring comfort and energy efficiency all at once. For example: Nest Learning Thermostat.

Smart locks lock up on their own as soon as we leave, and if we need to let someone in while we're away, we can unlock them with our phone or give them a temporary passcode. No more hiding keys under the welcome mat! For example: Eufy Smart Lock.

Video doorbells are like outdoor cameras that can be wired into your existing doorbell setup, or used independently. They provide notifications whenever someone rings the doorbell or when the camera detects motion or a person, depending on the model. It's a smart way to keep an eye on your front door whether you’re home or away. For example: Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2.

Smart security systems are comprehensive setups that often include smart cameras, motion sensors, entry sensors, and glass break sensors. They provide alerts for motion, doors/windows opening or closing, and the unmistakable sound of glass breaking. They offer an extra layer of protection and peace of mind for your home. For example: ADT Smart Security System.

Speakers, displays and assistants facilitate for voice commands through the voice assistants and can be connected to your home ecosystem to control it with your commands. For example: Google Nest.

Medical care alert systems help if you have a senior family member or loved one whom you want to care for and keep an eye on remotely. There are various WiFi-connected medical alert systems designed with fall detection capabilities, ensuring that you'll be alerted in case of an accidental fall or other emergencies. For example: CareAlert Smart Dialler.

Like anything, start small and see how you like it. Maybe get a Google Nest and some smart light bulbs to test how you enjoy automating in your home, or just being able to turn them on and off by voice command. “Hey Google, turn dining room lights on.”

Before you know it, you could have routines set up all throughout (and outside of) your home for all your appliances.