What is Home Automation, and How Does it Work? The Complete Guide in 2022

What is Home Automation?

Home automation is the interconnection of smart devices that can communicate via the internet. These devices use sensors, controllers, and actuators to perform tasks in your home. It is possible to control smart devices remotely using your digital platform like a smartphone.

Home automation may seem like a recent technological discovery, but that’s not true. It has been around for many years. In fact, the first home automation was first introduced in 1975. The technology at that time was mainly for lamps and appliances.

Today technology is more sophisticated and can do more tasks in different rooms in your house. More people have experienced the benefits of smart homes. Statistics show that the number of people using home automation is expected to rise to 84.9 million by 2026.

Here is a guide on home automation and how you can use your smart appliances in the different rooms of your house.

1. Smart Thermostats

   Smart thermostats allow you to regulate your home's temperature using your smartphone. It has features that enable you to control your home's temperature even when you are outside the house.

   Smart thermostats also have learning capabilities. After setting your home temperature for some time, a smart thermostat can learn and set temperatures automatically. This means you will not have to set the temperature anymore.

2. Smart Bathtubs

   Bathtub automation is another feature of a smart bathroom that can add value to your home. Technology enables you to fill up your bathtub with water using voice commands.

   This makes bathing comfortable and relaxing. Having a clawfoot tub makes your bathroom look aesthetically appealing. It is also a place you can soak, take long, deep baths, and relax after a tiring day.

   All you have to do is ask Alexa to fill your vintage clawfoot tub to the right depth and temperature. It is also possible to drain the tub with voice commands, so you don't need to worry about flooding your bathroom. A modern bathtub with a classic bathtub design –– what a twist!

3. Smart Speakers.

   Internet-enabled speakers allow you to control various devices in your home using your voice. These smart speakers use assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google.

   These home assistant device allow you to lock and unlock devices like thermostats or music without touching them. If you are taking a bath in your acrylic clawfoot tub, you do not need to worry about your wet hands before adjusting the lights, faucets, or music.

   Smart speakers give you a touchless experience when turning on faucets or lights in your bathroom. Less touch also means you lower the spread of germs and promote a healthier way of operation in your bathroom.

4. Smart Doorbell

   A doorbell connected to the internet can perform more functions than a traditional doorbell. It can improve your security at home.

   Such smart doorbells have videos that help you see who is at your door. They can also sense and alert you if someone is at your front door.

5. Light Automation

   Turning lights on and off in your home from any location is convenient and saves energy and money. Light automation enables you to control lights using an app on your phone.

   You can turn them on, off, or make lights dimmer or sharper. Adjust the lighting of any room of your house depending on the activity in that room.

6. Smart Fridge

   A high-tech refrigerator can do more than keep your food cold. A smart fridge can also detect the items in your fridge and provide you with important information. For example, it can tell you the expiry date of your food.

   Also, a smart fridge can send notifications alerting you of the foods that are about to expire so you can consider using them first. Another feature is searching for recipes online, creating a grocery list, and coordinating your family’s schedule.

7. Smart Dust Bin

   A smart dust bin has an automated lead that you can open and close with a voice command. It provides a touchless solution that helps you cook and clean at the same time.

   If your hands are covered with flour or oil, you can use your voice to help you throw away what you don’t need on your working surface. A smart dust bin also helps to reduce the spread of germs with its touchless solution.

8. Water-Leak Detectors

   A water-weak detector can help you stop water disasters in your home. The leak detectors have sensors that notify you of excess moisture or leakage in your home.

   Install a leak detector in areas likely to leak and go unnoticed, like in your basement. Other areas include your kitchen sink or the clawfoot tubs with showers. A leak detector will lessen the problems associated with plumbing.

How Does Home Automation Work?

Home automation is possible when digital devices can automatically perform specific functions. The key components in such devices include:

1. Sensors

   Sensors help to monitor the environment. They detect things like temperature levels, light, and motion. Sensors also collect data that enables devices to know what to do. This makes it possible for you to automate different functions in your home.

2. Controllers

   Controllers collect data and perform a specific action. It receives input and provides output. It acts as a motherboard.

3. Actuators

   Actuators allow the movement, control, or access of devices like a light switch, valve, or motors. This enables you to monitor devices and access them remotely through an app.

Key Takeaway

The advancement of technology brings convenience and makes performing routine tasks easier. Devices like water leak detectors can lower your water bill and reduce plumbing problems. This helps to save money.

Home automation also helps you customize your space according to your taste. Turning your clawfoot slipper tub into a place of relaxation and comfort helps you unwind and feel refreshed in a personalized way.

You can also control other devices using your voice when soaking in your bathtub. Such technology addition can help raise the value of your home. Many devices in your home can be automated to help save time and money and provide convenience.

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