The Definition of Automation:
“A mechanical device, operated electronically, that functions automatically, without continuous input from an operator.”
Every day, we encounter marketing messages promoting new products that can be controlled from our phones, tablets, or computers. These innovative products are undeniably cool: thermostats that you can control remotely, music that streams wirelessly through speakers in your ceiling or walls, alarm systems that you can arm or disarm from anywhere are all impressive features. But let’s understand one important thing: this is not Smart Home Automation. This is remote access, which, while handy, is quite basic compared to true automation.
If we consider the definition of automation above, we can better grasp what Smart Home Automation truly is and what makes it smart. It starts with the basics of remote access, but the real value lies beyond just controlling your home from afar. The true worth of Home Automation is realized when one event triggers another, creating a series of automated actions where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts – and it all happens for you, not by you.
Real-Life Examples of Smart Home Automation
Fire Safety
Let’s look at a current fire emergency scenario in your home. When your smoke detector goes off, it triggers the alarm system to send a message to your monitoring center, which then alerts 911 to dispatch first responders.
In a Smart Home, your smoke detector will do all the above, plus it will alert you if you are not at home, allowing you to react promptly. It can be programmed to shut off your furnace fan to slow the spread of the fire, turn your lights on to full brightness to help anyone inside the house find their way to safety, and set the outside lights to flash, alerting neighbors and helping first responders quickly identify the house in crisis. These automated actions can save lives – now that is smart!
Flood Prevention
Imagine you’re on vacation and your flood detector goes off because the laundry room pipes have burst. Your phone alerts you to the flooding while you’re thousands of miles away, unable to do much as the water level rises, causing more damage every minute.
With a home automation system, your flood detector can trigger a water-main shut-off valve, automatically turning off the main water supply to your home and minimizing the damage. Not only does this save your home and its contents, but it also gives you peace of mind and valuable time to manage the crisis.
Morning Routine
On a typical weekday morning, you wake up the family for work and school. Your alarm jolts you awake, you switch on the lights and squint until your eyes adjust. You then go from room to room, waking your children and ensuring they get out of bed on time. After dressing, you wake the kids again, put on the morning news, and get the family through breakfast and out the door.
In a smart home environment, your alarm music gradually increases to the right volume, waking you gently. The music plays throughout various zones in the house, waking everyone simultaneously. The lights come on at 10%, easing you into the day without blinding you. Five minutes later, the lights brighten further, allowing you to get up and dressed without lifting a finger or waking anyone else.
Fifteen minutes later, the music shuts off, the kitchen lights come on to a morning scene, the blinds open, and the TV turns on to your favorite news channel. As soon as you leave the house and lock the door, the temperature adjusts, the blinds close, the lights go out, and the TV shuts off, saving energy and ensuring your home is secure. What a great way to start your day!
Personalizing Your Smart Home
The ways that Home Automation can enhance your life depend on your unique needs. A good system is built around what’s important to you – it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Remote access is a nice feature, but a truly smart home simplifies your life. That’s why we call it SMART!
Home Automation is now affordable and can be designed in stages, allowing you to expand your features as your wants and needs change.
Want to know more? Call or email the Guru, and we’ll design a Smart Home for you too.
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