Everyday tasks and functions, from listening to music to turning on the lights, television, media and stereo to regulating household heating, controlling intercoms and access, are increasingly being automated. These time-saving systems and all the hardware and software necessary to operate them are advancing into our homes; taking over even the most insignificant tasks in both new builds and renovated homes.

Automation Systems

The modern home is the smart home, a home that is intuitive and uses only what is required when it is required. It is a home that is controllable remotely from anywhere in the world; a home in which blinds, doors, lights, heating and cooling are programmable. It is a home that generates power, harnessing the heat of the sun, and light and shadow. It is a home that has audio and visual automation, where the lights can be spoken to and turn on and off, where an audio system plays a song when asked to, and a home that senses when an owner is near and acts accordingly. It is the home of the future.

Smart home and commercial automation

As technology continues to develop at pace so does the accessibility of smart automation systems for the home and commercial building. With so much possible, it can be hard to know where to start so it pays to understand what is achievable and in line with budgets, what is sought after in terms of ease of use and what would simply be a luxurious addition. 

In many cases, a smart home automation system can be started, with the option to add to it in time as budget and needs allow. 

A common starting point is entry automation and gate automation - something many of us are already familiar with. Intercoms have been commonplace for some time, but entry automation has developed and now offers a multitude of possibilities. 

Light automation for the home

In the same way, light automation is a popular addition to a new smart homeowner. Lights can now be programmed to turn on and off at certain times, to dim at night in certain zones of the house and to work on a sensor system based on the amount of available natural light to provide the optimum amount of artificial light at any one time in an interior space. 

Automated security systems

Linked to an app, security systems can sense when someone is nearby and a gate will open to allow access to the property. Alarm systems can be automated, providing video surveillance and remote access control to allow visitors or tradespeople into a home or building.

Environmental control: how smart homes are more efficient

A smart home can ensure only the amount of electricity required is used, reducing power bills and overall environmental strain. For example, a smart home heating system can be programmed to turn on and off only at certain times of the day, reach a certain temperature and then cease operating until a room reaches a specified temperature. Solar power can be incorporated into a smart home to generate power independently and only use on grid power or gas when solar-generated power is not available. Lights can be automated to turn off when someone isn’t using a room, or to dim at certain times of day or night. The possibilities are endless. 

If you’re not sure where to begin, find out more about smart home technology here.