The advancing technologies have made it possible for homeowners to control their home devices and appliances using their mobile devices from any part of the world. This is what is commonly referred to as home automation.
Although this term can be used to refer to the isolated programmable devices in most homes such as thermostats and sprinkler systems, it generally refers to homes where all systems, including the lights, appliances, electrical outlets, heating, and cooling systems, are hooked up to a network that can be controlled remotely.
Home automation also includes your alarm system, doors, windows, locks, smoke detectors, surveillance cameras, and other connected sensors connected to the main network. In the past, this kind of automation was only found in commercial buildings and luxurious homes. But this type of automation only included lighting and HVAC systems. It was designed to provide only basic control, monitoring, and scheduling functions.
Furthermore, the previous automation method was only accessible from a specific control point within the building. But the latest technologies have made it possible for ordinary homes to install this system. The current home automation networks now include electrical systems and individual points, such as lighting and electrical outlets.
How Does Home Automation Work?
The word automation refers to the programming and scheduling of functions for your household devices. But for this kind of automation to work, the devices must be connected to one network. This kind of programing involves time-related commands like having the lights turn on and off at specific times. It also includes non-scheduled functions like turning on all your lights when the security system is triggered.
Apart from programming and scheduling functions, home automation also involves accessing and monitoring your home devices and systems remotely. For a long time, home automation relied on a limited amount of one-way remote control to enable homeowners to access and monitor their devices and systems. But with the emergence of intelligent devices like cellphones and tablets, it has become relatively easy for homeowners to connect to their home networks from any part of the world.
For instance, your home automation system can enable you to use the internet to see and control your home systems using your mobile phone. You can also install a home monitoring app on your smartphone to access real-time information about your home from anywhere. For example, this app will give you the latest security status of your home while you are away on holiday or business. You will also know if the lights are on or off and whether your doors are locked.
