What is home automation? Why automate?

Sophisticated robots can build cars, laptops and mobile phones, leaving us free to do a range of other things. In a similar way, home automation systems take care of simple tasks so we can enjoy a comfortable, convenient lifestyle, and spend more time doing the things we love.

Formally, automation is the method of controlling a process through automatic means, to reduce human intervention. Automation also performs functions that humans cannot do by themselves, such as creating microchip processors.

Informally, it simply makes life run more smoothly. Furthermore, it gives you access to the latest developments in green infrastructure and eco-technology, allowing you to upgrade your lifestyle without upgrading your carbon footprint.

So precisely how does home automation fit in to your home and lifestyle?

Why automate?
The primary purpose of automation is to aid us in living a more convenient and comfortable life. Right now, your home probably employs many types of technology, from the light switch that controls your globes, to the alarm system that protects your belongings. Home automation simply takes this technology a step further, by automating these devices and providing a method to communicate with them.

The system
Home automation systems can be broken down into four primary functions. Depending on the system’s size and complexity, it will be able to control one or more of these functions:

• Lighting Control - Turning lights on and off remotely, creating lighting scenes with the touch of a button, lighting a path to the bathroom at night… you get the idea. Automated lighting can also help you to reduce your energy output and, subsequently, your energy bill.
• Climate Control (HVAC) – In addition to basic control over your home’s temperature, automated climate control helps you save energy by shutting down when nobody is home.
• Home Security – You can integrate a variety of security and defense devices to protect your home and family, by preventing entry and alerting you if someone breaks in.
• Home Entertainment – The right wiring will get you top quality audio and HD video in several rooms, with a souped-up remote controller to change the channel AND turn up the air conditioning. Your options are virtually endless.

These aren’t the only tasks that home automation systems can perform. You could, for example, set up a ‘party’ button that, when activated, dims the lights, closes the blinds, turns on strobe lights, blasts ‘What is Love?’ from the stereo, and has Jim Carrey roll in with his buddies to crash your party. Well, Carrey might not be available every time you hit the button, but the rest of that scenario is very possible. And, it doesn’t have to cost the earth.

How it works
Regardless of how many tricks a home automation system can perform, or how many gadgets are connected, ALL smart home systems have one thing in common: signal relay.

As with any form of communication, signals need to be transmitted, received, and understood to properly work. There are several established protocols available to do this, including X10 and UPB (wired signals), Z-Wave (wireless), and Insteon (wired and wireless hybrid).

All home automation systems also include some way for you to control the signals that fly around. More advanced systems have central controls, which allow you to connect to any part of the system. Central controllers can be connected by wire and are mounted in your wall, or you wield the super remote control and communicate with your home via infrared (IR). Other ways to interface with your smart home including via computer, the internet, or your phone.

Learn more about how home automation could fit into your lifestyle, via controlling your home entertainment system, lighting, security, or climate.