3 Key Steps to Establish an Automated Home
Home automation goes way beyond convenience. This system not only improves home management but also guarantees safety and comfort. The constant improvement of Smart Technology also means you get better flexibility, easier integration, and more functionality from new devices and appliances.
The reasons you should consider an automated home are many. From top-notch home security to better energy efficiency, this is a system that is worth the investment.
The biggest challenge for many homeowners is where to start. Fundamental questions such as high device costs and operating expenses are why 75% of people in the U.S. are yet to install Smart-Home devices. Home automation is a gradual process, and as such, it is critical to start small and work your way up.
We have compiled a simple list of strategies you can use to begin fully automating your home.
How to Establish an Automated Home
How you set up home automation depends on your ultimate end goal. Do you want a fully integrated smart ecosystem? Or just a functional security network? It is critical to determine your intentions first before you buy any equipment.
The reason this is crucial is that some devices have compatibility issues. Ensure you know which platform you want to set up before developing an automation strategy.
1. Choosing a Central Operating Platform/Hub
Compatibility is still an issue with many smart devices. While you can find a hub to operate all your devices from one central location, finding devices that work with different platforms can be strenuous. Remember that you are setting up an ecosystem of devices that work together.
With this in mind, you will need to find a platform to manage several devices effectively. Platforms such as Apple home-kit, Google Assistant, and Alexa offer these capabilities. Having a central operating point will improve home management.
2. Choose Your Devices
Once you know what kind of ecosystem you want to set up, you can purchase the devices you need.
As mentioned earlier, this is a gradual process that requires a lot of forethought. Many people purchase devices they don’t need and end up losing money. Take your time, evaluate the perks and pitfalls of each option, and work within your budget.
Considerations
There are plenty of devices on the market. It all depends on how much you are willing to spend. Cheap does not mean inferior quality, and expensive does not denote value. Stick to your budget and weigh the perks.
Always research consumer reports on specific items. Check what people are saying on buyer guides and the overall opinion on the streets. Consumer reports are the most effective way to rate a product.
Check user-friendliness ratings as well. Remember, it is your first attempt at automation. You require devices that are easy to install and operate. You can go for simple components such as smart speakers or light-bulbs, then get more advanced devices as you go along.
Some devices require technical expertise. For this reason, try to stick to items that won’t complicate your quest for an automated home.
3. Schedule Functions
The primary aim of automating your home is to streamline your home functions and make life more convenient. Once you have set up all your devices and integrated a central operating system, you can set schedules for routine performance.
Essentially, you can set all your smart devices to work automatically through a single command system. For example, you can program your home security system to switch on your lights, lock your doors and enable video recording simultaneously.
You can also set your entertainment system to play music, show a movie and even switch on your thermostat simply by pressing a command on your smartphone. You can do all this from the comfort of your living room.
With this type of routine scheduling, you can easily control several settings across different devices. One set of commands can change the settings on all of your integrated devices.
Automation
Ultimately, the idea behind home automation is autonomy. This feature means allowing your smart devices to function with no human intervention. Modern home security cameras come equipped with infrared and motion-sensing detectors. These cameras automatically trigger a response and trigger an alarm.
Similar technology applies to smart thermostats, speakers, and even night lights. You only need to install a set of instructions once, and these devices will do the rest.
Verdict
Home automation is now a simple, DIY project that is cheap and achievable. With the right strategy and a list of quality equipment, any homeowner can get a fully automated home.
