Home Automation – How to Get Started

Home Automation

I’m sure many have thought about home automation – and how do I get that inside my house?
From automatic lights to voice controlled air-conditioning – the bountries of home automation is ever-growing. It is designed to allow all users from all backgrounds to benefit from the developing home automation industry.

If you use a smartphone, you already know how to use a smart home. With the latest innovations in technology, automation for only industrial purposes are a thing of the past. Now, regular consumers are capable of controlling and configuring home automation devices. The developments in technology made the possibilities endless. Some examples of home automation devices that can be integrated into your own home are automatic lights, doors, appliances, curtains, doors, windows, thermostats, and smoke sensors. The benefits of home automation are numerous – increased security, burglery deterant, home maintenance mitigation, energy savings, and much more.

That all sounds great to have, but what does it take to put together?
Before we go into “How to Set it Up”, we must understand “How it Works”.

How it Works

Home Automation uses the latest technology to allow for the devices to communicate with one another. Very similar to how your phone/computer would connect to your WiFi network at home – these “Smart Devices” connect to a network through various communication methods. But “Smart Devices” are similar to hands, feet, eyes, & ears, therefore they need a “Smart Hub” which acts as the devices’ brain.

Smart Hubs

Smart Hubs act as the brain for the devices. This device (“Smart Hubs”) commands the devices to do what they need to do – or listens to the devices to enable an action. Without a Smart Hub, you cannot operate all your smart devices.

(Note: Many smart bulbs have integrated through your router signal and may not require a hub. See Smart Devices for more details) There are smart hubs that have voice-recognition software that are very convient.

(Note: Many smart bulbs have integrated through your router signal and may not require a hub. See Smart Devices for more details) There are smart hubs that have voice-recognition software that are very convient.

Be careful on selecting your Smart Hub to ensure it is compatible with all your recommended devices.
See Smart Hubs for more details on Smart Hubs.

Smart Devices

Smart Devices are uses to control or monitor your Smart Home. Examples of these devices are automatic lights, doors, appliances, curtains, doors, windows, thermostats, smoke sensors, and many more. Be aware, that all devices require specific configuration requirements and must be compatible with the Smart Hub. See our Smart Devices section for a list smart devices and product reviews. Smart Communication
The Smart Hub(s) talk to the Smart Devices through various methods – mostly WiFi and/or Bluetooth. Therefore you must consider the length of your WiFi network and it’s access to the Smart Device’s locations. The further the device is from the WiFi network or Hub, you may experience latency or inproper operation. Large home become suseptible to WiFi limitations. Contact us for solutions!

How to Set it Up

Before going trigger-happy on the “Add To Cart” button, you want to consider what level of Home Automation you are aiming to achieve. From personal experience, once you start the first item – you will move onto next areas of the house. Our goal is to eliminate any failures you may encounter through our experiences.

Levels of Home Automation

Level 1 – Lights (room or rooms)

Level 2 – Lights (entire home)

Level 3 – Convenience

Level 4 – Security

Level 5 – Full Automation

See the post for details on recommended devices, setup, and tutorials.