By now, we constantly hear about Smart Home, a house where home automation comes to our aid to make some operations immediate and possible even when we are away, thanks to the remote control. Each device is connected to the network in an intelligent home and interfaces with the smartphone through applications that allow you to monitor their status and perform actions remotely. Before delving into the subject, let’s find out the meaning of home automation, how a system is made, and the pros and cons of its adoption.
What Is A Home Automation System: The Meaning
Let’s start from the meaning of home automation, a word that derives from the union of “Domus,” a Latin term that means “house,” and from the Greek suffix “Ticos,” which indicates the disciplines of application. So, what is home automation? This discipline studies technologies and their application within domestic contexts to improve the quality of life, making homes smarter with automation systems, that is, through home automation systems.
The home automation system is a system that allows the user, through the use of technologies and devices, to activate and manage various systems in the house remotely. In particular, within a residential context, its main applications concern: lighting, control of current loads, heating, opening, and closing doors and gates, sound system, videophone, irrigation, the alarm and surveillance system, and the control of household appliances.
Home Automation: Pros And Cons
Having a home automation system at home has its pros and cons. When you think about a smart home, it is almost taken for granted that the use of technologies brings only positive aspects. However, evaluations are to be made to understand the essential convenience within your home.
The Advantages Of A Home Automation System
- Better management of energy sources and consequent economic savings
- Complete control of all rooms in the house via a single panel
- Remote control with smartphone or tablet
- Unique and intuitive interfaces to simplify the interaction between all the systems in the house
- The home automation system increases the value of the house
The Disadvantages Of A Home Automation System
- High cost for the installation of the systems
- Like computer systems, they can be subject to malfunctions, bugs, or viruses
- It can still be challenging to find a qualified technician specialized in home automation
What It Takes To Make A Home Automation
If you want to create a 100% smart home, you will have to rely on a home automation system and invest a large budget. Several companies offer systems for a smart home; we recommend that you evaluate the available solutions and ask for more quotes. Among the most famous and reliable home automation brands, there are, to name a few, Bticino, Vimar, Somfy, and Easydom.
If you choose to create a home automation system, you will have to rely on professional technicians to adapt the home systems and devices, connecting them to a control unit. Through the latter, it will be possible to control and program each connected device in the house. Everything will be manageable via voice commands or, given, using displays, computers, remote controls, or apps. On the other hand, if you do not have significant needs but still want a smart home, you can rely on DIY home automation solutions.
How Much Does A Home Automation System Cost?
Establishing the cost of a home automation system is not easy since several factors must be considered. First of all, the complexity of the home automation system used, the number of components, the size of the house, the type of customization, and the control methods. Approximately, the price of a home automation system for an intelligent home is 8000 € – 10000 €, considering an area of about 100 m2.
However, we recommend that you contact professionals in the sector to obtain a detailed quote that considers all the factors we have listed and any additional needs you may have. Different speech if you decide to adopt some DIY solutions to automate your home. In this case, you can make choices based on your available budget.
The Best Products For A DIY Home Automation
Do-it-yourself home automation meets the needs of a much wider audience, not only for the lower costs but also for the ease of installation of the plug and play devices and, above all, wireless. The operation is intuitive and straightforward, buy the intelligent devices, configure them and connect them to the home wifi network, and that’s it. Here are some of the best home automation products to transform your home into a smart home.
Smart Bulbs
Smart bulbs can be remotely controlled with specific applications via smartphone. They allow programming based on times and events and remote switching on and off. In addition, they are highly energy-saving devices.
Wifi Thermostat
The wifi thermostat is an intelligent thermostat that works like any chronothermostat. It connects to the boiler and the heating system and allows remote control. It is possible, via smartphone or tablet, to customize the house’s heating even when you are out and to find, upon returning, a welcoming environment.
Wifi Sockets
Wifi sockets add innovative features to traditional appliances that are connected, allowing remote control and programming. More complex models are also able to provide consumption data.
Wireless Video Intercom
With this device, it is possible to know who is in front of the house even when you are far away or talk to guests while waiting.
Wifi Cameras
Security is essential and is one of the most important sectors in which home automation has developed. With wifi cameras and remote video surveillance systems, you can keep an eye on your home even when you are out, using your smartphone.
Smart Switches
The bright switch is a wireless device that allows remote control connected to other electronic devices and household appliances. For example, you can schedule the music to turn on to find it when you get home at a particular time.
Shutters Automation
One of the most requested actions was that of automating the shutters, as well as the curtains. Using the wifi switches, it is possible to manage its functions and program opening and closing.
Smart Speaker
The smart speaker is a wireless speaker that integrates a microphone and a virtual assistant. Through a series of commands, it allows to carry out specific actions such as online search, audio and video playback, turning the TV on and off, and much more. Furthermore, it can communicate with other home automation devices in the house.
Voice Assistants: Alexa And Google Home Mini
Alexa Echo Dot and Google Home mini are two intelligent speakers that integrate proprietary voice assistants. There are differences between the voice assistant Alexa and Google Assistant. For example, the former has a more natural voice, while the latter can understand the user better and bring about a genuine conversion. However, what makes the most in terms of compatibility, home automation, and intelligent home is Alexa. If you are thinking of using smart devices, we recommend purchasing the Echo Dot.
Transforming TV Into Smart TV
Even the old TV can be made Smart with a small investment. To access the interactive features, the offer of streaming channels and connect it to the network, you can: buy an Android Smart Box to connect to the TV, or devices such as Fire Stick TV and Google Chromecast, both designed to transform the TV into Smart TV.
Conclusion
The smart home is the future. Having a home environment that is connected and remotely manageable improves the quality of life and facilitates many daily actions. Today, anyone can make their home Smart, thanks to the many devices designed to connect to the wifi network and interact with each other. Even if a home automation system is the most complete and efficient solution for an intelligent home, the do-it-yourself solution offered by the many products on the market still guarantees a good level of intelligent personalization of the environment.
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