The smart home market has exploded in recent years. So much so that a recent report estimates the entire market being worth $1.4 trillion by the end of 2034. That same report shows that 45% of all U.S. homes have at least one smart device in them. And what is the key to maximizing smart home technology? Automation.
I have several smart speakers in my home. I admit that it is kind of fun to turn lights on and off with just my voice. But it’s not something I have to do. I can just as easily walk over to the wall and press the switch. In reality, the real strength of my smart home tech is being able to automate lighting – and all my other devices, too – so that I don’t have to be involved in their operation at all.
It’s Called ‘Home Automation’ for a Reason
The practice of utilizing smart home technology is often referred to as ‘home automation’. That is no accident. Most devices in a smart home can support at least some level of programming. Programming equals automation. And automation, when maximized to its fullest potential, increases efficiency, comfort, and convenience.
A classic example is automating temperature control. Imagine you had a Vivint home automation system that included a modern smart thermostat. It has two key features that lend themselves extremely well to automation:
- Programming – You can program the thermostat to adjust the temperature based on your lifestyle. And for the record, today’s smart thermostats are easy to program. If you can use a smartphone, you can program one.
- Artificial Intelligence – Today’s smart thermostats are equipped with AI. When linked to other smart sensors in the home, they can monitor and artificially learn from your daily routine. They can then self-adjust to maximize efficiency.
Think about that for a minute. Imagine programming your thermostat just once and then forgetting about it. The device handles the rest on its own. It self-adjusts based on your routine, the season, and the information you input during programming. And if you ever need to override the adjustments, you can do so either remotely or at home.
Automating Your Lighting
Automating temperature control is a starting point for many new smart home enthusiasts. Others prefer to start the home automation journey with lighting. Lighting was my starving point. I chose it because it had so many practical applications.
Creating a smart lighting system can be achieved with smart bulbs, smart switches, smart wall plugs, relays, or any combination thereof. My system utilizes a selection of plugs and switches. Combined with an open-source home automation platform, I can program lighting to meet a variety of needs.
Take my morning routine. I do not know about you, but I don’t like walking down a dark hall first thing in the morning. So I programmed my lights to turn on at the same time that my alarm goes off. I never have to walk through a dark house while I am still trying to shake the sleep out of my eyes.
You could obviously do the same thing. You could also program your lights to turn on just before you arrive home at the end of the day. A creative lighting program can also simulate occupancy while you are on vacation. Programmed lights can keep your kids safer and your pets more comfortable.
Integrating With Home Security
You can even integrate home automation with a modern home security system. I will describe how in the following paragraphs, but check out Vivint’s guide to The Best Home Security and Automation for Your California Home for more information. Vivint is a leading supplier of home automation and security systems with remote monitoring.
Integrating home automation with security starts with thinking about the devices you have. For example, my systems are equipped with two security cameras. Under normal circumstances, the camera installed in the master bedroom is kept off. I only turn it on when we leave the house. Guess what? I can automate that.
The camera never actually powers down. It goes into sleep mode – where the lens and sensor turn off even though the camera is still powered. I have linked the camera to my smartphone so that, using GPS, I can force it to turn on and begin streaming as I drive away from the house.
Setting Up Entire Routines
Above and beyond my cameras, I can set up entire routines that integrate both home automation and security devices. A good example would be a shutdown routine run at the end of the night. I simply create a group of devices that includes all my smart lights, the smart lock on the front door, and my alarm system. Then I add a verbal command to trigger the nighttime routine.
By saying something as simple as, “lock down the house” I initiate a routine that locks the front door, arms the security system, and turns out all the lights. I can issue that command after I am snug and secure in my bed.
The possibilities for automated routines are virtually endless. By integrating your systems, you could create a routine to prepare the family room for movie night. Another routine could help you in the morning by turning on lights, brewing the coffee, and presenting you with your daily schedule.
GPS and geolocation technologies allow for linking routines to your physical location. Imagine never having to remember to lock the front door because it locks automatically when you leave for work. It is truly amazing to consider what you can do with home automation.
Automation Makes a Home Smarter
Smart homes are great. They are made smarter when homeowners employ automation strategies. The more automated my home becomes, the more I enjoy living in it. In fact, I don’t think I would have much use for smart devices if I could not integrate them with automation routines. After all, the novelty of speaking to my lights eventually wears off.
