The Internet of Things is set to disrupt the way we live and work, but for now, let’s focus on the “live” portion of that statement.
Smart homes are loaded with possibilities to make your life easier, more convenient, and more comfortable. But making a smart home of the ‘existing structure’ may not be that economic right now.
So, should you go for ‘IoT Home Automation’?
Of course!
Just don’t get confused between ‘Smart Home’ and ‘Home Automation’.
Though these two terms are used interchangeably, they are not the same. Home automation enables to configure and automate how various devices inside and outside the home, work together in an automated way in the context of a connected home. Whereas a smart home is an umbrella term for the automation, digitization, and interconnection of several home automation areas like lighting, room control, blind control, solar shading, audio and video control, security and entry control, the list goes on.
Vital tips to keep in mind while planning to install IoT home automation system:
1. Decide what you Want
The first step to tackle and come up with a solution to any problem is to identify the problem and the cause of the problem. While installing a home automation system too, you should be clear on what you want to be controlled from the smart device, within and/or out of your home.
2. Ensure the best Internet Connection
How well the smart home will perform, depends fully on the availability of an internet connection. Hence, before investing in the installation of a home automation system in your home, invest in a good Wi-Fi router and subscribe to a good internet service. At the end of the day, most problems with the automation are mostly (if not always) caused by bad internet connection.
3. Choose House Appliances Carefully
Appliance specs of the same brand make it easy for the appliances to coordinate and work smoothly. Hence, opt for quality products from a trusted brand.
4. Consult the Experts
Installation of a home automation technology system is complex. Hence, it is wise to take advice and recommendations from an expert before you commence anything.
6. What are the rules of Apartment
Before you start the automation process, it is important to go through the existing house rules. Weigh how can it affect the smart home technology system installation.
7. Allow the Work to be done by professionals only
Let a licensed technician do the electricity jobs and anything else that involves its wiring for a carefree and effective installation.
8. Keep in touch with the installer Often
If you are likely to upgrade the home equipment and appliances regularly, you need to consider the impacts of the upgrade to the smart home system. There are times when you will be in need to reprogram the smart home system to accommodate IP control or the different infrared codes when changing appliances. This will be easy if handled by the installer who worked on the smart home integration from the start.
Areas Where Automation can be included in a Home
1. Lighting Control
Smart lighting is well, one of the smartest additions you can make to your home. there are so many ways you can implement a smart lighting plan—from basic smart switches in a room or two to a full-blown system that automates every light fixture inside and out. There are options galore for every need, every home, and every budget.
2. Security
When integrated as part of a home automation platform, a smart security system can provide extraordinary peace of mind and help your home run like a well-oiled machine. In addition to controlling more obvious security-related devices such as electronic door locks, surveillance cameras, and motion sensors, they can also keep your home safe from environmental dangers and infrastructure-related issues with sensors that report flooding, power shortages, and extreme swings in temperature.
3. Smart Thermostats and Shading
These are two simple additions that can make a huge difference in the comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency of your home. You’ll be in complete control of the indoor climate, adjusting settings on a whim through a mobile app or letting the ‘stats and shades self-adjust based on parameters you prescribe. With minimal changes to your lifestyle, you’ll be able to create the perfect home environment—and save money to boot.
4. Voice Control
We’ve all been there—hands occupied with dishes, bags of groceries, or baskets of laundry. Then the doorbell rings. Or you need more light in the kitchen. Or you want to skip ahead to a new song on your Spotify playlist. It’s in these moments when you could use a quick helping hand.
Wouldn’t it be great to simply tell your home to handle the task and have it carry out your wishes? Thanks to the availability of a wide variety of voice-controllable devices, controlling your home completely hands-free is entirely possible.
– Shalini Satapathy
