Home Automation
What, exactly, is home automation? It is actually a special extension of an already existing concept: it is the extension, residentially-speaking, of building automation. It is automation of household chores, work, or activity through the use of electrically and electronically controlled mechanisms. There are many forms which this may take, and they shall be detailed shortly!
Home automation takes place when technology is applied in the home to improve the quality of life. For instance, the applications used in home automation may include the security systems having access control, monitoring and control of equipment either remote or local, closed-circuit television with remote or local viewing and recording. A good thing about home automation is that it is not expensive. Home automation involves the use of intelligent devices in providing more sophisticated control of any part of your house. A simple home automation may involve the control of multiple lights from a single switch or turning on the lights on a particular hour of the day.
Climate Control
A part of home automation involves the critically important component: climate control. Through the use of sensors which can detect temperature changes, computers activate or idle the different systems which control the heating or cooling of the home, thus maintaining the internal temperature at the number set by the owner. Another item which may also be controlled in this manner is the internal humidity.
Security
Another critical aspect of home automation involves the home security system. The homeowner has wide latitude in the selection of what is purchased and how it is implemented. Any number of security cameras can be installed and wired into a command center with a monitor or monitors so that activity around the premises may be monitored. Motion sensors may also be employed, connected to a control system, or, additionally, to lights which activate if the sensor is triggered. Additional sensors also include magnetic sensors for the windows, and those which can detect either changes in pressure or the fracture of glass.
Lighting
Yet another important home automation feature is that of automated lighting. A lighting system may be purchased and then programmed to illuminate rooms at certain times, such as during the evenings, and then extinguish automatically early in the morning. Additionally, the system can be programmed so as to activate when people enter a room, and then disengage when the occupants have left, thus saving energy. The lights can also be controlled in terms of their brightness, and the system may also be programmed to respond to commands from a cellular phone or other wireless device.
Audio and Video
Home automation can also involve the automation of audio and video systems for entertainment purposes, with movies or other programming remotely selected and then viewed in one or more rooms within the house. An intercom system is another similar convenience: it can be installed to permit communication between different parts of a house if the size of the home is too large for simple, normal verbal communication, or some rooms are soundproofed for work or musical purposes.
Other Systems
Other systems around the house also qualify as home automation systems. Plant watering, or sprinkler systems, and those which assist in the feeding and watering of pets are such. Additionally, pool pumps and heaters, hot tub heaters, and spas can also be activated or otherwise controlled remotely. Finally, the garage door or even the coffee maker are things which may be activated and monitored remotely.
A lot of items fall into the category of home automation products. Over time, these products and the systems they comprise have become very critical in our day-to-day life, making our living conditions more comfortable, and our homes safer.