What can I automate at home?? – A Beginners Guide

With the advent of automated technology, there are a lot of things at home that one could automate. Some may come surprising to know, while some are expected and are often those that we find burdensome. Home automated systems can range from automated lighting systems to automated security systems. There are even automated systems that you never imagined to exist or be needed at all. Regardless, one thing is for sure; there will come a time when everything becomes automated. So better get accustomed to it while it is still in its infancy stages.

What can I automate at home? You can automate things at home such as lighting systems, thermostats, security systems, smoke detectors, blinds, TVs, vacuum cleaners, clocks and alarms, mails and packages, garage doors, laundry, wifi on/off, and welcome home greetings.

In this article, you will learn the benefits of having these things automated at home. There will also be a discussion on the costs of having DIY and/or market-sold automated systems. Automated systems can sometimes have shortcomings. So there is a need to discuss what are the disadvantages of having automated systems at home, including being so over-reliant over it.

automation has grown in homes over the past 10 years.

Automated Lighting Systems Are Popular Nowadays

Lighting systems are the most prevalent automated systems at home right now. Companies like Philip Hues have led the way by marketing entire smart lighting systems. Lighting systems that have smart features and integration, from scheduled lighting to music syncing lights. Some lighting systems have even added Geofencing into their long list of features.

With Geofencing, you can rig motion detectors or add GPS tracking to your lighting system. As such, you can set your lights to automatically turn on whenever it detects your presence. In Philips Hues, for example, the system detects your presence through your mobile smartphones. However, for even more advanced setups, you can install motion detectors that would automatically command the lights to turn on or off, whether you have with you your smartphone or not.

Installation Process

You can always start safely with the marketed lighting systems of Philips Hues or Lifx. With Philips Hues, there is already a built-in system of LED lighting that can be manipulated through the Hue App. Since Philips Hue is known for its compatibility, you can improvise things up and connect other smart devices like motion detectors or even control it through Alexa or Siri.

Lighting systems from big companies, like Philips Hue, Lifx, and Yeelight, are already filled with many automated smart features, such as lights going on/off on a certain timer, party lights, mood jiving lights, and even temperature adapting lights. The installation process would be very easy if you start with reliable lighting systems of big companies. In Philips Hue, for example, the installation is quite easy as you only need to start up the Hue bridge and connect it with a Hue app.

isn’t a dishwasher just another form of automation?

Home automation is massively on the rise. I think over the next 5-10 years it’s going to get more and more integrated in to our homes. This is great news as it frees up our time to focus on what really counts. Checkout a few of our other articles on home automation:

Benefits Of Having Automated Lighting Systems

The most obvious benefit of having automated lighting systems is convenience. Smart LED lighting systems that can turn on/off at a certain schedule is definitely convenient. Imagine going home from work, tired, washed, and exhausted, it would be a huge help if the lights turn on by themselves.

Another benefit of having automated lighting systems is the relative sense of security. With an automated lighting system installed, you can set up motion detector systems that would automatically turn on the lights whenever movements are detected. This system would really spook off robbers and thieves. You can also set up random lights to turn on and off at certain time intervals to mimic you and your family’s presence, discouraging potential robbers.

Possible Drawbacks Of Having Automated Lighting Systems

People may become super reliant on automated lighting systems that they become lazy. To think that someone would be so lazy to even turn the lights on/off. Some may view this as part of the perks of living in a modern technological world, while some will view this as people being super reliant on automated systems.

Of course, expenses will be incurred. Having your lighting systems automated will surely cost you big bucks, especially with the installation and equipment that you’ll be needing.. However, if you can afford to spare some expenses, then why not.

Featured Lighting Systems: Philips Hue Lights

There is no doubt that Philips Hue is the leading provider of LED lighting systems, although other LED providers are quickly catching up. For now, Philips Hue Lights leads the pack with topnotch quality, innovative smart features, energy efficiency, and flexible integration systems. Philips Hue is one of the LED providers that first added Geofencing into its repertoire.

Automated Security Systems

Security systems can now be automated to the point that you no longer have to regularly check your CCTV cameras, or even hire someone to do so. The advent of technology has brought upon us automated security systems that can be installed at your residential homes, workplace or any other place where security is a concern. This may include motion detectors, wireless cameras, outdoor cameras that turn on at certain points of time, and even alarm systems that can trigger and alert the authorities.

Installation Process May Be A Bit More Challenging

Installing security systems may be a bit more difficult than lighting systems. For starters, there are many security devices available in the market like cameras, motion sensors, etc., but there are very few ready-made systems out there. Thus, you will have to improvise and, if possible, hire IT experts to assist you in the setup.

Motion Detectors Are Common Nowadays

You can now buy motion sensors and motion-detecting cameras to install in strategic places in your houses. Preferable, the motion sensors should be placed in areas where somebody is bound to pass by, like doorways, corridors, and stairways. With a bit of help from IT experts, you can program it to sound an alarm whenever it detects movement during the night.

Benefits Of Installing Automated Security Systems

Security, obviously, would be the main benefit of installing automated security systems, not just for your family but also for your properties. Imagine an alarm system that can be triggered by unwanted entrance of robbers or thieves in the middle of the night. It is not just about convenience; we are talking about safety and security.

Fire Alarm systems can also be included, specifically the installation of heat sensors. By programming a system that could alarm the residents by the slightest detection of an uncontrolled fire, human lives and properties can be saved. House fires can burn down in mere minutes, as modern materials like plastics and synthetics tend to burn down faster.

Disadvantage Of Installing Security Systems

Hacking is definitely a major concern. As tech companies have strengthened their hacking defenses, hackers are also improving their hacking skills. If security systems like the White House can be hacked for a few minutes, then your humble abode may not be safe from hacking.

Featured Automated System: AI Guardman System

This is a machine learning application developed by a Japanese Company. The initial programming of the system allows the camera to detect suspicious behavior, such as shoplifting and pickpocketing. The camera automatically zooms in on a person suspected of such behavior. Since it is AI (artificial intelligence) programmed, shops would no longer need to hire a person to watch the security cameras 24/7.

European companies have now tapped on the resources. They plan to install it in crowded areas to detect violence and other suspicious activities. Maybe soon, you can install it outside the house, facing the streets, and program it to watch out for suspicious activities. It would be amazing to have a system that would detect suspicious activities, such as lookouts of potential thieves, before things go bad.

Price of AI Guardman

The AI guardsman is priced at 230,000 Yen or roughly $2,100, plus a monthly fee for AI cloud services. The price is a bit hefty, but if you have the financial resources to afford it, why not. Money and other properties can be replaced, but human life cannot, so maximize your security systems.

Automated Thermostats for Cooling And Heating

You can also install automated thermostats around your house. Instead of manually turning up the heat, you can have a system automatically adjust the room temperature to your desired temperature. Perfect and convenient, especially when the temperature drops during the night. In the same manner, you can have an automated system that would command the air conditioner to turn on whenever the summer heat picks up.

Automated Vacuum Cleaners and Washing Machines

Also, try buying automated vacuum cleaners and washing machines online or at physical stores. Robot vacuum cleaners are readily available in the market. No need to personally vacuum the rooms. Just set the timer on the robot vacuum, and it will proceed independently. The robot vacuums are priced at around $200 to $500, depending on the brand, battery life, physical dimensions, and integrations.

As for automated washing machines, they have been around for quite some time already. You can buy washing machines that automatically change into a dryer. This cuts you precious time and effort in transferring the laundry to the drier. Premier washing machine brands like LG have made laundry time convenient and somewhat enjoyable.

Other Automated Home Ideas

You may also try other home automated ideas such as automated blinds that adjust on a timer or even on command from Alexa. Garage doors are also now made better by automated systems. You can have your garage door automatically open whenever your vehicle is facing it.

Simple home automation systems, like ‘welcome home’ greetings, may sound trivial but may lighten up the mood. Imagine getting home and greeted by an AI system, such as Alexa or Siri. For some that work and live alone, the greetings may mean a lot.

Conclusion

There are a lot of home automation ideas for you to try at home. Lighting systems, security systems, and automated appliances are just some of the things you can try. Some have even used DIY automated systems, although that would need some level of technical expertise. Regardless, do not be afraid of going automated because they make life easier, giving you more time and energy for your loved ones.

P.S.

That’s it for this article. I hope you enjoyed reading it and if you think it might be useful for someone else then please share it on social media, email or your own website! It really encourages us to write more content and grow the site!

Steve

If you’re interested in reading more about smart light, smart garages and smart homes checkout some of the other houshia categories including:

Smart Lights

Smart Home

Smart Garage

Reference(s):