Skip to main content

How does home automation work? Everything you need to know to get started

When Disney released its beloved movie Smart House in 1999, it was a fun work of science fiction. Little did we know that 2o years later, smart devices would indeed have the capability to control everything in the home including the temperature, locks, lights, security camera, and so much more. With internet-enabled televisions, you can stream all your favorite TV shows and movies without a cable box, and there are even coffee makers that you can program to brew your cup of joe before you even wake up.

With the popularity of smart technology at an all-time high, total home automation is on the rise. We’re going to discuss what home automation is, how it works, and how you can jump on this trend to set up your 21st century home.

Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock

What is home automation?

Home automation refers to a house that functions completely, or almost completely, via a network of smart, connected devices. The user can schedule or program these devices easily and conveniently, often from their smartphone. This means you can control and monitor the goings-on inside your home from anywhere, whether it’s across the road or across the world.

How does home automation work?

Smart devices are most convenient when they are easy to access and operate. A fully automated home often has a command center or hub where you can control all of your smart devices from one place instead of operating them on several different apps. Usually, this is only the case if you purchase all your devices from the same company or choose devices that are interoperable with your other products.

This allows you to program connected commands so, for example, you can set your lights to turn on when the front door opens or program your thermostat to adjust to an eco mode when you leave for work and engage your home’s security system. For home automation to be worth the cost, it has to really add to your quality of life. Managing ten different devices from separate locations is just about as burdensome as having no connected devices at all.

Benefits of home automation

Aside from feeling as slick and smooth as James Bond with all those high-tech smart devices, there are plenty of other benefits that come along with home automation.

Comfort

From the temperature of your home to lighting that matches your mood, you can customize your smart devices to fit your own preferences. Schedule your thermostat to turn up the heat before you get home, or program your lights to turn on as you pull in the driveway. It’s like having a little butler living inside of your phone.

Convenience

You can remotely program your devices and schedule their operation at the touch of a button whether you’re sitting in the living room or on the beach. If you want to let the dog-walker in at a certain time, you don’t need to make a spare key. Instead, simply unlock the door when they arrive and lock it again when they leave.

Peace of mind

Home automation means you can check the status of your devices at any time and from anywhere. If you’re not sure that you locked the door, concerned you left an appliance running, or curious if your Amazon package arrived, you can check on it in a snap.

Savings

Particularly when it comes to smart lighting and thermostats, your energy usage will definitely decrease with home automation. For example, you can set your lights and thermostat to operate in eco mode to conserve energy, especially when you’re away from the home.

Halfpoint/Shutterstock

Smart home devices to start out with

There’s a smart device for just about anything nowadays, so it’s best to start small with a few basics before diving into total automation. These are the smart home devices that will deliver the greatest impacts.

  • A smart thermostat and lighting provide the greatest return on your investment in terms of comfort and monetary savings.
  • Smart speakers will add the most to your overall convenience with voice commands since you can operate and control all other devices hands-free.
  • A smart security system will give you the most peace of mind as you can always have eyes on your home.

Smart devices are great for simplifying one-off tasks, but developing a network of these connected gadgets will really up the game. If you’ve been considering automating your home, we can assure you that it’s well worth it. Start with a few helpful devices, then expand your network until you can dim the lights, lock the doors, start your favorite movie, and order groceries all with the sound of your own voice.

Editors' Recommendations

Veronica Sparks
Veronica Sparks is a writer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who loves writing about gardening, home décor, and DIY life. She’s…
How to install a security light with a motion sensor in 3 easy steps
how to install security lights shutterstock 1340722961

Your home is your haven, and it should be where you and your family feel the safest. Keeping your home protected with a home security system is the most comprehensive way to guard it, but if you're not ready for that financial commitment, you can always install a motion-detecting security light outside. To answer any questions you may have, we'll discuss the benefits of motion sensor lights and how to install them quickly so you and your family can sleep a little easier.

Benefits of a security light with a motion sensor
While they don't come with all the bells and whistles of a complete home security system, outdoor motion sensor security lights give you a lot of bang for your buck when it comes to keeping your home secure.
Improve security
Of course, the primary benefit of a security light with a motion sensor is that it deters would-be intruders. Not only would an intruder be caught off-guard by the sudden burst of light, but they are likely to retreat and move along since they don't want to be seen.
Promote safety
Falls happen in the driveways and walkways of homes not only when the ground is wet or iced over, but also when it's too dark to see any trip hazards. With a motion sensor light, every time you enter or exit your home, you can be confident that you'll have a light to illuminate the way, preventing slips, trips, and falls.
Convenience
Outdoor motion sensor lights also mean you don't have to remember to turn your outdoor lights on and off every time the sun goes down or a guest arrives. The light simply turns on when your movement is detected, with no effort on your part.
Budget-friendly
Since full home security systems can be pricey, motion sensor security lights present a more economical way to secure the home without breaking the bank.
Where to install motion sensor lights
For the motion sensor on your outdoor security light to be most effective, install it in a location with no obstructions, like trees or parked cars, that would otherwise prevent it from sensing movements in the area.  Ensure the sensor is approximately 10 feet above ground level and in such a position where any movement that occurs in the area will travel across the motion detector instead of moving directly toward or away from it. Cross movement is more easily detected by the sensor, so make sure it's perpendicular to any walking path.

Read more
The pros and cons of ductless heating and cooling systems you need to know about
Are ductless heating and cooling systems right for your home? These are the pros and cons
ductless heating and cooling shutterstock 1023973342

Your heating and cooling system contributes to your overall comfort, so it's a crucial element of your home. It also tends to be the largest energy expense for most homes. It's important to be sure the system you use is both effective and economical. If you're wondering about ductless heating and cooling systems and whether they're right for your space, you've come to the right place. We'll discuss how they work, who they're ideal for, and all the pros and cons of those ductless heat and air units.

How do ductless heating and cooling systems work?
Most modern homes have duct-based HVAC systems that use an outdoor unit for air conditioning and a furnace for heating. Those units push heated or cooled air through a duct system that's set up throughout the house. Ductless heating and cooling systems, however, require no ducts and simply consist of a condensing unit outside the house and indoor units mounted on the wall or ceiling. The indoor units are responsible for distributing cooled or heated air into the home.

Read more
Make spring cleanup easy: The only home maintenance checklist you’ll ever need
spring tulips in front of a white house

The weather will soon be warmer and the days longer, but the effects of winter are still all around your home. That's why a spring home maintenance checklist is so useful. It can help keep you organized as you prepare your home for summer, and it can save you time and money on unnecessary repairs. Here are some commonly neglected items, both indoors and outdoors, that should be on every homeowner's spring checklist.

Outdoor spring home maintenance checklist
If you live in a region with cold weather, the exterior of your home takes quite a beating in the winter. The impact that snow, ice, and freezing temperatures have on the home's structure can make any homeowner nervous. The good news is, you can save yourself some big headaches if you're diligent about inspecting your home in the spring and fixing minor repairs before they become major problems.
Check for and repair damage to roofing
The weight of just a few inches of snow can do damage to your home's roof. Particularly when it comes to older roofs, one big snowfall in the beginning of winter can let in moisture or even cause a leak. Grab your ladder, safety equipment, and a buddy, and climb up to your roof to take a peek. Loose shingles, broken shingles, and popped nails will need to be replaced.
Check for and repair concrete and asphalt damages
Another woe of freezing weather is that it can damage concrete and asphalt. Examine your driveway, concrete stairs, walkways, and patios for any visible cracks. Even if the crack is minor, if water gets inside of it and freezes, it will expand the crack and require an even more expensive repair. It's a good idea to repair the crack while it's small.
Consider an exterior paint job
Spring is the perfect time to paint the exterior of your home since the temperature and humidity won't negatively impact your paint job. If the outside of your home could use a little TLC, put this project on the list for spring home maintenance.
Consider staining exterior wood surfaces
Cold weather and moisture make wood stain fade quickly. Check your decks, fences, and any other wooden outdoor surfaces to see if they are in need of a good staining.
Check window screens and caulking for damage
Just as your windows should be sealed well in the winter to keep the warm air in, they should also be tightly sealed in the summer to keep the cool air in. Examine the caulking around your window panes to be sure no cracks or gaps exist, and re-caulk if needed. Also, check window screens for tears and holes that might let in bugs when the windows are open.
Clean window exteriors and screens
Get all that grime off of your windows' exteriors after the long winter. It's not advised that you use a pressure washer for windows on upper levels since the force could easily break the glass. Instead, climb up on your ladder and clean those windows by hand. Use window cleaner and a squeegee to make them sparkle.

Read more