With home automation, you use smart devices and services to control different aspects at home. These vary from lighting to climate, entertainment, security, and others. For a fact, such automation can make life easier and more comfortable. But there’s a big question. How can you achieve home automation and convenience in your own home? Well, let’s look at 9 secrets you can leverage.
1. Get a central home automation system
Here, you get a central hub that connects and controls all your smart devices. The advantage is that you can access and manage your smart home anywhere. Check out notable examples below:
SmartThings
Home Assistant
Apple HomeKit
Amazon Alexa
Google Home
The majority of these automation systems will work via smartphone, tablet, laptop, or voice assistant. Already, you’re most likely familiar with these devices. They won’t be difficult to set up following the manufacturer’s instructions.
To ensure you get a good home automation system, confirm that it’s compatible with your existing devices. Additionally, it should feature an intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
2. Optimize lighting and climate control
There’s no argument that lighting and climate control affect comfort, mood, and even energy consumption. Therefore, there’s a need to keep them efficient. That’s possible using automation, and it’s not difficult.
Automating lighting and climate control simply involves using smart bulbs, switches, and sensors. Thermostats are also ideal. The smart devices will allow you to control lighting and temperature remotely. Alternatively, they’ll work based on schedules or triggers with sensors. Here are some of the best ones to consider:
Philips Hue
Ecobee
The devices usually come with all native features necessary for automation.
3. Enhance your entertainment and media
You can access your favorite content, stream music and podcasts, and play games with more convenience. Automation plays a big role here. For instance, consider activating your home theater with voice commands or gestures. The secret here is to use smart speakers, TVs, and streaming devices.
Sonos and Roku are two recommendations. Roku stands as the most popular, and it’s easy to understand why. That’s because it comes in different ranges. You can get a TV, streaming device, or sound bar. All will work seamlessly to keep your home automated and convenient.
4. Use smart security tools
Security and safety are essential because they protect your home. Beyond that, they monitor your property and alert you of emergencies. With automation, it’s possible to secure your home and keep an eye on your surroundings from anywhere. This will involve using devices like smart locks, cameras, and doorbells.
For a more comprehensive approach, consider smart alarms and smoke detectors. Ideally, you can activate these security systems via your central home automation system, app, or voice assistant. Ring and Nest are two popular options to try. In the end, everything works to your advantage as living becomes safer.
5. Make your appliances adjustable
Consider your TVs, kitchen appliances, speakers, and others. You can optimize these devices to make life easier. At the same time, you have fun. With a TV, for example, you can switch from having it fixed on the wall. That’s possible with a motorized lift that reveals the screen only when necessary.
You don’t have to purchase such a lift from shops. It’s possible to set it up yourself using a linear actuator. The motion devices are ideal because they’re easy to work with. Simply learn how to replace an actuator when necessary, and you’ll have no difficulties.
6. Leverage health and wellness tech
Everyone wants to stay healthy, and that’s where this secret comes in. The tech in question refers to devices that automate your health and wellness. For instance, consider smart scales, blood pressure monitors, and fitness trackers. Another popular option is sleep monitors. Looking for recommendations? Check them out below:
Withings Body+
Omron Evolv
Fitbit Charge 4
Philips SmartSleep
Note that the above are premium solutions that may require a subscription. However, they’re worth it for your health.
7. Conserve energy and water usage
This secret is simple yet effective. You get to preserve energy and water at home using simple automation tools. By doing so, you not only promote sustainability but also means lower utility bills.
Consider smart power management. Here, you use smart outlets and energy-efficient gadgets to intelligently control your energy usage. The solutions will ensure electricity is directed where needed and nothing wastes. That’ll reduce consumption without affecting convenience.
Similarly, smart home devices can quietly track water consumption. An example are water-saving appliances. From the results, you get insights to use your water more responsibly. The end goal is to make sure every drop counts.
8. Improve communication with automation
You can make contacting others more seamless at home with automation. For instance, why scroll through your smartphone searching for a number to call? You don’t even need to pick up your mobile device in the first place. Simply give your voice assistant an instruction, and it’s done.
Perhaps you work from home. If that’s the case, you can turn to smart conferencing tools. These devices ensure you can handle virtual meetings in an efficient manner. On top of that, they’re easy to operate.
You can also consider using unified communication platforms. They’re ideal if you have many smart devices at home. The platforms will allow each one to collaborate with ease.
9. Boost your learning and creativity
The ninth secret involves self-improvement. In particular, you leverage automation to become smarter and more creative. The focus is on devices like e-readers and AI.
Of course, the traditional reading pattern will also exist. But if you’re short on time and chance, e-readers make things more convenient. Then, with AI, you can ask and learn about anything.
Conclusion
Automation has many advantages when it comes to improving convenience at home. But not many people are taking advantage of it. One reason is that they don’t know how since many automation devices are available. Thankfully, with the nine secrets discussed in this article, you have many options to implement. With the suggestions, you can say welcome to an easier way of life at home.
