The Home Automation Series: What is it?

Throughout the years on our blog, we have addressed various aspects about smart homes, but what if you are new to our site and aren’t familiar with what home automation is and what we mean by smart? Well…we can’t let that happen…so, here’s a little brush-up for those who are already familiar with it, but more so, this is for those of you who are curious about making the switch…to living a life more comfortable. Home Automation…it’s the only way to live if you want to live right!

What is Home Automation?
Home Automation, often referred to as “Smart Home Technology”, is the use of technology to automate your home. Home automation allows you to control almost every aspect of your home through the Internet.

Some think Home Automation first originated with the invention of the Thermostat, but one thing is for sure…we have advanced light years since then. In fact, it has now evolved into one of the speediest and largest growing markets in technology. You can use it to control practically anything: appliances, lighting, TVs, security, energy consumption, and because the controls are so easy to use, you can even use it as a personal assistant.

In our home automation series, you will learn everything you need to know about the basics of Home Automation: how it works, how to safely use it, as well as what you can control with it.

How Does Home Automation Work?
It is hard to explain the inner-workings of Home-Automation because there isn’t just one way to automate a home. The technology varies from country, company, and type of automation. In a nutshell, Home Automation relies heavily on modern, wireless technology that broadcasts an Internet signal. Even though there are new Apps out there that promote “home automation,” the best way to truly automate your home is through a reputable company that specializes in it. Simply put, the basic ingredients for home automation are electricity, radio waves and wireless technology, but if you want a truly automated home…you need to seek out a professional to do it.

Control: The number one benefit of a control system is in the name. With a Home-Automation Control System, you will be able to truly control everything in your home through a wall mounted terminal, but it can also be accessed via a remote control device, smartphone, tablet or computer which makes it incredibly convenient as well.

Efficient & Reliable: There are Apps out there that are “smart” compatible. And yes, while these Apps are good at what they automate, you’re surely not going to be able to control everything with just one App. In fact, if you tried to cut corners and achieve the same result as one would with an installed control system, you’d find yourself having to keep up with a plethora of Apps just to resemble half of what you’d get with a control system. For instance, one App promises to help with your security, another App controls your Thermostat, then there’s an App for your lighting and the long list goes on.  In other words, Apps-based “home automation” is not a one-stop-shop solution. With a professional, home automation control system, you will have only one system to deal with. It will control everything: your lights, thermostat, sprinklers, phone, washer, dryer and so much more.

Beneficial: You can access all the different aspects of your home from one convent system. Everything from your shower to your home-security network can all be controlled via one central system. Whatever your needs, now is the time to be involved with home automation because finally, home automation is within reach for those consumers who wish to create a smart, intuitive home.

Is Home Automation Safe?
There is no technology available that’s 100% foolproof, so Home-Automation is no different.  New technology is created every day, and with it comes excitement. However, we can’t help but feel a little vulnerable as well. We wonder things like, “What if our privacy is comprised?” or “What if the technology fails?” Here are some things to keep in mind when investing in Home Automation.

Privacy: When it comes to using Apps-based Home Automation, you really must question if companies are collecting information about you. For example, if you ask Alexa how to fix a refrigerator, don’t be surprised if the next time you surf the web you see a bunch of refrigerator ads. Yeah…that’s not a coincidence. The fact of the matter is…if you choose to take a shortcut on the road to home automation, you’re going to get what you pay for. However, the good news is that with Custom Audio Video’s help, you won’t have to worry about that.

Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity is a very important issue that many people do not take seriously enough. As a consumer, you need to know how to protect yourself. The first step to doing so is to stay informed. Network security is another vital part of keeping your Smart Home cyber safe. Start with password encryption, which is the most important part of network security. You should use strong passwords, and change them often.

Interested in learning more about Home Automation? Keep an eye out for our next blogs in the Home Automation Series: “What Are 10 Things to You Can Do with It?” and “What Makes It Smart?”