By Tim Smith
Home Improvement writer, Modernize.com
While individual home automation devices are nothing new, TV remotes and garage door openers being common examples, the goal in the past has been to integrate things through a central command. This approach is costly and limits choices since there are competing standards. Recent innovations like cheaper, more powerful processor chips, WiFi and smartphones allow both greater options for automating household tasks and an affordable and flexible means to bring it all together.
Cool Down
Programmable thermostats have existed for years but newer models have brought together both intelligent capabilities and Internet connections to produce an indoor climate that requires little input from the homeowner. The Nest thermostat takes the lead by offering self-programming. This device can learn from experience and make its own adjustments. While not as advanced, the Honeywell WiFi Smart and Ecobee Smart thermostats allow for remote operation from a mobile device along with creating an automated schedule.
Power Supplier
Instead of having to upgrade expensive appliances to more sophisticated versions, a simple automated on/off switch can give any homeowner a nice head start in making things smarter. The WeMo home electronics controller makes turning devices on or off possible through either a smartphone, built-in timer, or through a motion sensor by plugging it into an outlet and plugging the device into it. Similarly, the Visible Energy UFO power center permits remote operation by phone but also provides feedback on the power consumption of each device plugged into it.
Shining Bright
Smart outlets aren’t of much help for ceiling lights. The Philips Hue system solves this problem, though. A basic kit consists of three LED bulbs and a control bridge that relays commands from the smartphone to the bulbs. This system goes beyond just on/off switching. The LED lights are capable of generating any color of the spectrum and can be dimmed to any desired level.
Coordinated Attack
Communications standards developed specifically for home automation, like X10, UPB, and Insteon, have the drawback of not being very cooperative with each other. Operating systems like Android or iOS have been taking over this function in part because of their ease of use and because they’re already in use for other purpose and don’t require a homeowner to purchase a separate controller for home use only. This new approach lets the operator start simple with apps to control individual items and expand at their own pace to more complex apps that coordinate different devices such as getting automated shades to work in conjunction with the thermostat to maintain indoor temperature with the least amount of energy.
Tim Smith is a home improvement and energy efficiency writer from Austin, TX. Tim is also a DIY and tech junkie.
For more home automation ideas as well as other home tips visit Modernize.