Connected home: what is home automation?
Smart houses, what do you think? This is not science fiction, they really exist! Using a technology called home automation, this type of housing combines comfort and sense of security. Are you intrigued? We suggest you to know more.
With home automation, you can control your environment remotely , thanks to a control screen, a remote control, or an interface on your tablet or smartphone.
In practice, it will make your home more intelligent: without moving from your couch, or even from your workplace, you will be able to turn off your lights, turn on your alarm, start your dishwasher, etc.
But concretely, how is this possible? The objects, all connected, are networked to interact with each other : they will, in other words, communicate with each other.
To make your day easier, you will have the opportunity to create as many scenarios as you want, so that they perfectly match your lifestyle. Every morning, for example, you get up at 6:30 and immediately take the direction of your bathroom? This may seem incidental, but for your towel to be warm when you arrive, you can expect the bearing on which it is heated to start at 6:25.
Your home, thanks to home automation, can also adapt to its environment in a jiffy: it's getting dark and you're not at home? Your blinds, while the brightness is weakening, will close automatically.
A connected house thanks to a housing
For everything to work properly, you will need to have a home automation box , which can work locally or via the cloud . Before investing, it is nevertheless necessary to see if your different equipment (blinds, heating , street lights, gate, coffee maker , etc.) are compatible with this one.
Once verified, the work can begin: the wired system will be preferred if you build or if you do major renovations, because a network of cables is installed in the walls, and then centralized to a single command.
If you do not want to pierce the walls, another option is available to you: a radio installation will then be preferred. This implies that an electronic chip will be integrated on each of the devices you want to network.
Ever-smarter objects
To carry out the domotization of your habitat, it is essential to multiply the connected equipments. Imagine that you only target two: it's clearly not worth it to get into this kind of project.
But what objects to target? Above all, it is essential that you determine your needs , depending on how you live.
Blinds and shutters, gate, garage door, light, heating, automatic watering : the automation of most of these devices will bring you some comfort.
It may, however, not be limited to these objects even if, in some cases, it is more the gadget. Connectivity also has a place in the kitchen, where you can make your oven intelligent (its temperature is controlled remotely), or in the bathroom, since your bathtub can be filled alone, on order, and at the desired temperature.
Multiple benefits
Achieve energy savings : and therefore, a money saving! You leave your home? The heaters will automatically go to sleep, and the lights that stay on will go out on their own. Thanks to such equipment, you will be able to lower your energy bill, sometimes up to a quarter. Good news for your wallet, but also for the planet. Note that you can track your consumption in real time, expressed in both kWh and euros.
Always more comfort : you're in your car, it's raining, and your gate is closed? Do not panic, and do not bother getting out your umbrella, thanks to home automation, and your smartphone will have identified that you are nearby, it will open automatically.
An all-in-one system : it may seem futile but in this case, you can operate any of your devices using a single interface, this from your tablet, your computer or your smartphone, or with the help of a control screen. A practical side to mention, since you will not have to juggle between different applications.
Enhanced security : you are on vacation, but you want to simulate your presence to scare away potential burglars? No problem, home automation allows your lights to light in the evening for a certain duration. A water leak occurs at your home and you are away? The arrival of water will be immediately cut off, so that the damage already occurred does not worsen.
A plus for an elderly person : from a certain moment, it becomes difficult to remain alone at home, the daily gestures become complicated to perform. The retirement home is then to consider. This deadline can be pushed back thanks to the technology, since to go down the shutters or to operate a garage door, in particular, can be realized only by simply pressing a button.
Variable cost
The amount you will have to pay may be a few thousand euros, but can as well go up to 100,000 euros . This large difference is explained by the number of objects you want to network, but also by the work to be done. These will be heavier to achieve if you opt for a wired installation: it will cost you more than setting up a radio system.
If the rates seem high, know that they are more affordable than a few years ago. What's more, you do not have to make a huge investment from the start: the installation is scalable, without additional work, you can initially opt for only a few features.
Ask a professional
Even if you are handyman, it is better to entrust the work and the configuration of the box to a specialized electrician . It is indeed more cautious, especially since home automation involves your daily life, your comfort of life and your safety.
Before starting any action, ask your expert to provide you with a quote: Depending on your budget, he will do his best to provide you with what is best for you.
What's more, in the event of a breakdown, it will be able to provide after-sales service.
This article was created in partnership with Luxembourg Electricité Foetz
