SmartHome – The Most Important Things You Should Know

In the Beginning, There Was the System

The most basic distinction is the division into systems based on radio technology and traditional cable (wired). The cable system seems to be a more expensive solution, due to the need for cable distribution. However, it gains on cheaper operation – there is no need to replace batteries in individual components. Additionally, planning the system at the building design stage might be a challenge. In the case of wireless architecture, the ability to apply it at any stage of the building’s construction, and even in old buildings, speaks in its favor. Moreover, this system is partially resistant to network surges. It also offers more possibilities for expansion with additional elements, and in case of moving, you can take it with you.

The Power of Possibilities

Thanks to home automation systems, we can control practically everything. The system will ensure comfortable use of multimedia, provide the right temperature in rooms, help in uncovering curtains or blinds, and even water the lawn for us. And all this without the need to get out of bed! Modern home automation systems can be controlled not only through the main control panel but also via applications on mobile devices or even a website. The undeniable advantage of smart home is also the possibility of voice control and creating scenarios.

Disadvantages

However, using home automation comes with certain risks. Primarily, the risk associated with hacking into the system and taking control over our home. In such a situation, the intruder can not only make our life difficult, spy on us, but also take away valuable belongings. Moreover, we must remember that every device can fail, e.g., the lawn will be watered continuously (in the case of the watering controller). For remote control, e.g., during vacations, a stable internet connection is needed.

If we decide on smaller solutions, such as a smoke detector, flood sensor, thermostat, or one-button mechanism, the risk of hacking is proportionally smaller. On the other hand, even if a break-in occurs, the losses we might suffer are practically zero. Therefore, when choosing solutions for our home, we should primarily be guided by common sense.

What to Pay Attention to When Choosing a Smart Home System?

First and foremost, it’s important to pay attention to the appropriate certifications of electrical and electronic devices offered by different companies. Sometimes it’s better to pay extra and be sure that the system won’t let us down, e.g., during longer vacations abroad. It’s worth checking whether the system’s communication is properly encrypted (such solutions make hacking into the system more difficult). Every system can fail, so it’s worth considering how a given element can be damaged and how to protect against its effects. Pay attention to the presence of special valves that prevent flooding, or automatic thermostats on radiators, which will care not only for our home budget but also for the planet. For our convenience, it’s also worth choosing the one-button option, which allows us to turn off or turn on the light throughout the house with a single button.

Intermediate Solutions

If we do not want to invest in the full version of the home automation system, it’s worth considering intermediate solutions. Then it’s up to us to choose which elements of our home we would like to automate. For sale, we can find, for example, bulbs or sockets controlled by a remote or via an app through Wi-Fi.

Practical Advice

Before we get excited about well-functioning applications and system capabilities, let’s first pay attention to the possibilities of their use. A perfect example is a coffee maker that brews us delicious coffee as soon as it receives information from the system that we are approaching home or the waking hour is nearing. An almost perfect solution! However, one question remains, who will put the cup under the coffee maker?