I get a number of requests to discuss what Home Automation is and how it affect people and their homes at my E bay store CED Outlet. Let me see if I can clarify a few of the major points on this subject.  

When set up properly, Home Automation is something you don't think about. You don't push a button to do something and you don't have to figure out what to do to make it work. As the word applies, it happens automatically. If you are pushing buttons, you have a control system not an Automation system. But don't misunderstand, an automation system can have control points so you decide when something happens. The main difference is the most important functions you want in your home happen without you having to do anything about it.

OK, What exactly do we want to have happen? This topic extends beyond this guide but I will start with some of the most common functions. Automation should include components to control security, control lights around your home, control of your HVAC system, control of your Hot Water Heater.When an automation controller is set up, it will do things to save time and energy as you go through your day. Let's start in the morning. If you have trouble getting up in the morning, let's have your bedroom light come on at a low level and start ramping up a little at a time until you wake up and shut it off. This usually requires you to get up and so your day starts. Knowing when you get up, the home has begun heating the water 30 minutes prior to the lights coming on so your shower is nice and warm. The sprinklers are just finishing up watering the garden and the temperature sets the way you like it. Remember, you have not dome anything.

When you are ready to go to work, you press a button to set your alarm for day mode and everyone heads to work or school. When the alarm button is pushed, the hot water heater shuts off, the temperature sets back and all the lights are turned off. If every one is gone there is no need for any of these items to be turned up or on. The HVAC system will set back a few degrees to help save energy and the fans will toggle on and off to help keep the home comfortable. The system will send you a message when the kids get home from school, and hot water will turn back on prior to arrival home and the lights will come on outside if it gets dark.

As you day winds down systems no longer needed will turn off and the home will settle in to a sleep mode. All the products in the system will work as you are used to and can be changed if you prefer to a different setting. If it is too warm or cool, change the thermostat. The light switches look the same as they would if they were not automated. The next cycle will go back to normal operation.

There are many ways to modify a program operation with control points such as a switch or even programs that override schedules such as Summer break, Christmas break etc where your schedule changes. You can set specific operations to run by using a scene such as romantic evening or movie time. These are not usually automated as you turn them on when you wish to use them.

The automated home is as energy saving device that remembers what you want done to conserve energy on a daily basis. It is also a control system that helps you to set your mood, tell you things you want to know and make it a little easier to come home where you home is lit up at night. It keeps you safe with lighting to scare off intruders, sounders to wake the nieghbors and cameras that record what is happening outside. It shuts off Fans if there ever is a fire so you can get out safely and makes the home look lived in while on vacation.

And it can pay for itself in energy savings and value add to the home if you ever decide to sell. But, like most folks who own an automated home, you'll probably be content beyond belief.

I hope this helps to understand the concept behind an Automated.

Please feel fre to contact me at CED Outlet in E Bay stores.