What is Home Automation?
Home Automation was originally restricted to luxury homes and often came with a crazy price tag! In 2022, approximately 2.3 million Australian homes feature a form of smart home technology. Whether that’s with something as simple as a hub using Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or as complex as a fully integrated system such as Clipsal. Although the world of home automation is undeniably growing, navigating it is another thing entirely and this is where our expertise comes in.
The term alone brings to mind something akin to iRobot or Terminator. But, the goal of home automation is just to simplify your life and make things more convenient and accessible. This is done by automating your current electronics, adding updated technology to your home, and linking it all together so it is simple for you to use.
When done correctly, home automation has the power to not only make life more convenient but can actually reduce monthly utility bills using pre-set automations for energy efficiency (that you may not even notice are happening). We’ll go further into detail on this in a later post.
If you’re ready to harness this futuristic power and take the leap into automating your home, here are the key steps to take.
Step 1: Research What’s Right for You
Home automation is not a one-size-fits-all. The needs of your household will differ from the needs of the next and there are plenty of products that can support your particular lifestyle. The key here is to reach out to us or research what’s available. As a general rule of thumb, home automation usually includes lighting, stereo systems, windows/blinds, heating/cooling and ventilation, refrigeration, door and window locks, and security systems as a start. Automation options are nearly endless with a huge range of products and quality.
Our most popular products can be found here. Our top sellers include security camera systems (CCTV), smart locks & deadbolts, wireless doorbell solutions, and upgrades to your garage and electric gates allowing phone and device accessibility.
As an example for security, you could choose to automate your lighting to come on and go off while you are away. or you could have an alarm system linked to your smartphone to alert you in the event that someone tries to enter your home. The possibilities are near endless! You could even have the blinds close after sunset and have the front door automatically lock every night for the forgetful few in the house.
Step 2: Book a Consultation With Us (or purchase your products)
When deciding where to begin, you will want to select an expandable system that allows for the addition of more devices later. There are tons of starting points you can take, but compatibility should be a big consideration. Some brands won’t sync with certain assistants which can be restrictive in what you are looking to purchase further down the track.
A good starting point will include either your choice of assistant or a decision on a fully integrated system you wish to install and starting products that are most applicable to your lifestyle. As an example, my first smart home kit included an Apple HomePod, a wireless doorbell, smart deadbolt and two security cameras. All of these integrated perfectly with my iPhone’s own Home App.
If you don’t want to bother with all that hassle and research then this is something we can definitely help you with. You can book a consultation with Smarter Homes Australia and we can go through your individual needs and what we’d recommend. We will start you off on the right foot and supply and install the best products that suit your needs.
Step 3: Install Your System With Smarter Homes Australia (or DIY!)
The next step is installation and setup which can be challenging or simple depending on the system and products you are using. Hubs can connect to your home internet and seamlessly integrate with the majority of compatible products. Depending on your selection, there are a number of products that require installation by a qualified electrician, make sure to check your products if you are going the DIY route as this is where people often get stuck.
Smarter Homes Australia supplies installs and supports an entire suite of products. You are welcome to contact us and we will arrange everything from product selection to installation and setup on your hubs and mobile.
The most exciting part of installing your automation system is setting it up to suit your needs. You have options that would make George Jetson jealous, like voice activation, automations set to suit your needs, remote accessibility and so much more.
Step 4: Enjoy!
The most important part of your home automation journey is that you enjoy your products to their full potential. One of the main reasons we recommend going through us is that we provide ongoing support and show you how to use every feature of your newly installed smart device.
For further information or to book a consultation you can contact us directly at admin@smarterhomesaustralia.com or via our contact form. As South-East Queensland’s leading home automation and security company, we are happy to help with any questions you may have. Servicing Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and the Redlands, we are dedicated to helping all of our customers find the perfect fit for their home automation, security, and most importantly, peace of mind.