What is Home Automation?

By now, most of us have heard about the ultimate “Smart Home”. Such a concept has been glorified time and time again on movies and TV shows. But today, the smart home is very much a reality, and something that is proving to be more realistic to acquire.

In fact, many new homes are being built as smart homes all across the United States. Similar to most technology, the smart home concept began as a very expensive phenomenon that only the “rich and famous” could capture. As home automation technology has improved and has become increasingly popular, more home automation capabilities have become available and prices have dropped considerably. But the true question is, what exactly is home automation, what are the benefits and why should we care?

Home automation sensors utilize the Internet of Things (IoT) technology to make normal everyday systems and appliances responsive. With the strike of an app on your smart phone or tablet, you now have the capability of regulating your home security, lights, sprinklers, thermostat and more while on the go. Not only does this provide you with convenience and peace of mind, but the long-term result is often security or even savings!

There are a number of home automation systems available on the market. In order to shed some light on some of the options out there and how realistic the pricing truly can be, we have put together a list of some unique automated home ideas that can work to make your life that much easier and efficient. For more information on home automation, check out our blog entitled Home Automation 101.

12 Great Home Automation Project Ideas

Idea #1 - Home Security Automation

Home monitoring has become one of the most popular systems installed into a smart home. A smart surveillance camera can help you keep an eye on the inside and outside of your home. The process to connect a smart camera is simple. All you need to do is plug the camera into a power outlet, connect it to Wi-Fi and view the live feed via your smartphone, tablet or desktop computer. Such cameras also allow for you to pre-set times, schedules, or geofencing that can all be controlled from the same source.

An additional feature that many home security automation systems have, is “activity zone monitoring”. These are areas you can pre-select for you to be alerted when there is any movement taking place in that specific area. As soon as movement is detected, you will receive an alert via your smartphone or tablet allowing you to watch the activity in real time.

The average cost for a smart surveillance camera ranges from $80-200 depending on the quality and features you are looking for.

Idea #2 - Home Lighting Automation

One of the easiest and most cost-effective smart home modifications available is home lighting automation. This concept serves two main functions: automated contextual lighting (by time of day) and energy efficiency (shutting off unnecessary lights). Smart lights give you complete control of your home’s environment by allowing you to deter burglars, activate special lighting for certain occasions, and set up automatic shut off times to lower your power bill.

There are several routes you can take to install smart lighting. The following are a couple popular approaches:

• Installing smart switchers allows you to program a lighting schedule and alert you if you've left any lights on. These can be installed by replacing some of your main switches with smart switches and utilizing a hub to control them (depending on the ones you buy). Smart switches typically range from $40-100.
• Installing smart bulbs allows you to control individual lights and often come with a color changing feature. Some smart bulbs require a home automation controller, which is an additional cost of $60-200. Smart bulbs themselves typically range between $15-69.

Idea#4 - Smart Thermostats

Deciding to switch from a standard thermostat over to a smart programmable thermostat will be a relief for you and your family. This device utilizes sensors to determine user patterns and then adjusts the climate accordingly. The sensors collect data regarding your household to see how long it takes your home to heat up or cool down and then makes the necessary changes to use less energy.

Some smart thermostats use geofencing to determine when you are present, and will switch into away-mode when you are not home. You are also able to regulate your smart thermostat on the go using your smartphone or tablet.

Depending on the smart thermostat you purchase, some electrical work may need to be performed. Other models simply require you to follow some installation directions and to use some basic tools for mounting the device. Price range: $100-300 for the five top brands of smart thermostats. Interested in learning more about smart thermostats and how they can save you money? Check out our blog entitled Programmable Thermostats.

Idea #5 - Smart Locks

Keeping your home locked and secured is important to every homeowner, which is why smart locks are an advanced device most homeowners should consider. Smart locks can be controlled remotely by an application that can be downloaded onto your smart phone or tablet, allowing you to lock all of your doors with just the touch of a button. An additional feature that many smart lock brands have, is the ability to unlock doors via Bluetooth from your phone, instead of having to use a physical key to enter a room.

To install a smart lock, you will need to figure out if your deadbolts are compatible prior to purchasing. For it to be compatible, the deadbolt needs to operate independently of the door handle. Price range: $100-300.

Idea #6 - Smart Door

Have you ever left your house wondering if you remembered to shut the garage door? Installing a smart garage door opener helps solve this problem by allowing you to open and close your garage door while on the go via your smart phone or tablet with just the click of a button. An additional feature that is coming out for the smart door is geofencing. This will allow your garage door to open when the door senses your approach.

Installing a smart door is easy! First, you must attach a door position sensor to the upper panel of your door and connect it to an energy source. Next, you are to connect the Wi-Fi hub to your home Wi-Fi to regulate the door via your smart phone. Price range: $99-200.

Idea #7 - Smart Shades

Have you ever left your house wondering if you remembered to shut the garage door? Installing a smart garage door opener helps solve this problem by allowing you to open and close your garage door while on the go via your smart phone or tablet with just the click of a button. An additional feature that is coming out for the smart door is geofencing. This will allow your garage door to open when the door senses your approach.

Installing a smart door is easy! First, you must attach a door position sensor to the upper panel of your door and connect it to an energy source. Next, you are to connect the Wi-Fi hub to your home Wi-Fi to regulate the door via your smart phone. Price range: $99-200.

Idea #8 - Smart Smoke Detectors

Deciding to install or purchase a smart smoke detector is a great investment for your safety and your home’s safety. This smart device connects to your home’s Wi-Fi and can alert you via your smartphone or tablet in case it detects smoke or carbon monoxide when you’re not home. Depending on the brand, the smart smoke detector’s sensor can interact with the smart thermostat and can tell it to shut off specific units when it senses smoke. Smart smoke detectors are important to have to be able to have a fast response rate whenever there is danger in your home.

Getting your smart smoke detector installed can be tricky if you’re not familiar with electrical work. The important thing to remember when installing the device, is to turn off the electrical power to your current alarm system to avoid the possibility of an electrical shock. After shutting off the circuit, the rest of the installation process involves mounting the new smoke alarm and disconnecting and reconnecting the household AC wires and registering the device through the app. Price Range: $110-299.

Idea #9 - Smart Cleaning

If you struggle to find time to clean your floors with your busy schedule, then you should invest in a robot vacuum that’ll keep your floors clean and tidy. A smart vacuum helps create proper cleaning routines that is based on your furniture layout, walls, and door entry ways. Some smart vacuums will allow you to regulate the device via an app using a smart phone.

No installation is required for this device. However, you will need to charge the device and also become familiar with the functions so you can program it to your preferences. Start cleaning your house the smart way! Price Range: $150-650.

Idea #10 - Smart Music

The next step to adopting a smart home is to invest in an audio system that allows you to play the same music all throughout your home or to select different music to be played in different rooms throughout your house. This can be accomplished with a central processor or matrix switch. To control your music, it is as easy as utilizing a touch panel, iPad, or any Wi-Fi capable device that will sync with your home automation software. Smart music allows you to choose your source of music, whether it be from your personal collection or music services such as Pandora, Spotify, Apple Music, etc.

There are two options for deciding which home audio system will work best for your home. The important question is if you want a wired or wireless music solution. To have a wired solution be installed, it is more complex and expensive to execute in comparison to a wireless system. Wireless audio systems have been designed for DIY consumers to be able to self-install and configurate without the need of a professional. Before choosing a smart music solution for your home, it is important that you consider your budget and capabilities to decide if the wireless or wired approach works best for you. Price Range: $150-350.

Idea #11 - Smart Laundry

How often have you accidentally left your wet laundry in the washing machine? If you’re frequently on the go and forget to put your laundry in the dryer, then you should consider investing in either a smart laundry adaptor or smart laundry appliances. With the implementation of smart laundry, you will be able to start/select cycles, monitor the time, set reminders and schedules all via your smart phone.

To install the smart home adaptor, all you have to do is plug it into compatible washers and dryers and sync it to the app on your smart phone. For smart laundry appliances that provide you with more features such as alerting you when the ducts need to be cleaned out, you will install them the same way you would a regular washer and dryer and then sync your phone to the products through the application. For these smart devices, there are a limited number of brands that have such products available. Smart Home Adaptor Price Range: $21-60. Smart Laundry Appliance Price Range: $650-1,700.

Idea #12 - Smart Mail

As you’re changing your entire home to have all the proper home automation sensors, you should consider putting entry sensors on your mailbox. Having a sensor will allow you to receive notifications when your mail and packages have arrived. No more waiting by the doorway or looking through the window to see if your mail has arrived. This can also be used to receive alerts if your mailbox is open and you know it is not supposed to be. Depending on the sensors you decide to purchase you can add multiple devices to one sensor and all you need to do is sync it with the appropriate application. Entry Sensor Price Range: $14-100.

Advantages of Choosing HomeID

Where do you store all of your home related receipts, manuals, warranties and other important information? Do you track your home inventory to ensure that your belongings will be restored by your insurance in the time of a disaster? What about your home maintenance schedule? Are you keeping up with the integrity of your household? HomeID provides you with all of these features and more! Storing your important files in the cloud and being able to access them while on the go is the way of the future and the most reliable approach at being an organized and responsible homeowner.

HomeID Testimonials

1. “I recently invested in several smart products for my home and as I bought them I kept storing the product information on my HomeID account. One of my devices kept malfunctioning, so I decided to take it back for an exchange not knowing I didn’t have my receipt. Luckily, I could show them proof of purchase due to my HomeID account. It was just too easy!” – Chandler J., Pueblo, CO

2. “The best part about having a HomeID account and an automated home is being able to pair everything and control it all from one application. Changing between apps for each smart device can get confusing and annoying. HomeID keeps everything on the same page.” – Kelsey M., Newport, CA

Create Your Account

HomeID is a free home management solution that allows you to store all of your important home-related files and information in the cloud. Keep track of the dimensions of your home for ease while out shopping for new furniture. Be alerted when your warranty is going to expire on your dishwasher. Being a homeowner is not easy and that is why HomeID is here to keep you organized and to provide you with the ultimate peace of mind that you have been searching for.