Home Automation
Home automation means a lot of very different things to different people. To some it means being able to see and control every device in your home via an iPad (or similar device). Whilst we agree that there are some devices that you need to control on a regular basis using a simple and clear user interface, our view of home automation is less technology focussed. Our definition that it is an invisible layer of intelligence that sits above any manual interfaces
Most people already have some form of home control or automation in their home. Most don't realise this or think of it as automation but, there are many levels of home automation:
Timers
Pretty much any home with a central heating system already has a controller that determines when the heating and hot water come on. Timers are one of the simplest and easiest forms of home automation and are there for convenience and to improve efficiency. In addition, many of these central heating controllers will have sensors to provide feedback, further improving the efficiency. The hot water tank also has a thermostat to provide feedback on the temperature of the water in the hot water tank. A thermostat will be located in one or more rooms, to provide feedback on the temperature inside your home. Many shower fans also have delay timers.
Plug-in wall socket timers are commonly used around UK homes. They come in two forms; 24-hour and 7-day. The latter gives you more flexible control over a whole week, the former only provides the ability to set the same timer sequence for each day of the week. Some timers also plug into light fittings and some have light level sensors to switch lights on at dusk for a defined period of time.
Mechanical Automation
Mechanical (or physics based) devices have the advantage of being self contained and thus local to the required installation point. They are also generally low in complexity (no wiring) and very reliable. The objective of these simple devices is to improve the efficiency and convenience of your home.
|
Mechanical automation includes door self closers and devices like this automated roof vent opener. It uses a gas pressure strut and opens the roof vent when the temperature exceeds 28½C in our conservator. As the temperature increases, so does the size of the opening.
|
Simple Lighting Control
PIR sensors are commonly found in UK homes and are used to automate external and internal lighting. They are used for convenience lighting and security lighting. Some will also feature timers for delays and many also feature a light level sensor to stop them coming on during the day.
Alarm Systems
Security and safety alarm systems are a form of home automation. Some are quite simply, with wired sensors going back to a central control box. Others feature wireless sensors and multiple zones.
Entertainment
Home auotmation in the entertainments space is generally about media access and distribution around the home.
Home Control Systems
The next level of home automation is when a specific controller is used to monitor and control the environment and security in your home. The simplest installations are based around a single controller and generally one technology.
The ultimate Home Control System (HCS) is acheived when using a mix of technologies.
Why Automate?
Convenience
For many this is the primary reason for automating your home but, in reality convenience is a side effect of intelligent steps to improve efficiency. Having lights come on an off automaticall and when occupancy is detected in a room is extremely convenient but, is also very efficient.
Efficiency
Efficiency leads to lower energy use and thus lower costs. It is very easy to get a quick payback with home automation, if done correctly.
Security
Security is also a major driver for many. A good automation system uses components for both automation and security.
Safety
Outside of the security elements, there are big opportunities to re-use components for safety. Temperature sensors can be used to detect fires, security alarms can double up as safety alarms, etc.
Gadget Factor
For some, this is a big factor in automating their home but, this is not a valid reason to do it in our view. Good home automation should be intelligent and invisible, part of the fabric of your home and not a shiny layer on top. Convenience and efficiency means minimal intervention. If you have to get an iPad out to control your home, something is wrong!
Planning
If you look in the 'plans' section, you will see that we are already some way down the path of home automation (also called domotics). New technologies and devices are emerging all the time though so we are tracking developments closely.
In an existing property, wired devices can prove problematic and many people go down the wireless route. Wireless devices still require power though and communications reliabality can suffer. For this reason our preference is for wired solutions to key systems and services in our home. These also offer much improved security by being on an isolated 'network'. In a new build the installation is simplified through structured wiring.
