5 things you didn’t know you could automate in your home

With home automation set to be the next big thing, are you aware of the many smart upgrades you could be making in your house?

Here’s a look at five key upgrades that can greatly simplify your life – saving you time and money in the process.

1. Lights

Smart lighting is one of the fastest and easiest ways to harness automation in your home.

In many cases, upgrading your lighting is as simple as replacing standard bulbs with app-based smart bulbs. These technologically-advanced bulbs can let you schedule when lights come on or allow you to turn off lights after leaving the house, and can be operated remotely from your smartphone or tablet.

Some bulbs can even communicate with your smartphone’s GPS to track when you’re home.

Smart lighting is one of the fastest and easiest ways to harness automation.

2. Appliances

Thanks to advanced communication technology, today’s appliances go far beyond just washing clothes or baking bread.

For instance, you can send a text message to your smart oven to start cooking your dinner or query your refrigerator on the level of supplies. But the communication doesn’t stop there.

Internet-connected appliances can also communicate with you, alerting you when you’re out of milk, suggesting recipes based on what ingredients you have or, if you’re really stuck, calling your mum for cooking advice.

3. Home security

One area where smart devices are finding broad application is in home security and safety.

Instead of paying for a full-time security service, today’s automated options include Wi-Fi-enabled cameras, internet-connected door and window sensors, smart smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

These smart devices can proactively alert you to problems via push notifications and phone calls, while live video feeds allow you to keep tabs on your home from anywhere in the world.

4. Sprinklers

As concerns over the world’s water supplies mount, smart sprinklers can not only help you save money, but also help save the planet.

Smart sprinklers can respond to real-time weather data, which means they’re not limited to watering on preset schedules. Rather, these high-tech sprinklers will water your lawn based on actual weather conditions using moisture sensors.

You can also control the watering manually from anywhere in the world via your smartphone.

5. Pet feeders

Never forget to feed Fido again. With an automated pet feeder, you can schedule regular meal times for your pet as well as regulate portions based on your pet’s age, current weight and lifestyle.

Tracking the level of food with sensors, your smart pet feeder can automatically order more kibble before you run out, saving you a trip to the store.

Source: www.realestate.com.au