Smart home automation may sound all high-tech and fancy, but today’s technology is so easy to install and use, it’s a breeze to set up. You can buy motion sensing switches at your local Home Depot or go straight to a specialized online smart home appliance distributor for the latest gadgets.
Home Automation Security System – Motion Sensors
Motion sensors are a vital part of a home automation security system. One common variety of motion sensor used in home security is the passive infrared sensor. A passive infrared sensor scans a pre-set area that is in range of its sensors and measures the heat coming from all objects in range to establish a baseline measurement. When there is a change, indicated by the change in position of an object that is producing heat, it triggers the motion detector.
[ad#Leader]
Smart Home Appliances
Smart home appliances are an important part of an automated home. You can control your appliances with home control software, such as HAL2000.
Home control software uses infrared signals and power line carrier technology like X10 and UPB to tell appliances and electronics what you want them to do. X10 is an older power line carrier, invented back in the 1970s, but UPB (Universal Powerline Bus) is a newer style that is much more powerful.
Home Control Software – How Does It Work?
In essence, the home control software uses an interface unit to send a signal over the existing electrical wiring of your home. The signal travels along the electrical wires, to the outlet that connects to the appliance that you want to control. A smart appliance can interact with the home controller directly, while other appliances, such as lamps and fans, need a special device that allows the controller to affect the appliance. For more detailed information about power line carriers, read Universal Powerline Bus (UPB) vs. X10.
Costs of Smart Home Setup
The cost of a smart home setup depends on how “smart” you want your home to be. You can get an X10 light switch for ten bucks, but a deluxe smart home installation, integrating lights and electronics with major appliances, and a voice-controlled computer interface will run in to the thousands. Your best bet is to start small, but scalable – choose technology that is compatible with a wide variety of other smart home automation devices, so you can expand or upgrade more easily.