Home automation has come a long way, transforming how we interact with and manage our homes. With the right technology, you can save time, improve energy efficiency, and enhance your comfort and security. Here are 12 incredibly useful home automation ideas to inspire you.
1. Get Notifications for Laundry
Never forget about your laundry again! Set up smart washing machine sensors to notify you when a cycle is complete. Pair this with reminders every 30 minutes to transfer the load to the dryer. This simple automation can save you time and prevent musty-smelling clothes.
2. Automated Curtain and Blind Control
As the sun sets, smart blinds and curtains can automatically close to retain heat in your home. This helps reduce energy usage and creates a cozy atmosphere. If you have solar panels, this automation can work in harmony with your energy system to maximize efficiency.
3. Turn Your House Into a Thermal Battery
If you have rooftop solar, use it to its fullest potential by pre-heating or pre-cooling your home in the afternoon. Boost the air conditioner while solar production is at its peak, storing the energy as thermal comfort in your home. This reduces the need for power during the evening when solar production tapers off.
4. Simulate Someone Being Home
Improve your home security by setting lights to turn on and off randomly when no one is home at night. This deters potential intruders by giving the impression that someone is inside.
5. Lock Up When You Leave
Set your doors to automatically lock and your garage door to close when you leave the house. These automations provide peace of mind by ensuring your home is secure even if you forget.
6. Unlock and Cool Your Home as You Return
Using geofencing, your home can detect when you’re on your way back and prepare for your arrival. Automatically unlock doors, turn on the air conditioner, and even switch on a few lights to welcome you home.
7. Voice-Controlled Lights and Appliances
Pair your smart home with a voice assistant to control lights, appliances, and entertainment systems. A simple command like, “Turn on movie mode,” can dim the lights, adjust the thermostat, and start your favorite streaming service.
8. Bedtime Lighting Routines
Set bedroom lights to dim and change to a warmer hue as bedtime approaches, promoting better sleep. In the morning, they can gradually brighten, simulating a sunrise to gently wake you up.
9. Leak Detection and Prevention
Protect your home from water damage with smart leak sensors placed in high-risk areas like the kitchen, laundry, or bathroom. If a leak is detected, you’ll receive an immediate alert, and if the issue isn’t addressed, a smart shutoff valve can automatically cut the water supply.
10. Smart Irrigation Systems
Connect your irrigation system to local weather forecasts and soil moisture sensors. This ensures your garden is watered only when needed, conserving water and maintaining a healthy lawn.
11. Automated bathroom
With humidity sensors in your bathroom you can tell when you’re having a shower when there is a sudden spike in humidity. With smart connected exhaust fans and heater, you can turn the exhaust fan on as soon as you’re jumping into shower. If you’re the type of person who loves singing in the shower, start your shower playlist over a bathroom speaker.
12. Personalized Morning and Evening Scenes
Create custom automation scenes for different times of the day. A “Good Morning” scene could open blinds, start the coffee machine, and turn on soft lighting, while a “Good Night” scene could lock doors, turn off appliances, and dim lights.
Embrace the Future of Home Living
These home automation ideas showcase the possibilities of smart technology in simplifying your life, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing security. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just looking for practical solutions, there’s something here for every home.
Ready to make your home smarter? Explore how Highlands Smart Homes can bring these ideas to life. Visit us at highlandssmarthomes.com.au.